Did someone say EXOTIC?
The Lamborghini LM002 built between 1986 and 1993. Approximately 300 vehicles are thought to have been built. This was an unusual departure for Lamborghini who, until that point, was primarily known for high-performance grand tourers and supercars. This project originally began in 1977 with a prototype vehicle codenamed the "Cheetah" which Lamborghini had designed in hopes of selling it to the US military.
It was finally determined that the engine being mounted in the rear caused too many unfavorable handling characteristics in an offroad vehicle, and the LMA002 was built with an entirely new chassis, moving the engine (now the V12 out of the Countach) to the front. After much testing and altering of the prototype, it was finally given a serial number and became the first LM002. The production model was unveiled in an early 1986 Brussels Auto Show.
Lovingly dubbed the "Rambo-Lambo", its aggressive styling and powerful engine made it a success for Lamborghini. Civilian models were outfitted with a full luxury package, including full leather trim, tinted power windows, air conditioning, and a premium stereo mounted in a roof console. In order to meet the vehicle's tire needs, Lamborghini commissioned Pirelli to create the Pirelli Scorpion tires with custom, run-flat, tread designs. These were made specifically for the LM and were offered in two different tread designs, one for mixed use and the other for sand use only. These tires could be run virtually flat without risk and were the only rubbers available to compete with the desert heat, the loading and the speeds that the LM could inflict on them.
The civilian version was often marketed toward rich Saudi sheiks because of its incomparable performance in the desert due to the Scorpion tires, an over-sized radiator, and a large air cleaner which sat on top of 6 weber carburetors. For those requiring even more power, the 7.2 litre marine V12, more commonly found in Class 1 offshore powerboats, could be specified.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Type- 60° V12 L503
Longitudinal, Front-Mounted
DOHC per bank
Capacity- 5167cc
Carburetion- 6 Weber 2V
Compression- 9.5:1
Max power- 444bhp @ 6,800rpm
Max Torque- 368bhp @ 6,800rpm
TRANSMISSION
Gearbox- ZF S5-24/3 5-speed
2-speed Transfer Case
Manual Locking Hubs
Clutch- Single dry plate
hydraulically operated
CONSTRUCTION
Chassis- Tubular
Body- Aluminum and Fibreglass
Builder- Lamborghini
Suspension- Independent, coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers
Brakes- Countach ventilated discs
Wheels- Steel 16" x 9"
Tires- Pirelli Scorpion
325/65 VR 17
325/75 VR 17
345/60 VR 17
Fuel Tank- 290 L / 76 gal
DIMENSIONS
Overall Length- 4790mm / 186.8 in
Overall Width- 2000mm / 78 in
Overall Height- 1850mm / 72 in
Wheelbase- 2950mm / 115 in
Front Track- 1615mm / 63 in
Rear Track- 1615mm / 63 in
Weight- 2700kg / 5720 lbs
PERFORMANCE
Top speed- 188 kph / 116.6 mph
