In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Is Lamborghini serious about building an SUV?
- A good car for college in a snowy city.
- I want a German car and I’m very tall!
This first question comes from a viewer who is upset at the prospect of a future Lamborghini SUV.
Q: Nathan, I can’t believe what I’m seeing!
I saw a concept of a Lamborghini SUV that my friend says they will build. This can’t be true! Lamborghini needs to stick to sick supercars and not something they have no experience with! Stick to cars Lamborghini!!!
CB
A: First: Yes, Lamborghini is very serious about building the Lamborghini Urus. It could have a different name by the time production begins, possibly in 2017. The point is, the Lamborghini Urus, which is expected to cost around $200,000-plus, will help the Italian automaker significantly increase sales.
Second: Not only did Lamborghini get its start building rugged tractors, they built the Lamborghini LM002 off-road vehicle. It had a V12 up front and a nearly Hummer-like track. While not the most practical off-road vehicle out there, it was extremely capable, especially in the dunes and crossing large expanses of land – rapidly. So – YES – Lamborghini has experience building off-road vehicles.
While some think the Lamborghini Urus is a crossover with a high-end price-tag, I have it on good authority that the company wants a vehicle that can, if (ever) needed, go off-road. It will compete with vehicles from Bentley, Porsche and Range Rover to name a few.
My prediction, the Lamborghini Urus will sell like hotcakes. Just like Porsche, it will double or triple combined annual sales which is why the Lamborghini Urus is being built in the first place.
Sorry to disappoint –
N
This next question is from a college student in New York City who wants a good four-season ride.
Q:Hey guys at TFLcar, I have a question. What vehicle would you guys recommend for a college student living in New York City?
I’m looking for something that will be good all four seasons especially winter.
Jose D
A: Greetings Jose!
Recently, I suggested two vehicles to other drivers in your same region. From reports I have received, both vehicles have preformed above expectations.
Subaru Crosstrek XV: While I’m not wild about the sluggish CVT-equipped model (and the manual is rather loose) the all-wheel drive (AWD) system is outstanding. The Subaru Crosstrek XV is fairly economical, utilitarian and its ride-height is nearly ideal for snowy conditions. I highly recommend it.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is just as capable as the Subaru in the snow, and you can adjust some of the drive settings, unlike the Subaru. The cabin is roomy and the utility is impressive considering its size. My only issue is the standard tires which should be replaced anyway with snow tires. The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is affordable and it now has more power available.
Either way, these are solid choices.
Hope that helps!
N
The last question comes from a reader who is very tall and is interested in a German car.
Q: To whom it may concern:
I am a fan of the YouTube channel and several of the written reviews and was looking for some helpful advice. I am currently in the market for a new car and have about a $60k budget. I’ve narrowed my choices to the:
I included though coupes, but wasn’t sure how they’ll fit since I’m roughly 6’6″. Any suggestions, especially with the C450 possibly getting a new transmission once it converts to the C43?
A: Greetings and thanks for your question.
While I cannot comment on the C450 converting to the C43 (I do not have enough data), I know what Roman prefers. Granted, he’s closer to 6’3″ (with the hair), but he seems most comfortable in the Mercedes-Benz. I tend to agree with him when it comes to overall comfort too.
I prefer the performance of the Audi S4 and S5, but that’s performance only. While not cramped, the interior of both Audi products might be tight for someone your height. I highly recommend testing both vehicles along with the Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG on the same day.
I hope that helps.
Good luck!
N
Here’s the next video episode of “Ask Nathan!”
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com
