Even if you’re not brushed up on your Italian, you can probably guess that Performante translates to Performance. And with regards to their 2023 Lamborghini Urus SUV, Performante translates into less weight, more grip and a little more power.

Lambo managed to shave off 47 kilos, or just over 100 pounds, thanks to a carbon fiber hood, fenders, various interior bits and, optionally, the roof. The titanium sport exhaust is also lighter while improving sound. Standard are 22-inch lightweight forged wheels, though 23-inch rims are available.

The Performante sees 38 percent more downforce in the rear thanks to a new spoiler. Ride height has been lowered by 20 millimeters, and track width has been broadened by 16 millimeters. Thanks to a stiffer steel coil suspension, the Urus is still track-capable and street-palatable.

The Performante doesn’t see a massive buff in horsepower, though the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 does get a little extra spice: 657 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Definitely enough to take the kids to school and plenty for a midday track session– like at the Autodromo Vallelunga outside of Rome.

“So the Performante doesn’t have that much more horsepower than a base Urus, just about 16 more, but the engine response is really incredible. The minute my foot touches the pedal just a little bit, it goes. It’s really fantastic. There’s so much torque going to the rear wheels that it handles just so well.”

And if track sessions aren’t your steez, well, how about a dirt course? The Urus can do that too.

[Laughs] That’s it!

So in case it wasn’t obvious, the 2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante is a lot of fun. Starting MSRP is around $260,000, so it’s no cheap thrill; rather, a precision-built machine with multiple roles to fill. From street, to track and even dirt, the Performante performs. Customers of this super SUV can expect to see deliveries by the end of the year.

And in the meantime, we’ll have plenty more Quick Spins soon!