In 1986 Lamborghini launched the first luxury SUV with the legendary LM 002
Lamborghini went to the Geneva Motor Show in March 1981. It exhibited a Miura, restyled by a Swiss company with debatable results, and the Countach S with its large rear wing. Also on display was the initial attempt to reinterpret the hefty off-road Cheetah, which had been modified extensively to avoid legal action threatened by FMC and was thus dubbed the LM.
Although it was costly, work continued to develop the off-road model, which became the LM 004. By this time, it had a colossal 7-litre front-mounted V12 engine and, for the first time, its top speed broke the barrier of 200 km/hour. Pirelli collaborated with Lamborghini to develop a new top-performing tyre that could be used on any terrain, from asphalt to the sands of the great African deserts. This would become the Pirelli Scorpion
After years of problems, evolutions, redesigns and modifications, Lamborghini’s hefty off-road vehicle finally went into production: the year was 1986. The LM 002 mounted a V12 engine that was essentially the same one used for the Countach, giving up the idea of mounting the enormous 7-litre of the previous prototype.
The interior of the LM 002 featured a luxurious leather interior, complete with high-end materials and craftsmanship. It could comfortably seat up to five passengers and included air conditioning, premium audio systems, and power windows, which were quite advanced for its time.
The exterior design of the LM 002 was rugged and boxy, with aggressive lines that emphasized its off-road capabilities. The body was made of aluminum and fiberglass to reduce weight while maintaining durability. It had a substantial cargo area, making it practical for long trips and carrying equipment.
The LM 002 came with a permanent four-wheel-drive system, providing excellent traction and control in various terrains. It was equipped with specially designed Pirelli Scorpion tires, which were capable of handling both desert and rocky terrains. Dual fuel tanks were included to ensure long-range capability in remote areas.
Lamborghini presented the LM 002 series model in 1986. This powerful off-road with the Countach engine was liked by kings, actors and racers alike – the first LM 002 was delivered to the King of Morocco. In 1987 an LM 002 was built and used also for the pharaohs’ rally and for the Paris-Dakar one year later.
Lamborghini LM 002
- Year of manufacture: 1986 – 1992
- Engine: V 12 – 5.2-litre displacement
- Power: 444 HP
- Max. speed: 210 km/h
- Production numbers: 300
Specifications
Engine:
- Type: The LM 002 was powered by a 5.2-liter V12 engine, the same engine used in the Lamborghini Countach.
- Power Output: It produced around 450 horsepower.
- Transmission: The vehicle was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Performance:
- Top Speed: The LM 002 could reach a top speed of around 130 mph (210 km/h).
- Acceleration: It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in approximately 7.7 seconds.
Dimensions:
- Length: 4,790 mm (188.6 in)
- Width: 2,000 mm (78.7 in)
- Height: 1,850 mm (72.8 in)
- Wheelbase: 2,950 mm (116.1 in)
- Weight: Approximately 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs)
Chassis and Suspension:
- Frame: The LM 002 had a tubular steel frame for durability and off-road capability.
- Suspension: Independent suspension with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers, designed for both on-road comfort and off-road performance.
Gallery
The Cheetah
At the end of the 1970’s, the American company MIT commissioned Lamborghini to design an off-road, the project failed, however was proposed again in 1981 and after several prototypes had been built.
The Cheetah was built on contract from Mobility Technology International (MTI), which in turn was contracted by the US military to design and build a new all-terrain vehicle. The basis of the design came from MTI, and was largely a copy of FMC Corporation’s XR311 prototype developed for the military in 1970. This resulted in legal action from FMC Corporation against MTI and Lamborghini in 1977 when the Cheetah was presented at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Cheetah featured a rear mounted 5.9l Chrysler V8 matched to a 3-speed automatic transmission, able to make 180hp and was built in San Jose, California.
After initial construction, the prototype was sent to Sant’Agata so Lamborghini could put on the finishing touches. The body was fiberglass, and inside there was enough room for four fully equipped soldiers as well as the driver.
The Cheetah had very bad handling due to heavy weight and rear-engine placement, and the low power output led to overall poor perfomance. The only finished prototype was never tested by the US military, only demonstrated to them by its designer, Rodney Pharis.
The FMC Corporation, founded in 1883 is an American chemical manufacturing company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1941 at the beginning of US involvement in WWII, the company received a contract to design and build amphibious tracked landing vehicles for the United States Department of War.