The 2020 Lamborghini Urus ST-X is a race-spec concept version of the Urus, the company's first-ever SUV. The concept vehicle previews a full-production SUV designed for a single-brand championship that will debut in 2020 in Europe and the Middle East. Conceived as a new "arrive and drive" experience in Lamborghini's motorsport program, it will offer customers a complete package including the vehicle and technical support during race weekends.

Yes, the 2020 Urus ST-X will compete in a series very similar to the Lamborghini Super Trofeo, reserved for race-spec Huracan models. Like all other track-bred Lambos, the 2020 Urus ST-X was designed and built by Lamborghini Squadra Corse.

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Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept Exterior

While it retains the overall stance and design of the Urus, it stands out thanks to race-specific features and aggressive design cues.

Up front, the production grille was removed completely and replaced with a simple mesh. Although Lambo didn't alter the shape of the vents, we can spot larger radiators behind the mesh, so Lambo found a way to improve cooling without making major modifications to the fascia. The same holds true for the lower bumper, which looks almost identical to the standard Urus. Lambo did alter the center section, but nothing seems too extreme.

The engine hood is brand new. It features a carbon-fiber center section and big vents, also made from carbon, mounted on each side. It also features quick-release pins. Finally, we can spot small changes in the headlamps, including new inserts that mimic the weave of carbon fiber.

Somewhat surprisingly, the profile is quite similar to the standard model. Lambo's race-spec cars usually feature beefed-up fenders, but it looks like the Italian carmaker didn't touch them for the Urus ST-X. The side skirts are also the same, save for the slightly larger elements at the bottom that likely improve aerodynamics. But the SUV now features carbon-fiber trim on the B- and C-pillars, as well as matching mirror caps. The wheels are also unique to this model, featuring a multi-spoke design and a two-tone, green and black finish. The ST-X sits a bit lower than the standard Urus as well.

The latter also features quick-release pins like the front hood. The vents in the upper bumper are missing from the race car, while the lower bumper was redesigned. Interestingly enough, the diffuser-like element isn't as sporty as on the standard model, while the big exhaust pipes are gone. However, the photos suggest that the diffuser isn't yet finished, so the production model will probably look different here.

The concept is painted in matt Verde Mantis, a green shade that we already know from the Huracan. The main body paint is complemented by red accents on the rear haunches and around the side windows, as well as an Italian flag stripe above the side skirts. This livery is also borrowed from Lambo's race-spec Huracan models.

Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept Interior

These are standard features in a race-spec vehicle. Given its purpose, it's safe to assume that the Urus ST-X also comes with a pair of race-spec front seats with six-point harnesses, a rear-seat delete, and lightweight door panels. The dashboard likely remains identical to the standard model but Lambo probably kept only the shell and removed the big displays in order to save weight. Look for a smaller instrument cluster that shows only vital information, a race-spec steering wheel, and a revised center console with a race-spec gear lever as well.

Lamborghini Urus ST-X Concept Drivetrain

Don't be surprised that the ST-X isn't more powerful than the road-going model, as this has happened with many Super Trofeo models in the past, including the Gallardo and the Huracan. Lambo's goal here is to reduce the vehicle's curb weight in order to make it quicker and more nimble on the race track. It's also a strategy used to prove that the engines fitted in the road cars are reliable for track use.

Lamborghini Urus specifications

However, Lambo did make some changes but only to the cooling system. This improves reliability for those long races that require lots of high-revving laps. The Italian firm also replaced the regular fuel tank with an FT3 tank, a regular change when converting a road vehicle to track use.

Of course, the big change here comes from the weight department. Thanks to extensive use of carbon-fiber and the removal of some convenience features, the Urus ST-X is 25-percent lighter than the road-going SUV. The latter tips the scales at 4,850 pounds, which means that the Urus ST-X should come in at around 3,638 pounds. That's only 160 pounds heavier than the Lamborghini Aventador and some 500 pounds heavier than the Huracan.

There's no word on as to how quick the ST-X is to 62 mph, but it should hit the benchmark at least two tenths quicker than the regular SUV. The standard Urus needs 3.6 seconds for the sprint, so the ST-X probably reaches the same speed in 3.4 clicks. Top speed, on the other hand, should decrease due to the aerodynamic updates.

Conclusion

The Urus ST-X may be just a concept as of November 2019, but it will go into production in 2020, just in time for its maiden racing season. The ST-X already made its track debut at the 2019 Lamborghini World Finals, so there's no doubt that a production model will hit the track in Europe and the Middle East in the coming years. The bad news is that it won't race in the United States anytime soon, but a racing category for an SUV like the Urus is excellent news for the market and for drivers as well. In a world where SUVs are blamed for killing sedans and wagons, a racing series might prove that people haulers can be exciting as well. Hopefully the ST-X will prompt Lamborghini to develop a road-legal version as well.