1986 - 1993 Lamborghini LM002

1986 - 1993 Lamborghini LM002 - Rambo Lambo a Forerunner SUV

The Lamborghini LM001, or Cheetah, was the production LM002's predecessor. It mounted its V12 midships, however, a configuration that didn't work well for off-road use. (Photo: Automobili Lamborghini SpA)

Be honest. Prior to reading this had you ever heard about Lamborghini's outrageous LM002? Unless your nose was buried in car magazines during the 1980s, particularly Exotic Quarterly or the Dupont Registry, a high-end classified publication that features the weird and wonderful on a regular basis, it's unlikely you would have.

But based on the current hysteria for SUVs, especially top-tier luxury utes from companies that previously only made cars, it seemed fitting to dust the old steed off and present it for all to see. After all, the LM002 was way ahead of its time. Initially code-named LM001, the Automobili Lamborghini SpA prototype appeared in 1981 featuring a rear mounted 4.7-L V12 with 382-hp. While it was very quick, hence the nickname Cheetah, its front end was ultimately too light, not providing the necessary control needed for high-speed stability or low speed, off-road traction. But the concept was intriguing enough for the Italian automaker to develop LM002.

Lamborghini's LM002, is anything but subtle. The super-SUV became the ultimate sport truck for the rich and famous. (Photo: Automobili Lamborghini SpA)

With experiential knowledge under their belts, Lamborghini engineers introduced a front-engine 5.2-L V12 powered SUV for the 1986 model year at the Brussels Motor Show. Good for 444-hp (or 450 depending on your sources) the Countach quattrovalvole engine was wisely detuned to allow the use of regular grade gasoline, many of the markets it was being sold into didn't offer an abundant supply of premium fuel. The engine also used a variety of filters designed to clean the gasoline prior to entering the carburetors. It featured a huge radiator, to keep things cool even in Saharan climates, while a comprehensive air filtration system trapped potentially dangerous dust.

Despite its 2,700 to 3,085 kg (5,720 to 6,800 lb) curb weight, the LM002 offered supercar performance, and all in an extremely utilitarian package. Capable of 0 to 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in only 7.7 seconds with a terminal velocity of 209 km/h (130 mph), the monster sport utility could also climb 120% gradients and wade through everything from sand dunes to running rivers while carrying a load of four to six paramilitary troopers.

Pirelli developed specially made Scorpion tires, allowing an optimal compromise between on and off-road driving behavior. They could withstand extreme temperatures while drivable when nearly flat.

Its 33.6 L/100 km (7.0 mpg) fuel economy rating limited its range, but those who purchased it, Middle Eastern sheiks and yuppies in L.A., hardly cared. Incidentally, the first LM002 was delivered to King Hassan of Morocco, with following vehicles going to similar dignitaries, oil magnates, shady gun runners and celebrities.

While the SUVs of the day, excepting the Range Rover and Laforza, the latter another high-end Italian, were utilitarian appliances, not the luxury estate wagons seen shuttling soccer teams around suburban Canada today, the LM002 was a hedonist's dream. Sporting a full leather interior with genuine walnut accents the Lamborghini was sinfully decadent. A full array of power actuated convenience features set it further apart from workhorse trucks, features once again taken for granted by today's standards.

While the LM002's limited production lasted until 1993, only 328 were built, a variety of specialized versions were produced along the way. The LMA, a military variation produced in 1982, early on in the vehicle's cycle, featured an upgraded suspension with heavy duty chassis and steering system. It also offered top-end radio and satellite equipment. The Saudi armed forces took delivery of a sub machine gun turret equipped model that also sported a trap door in the roof.

The LM004, that appeared two years prior to the 1986 production version (don't let the numbering system confuse you) was purely a concept. The consumer oriented truck potentially offered a 7.0-L V12 with slightly higher performance specifications to the LM002. It unfortunately never made it into production.

1988 marked the year Lamborghini chose to enter the LM into the grueling Paris Dakar rally. The experienced driver, Sandro Munari, was to pilot the modified SUV, stripped of its civilized interior and then accessorized with an enhanced tubular roll-over protection cage, racing seats and 4-point harness, plus an ultra-tech GPS system and safety features such as a foam filled fuel tank.

The engine made up to 600-hp, with a short pipe exhaust blatting out a raucous note. Its independent suspension, that incorporated oscillating arms plus coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, received an upgrade while surround glass was replaced by lighter and safer plexiglass. While the optimized machine never raced in the Paris Dakar, said to be due to a shortage of funds, it did enter the Rallye of the Pharaohs in 1987 as well as the 1988 off-road rally in Greece, with Sandro Munari at the helm, and reportedly faired well despite its large size and smaller competition.

The LM002 Estate, by Turin coachbuilder Salvatore Diomante. (Photo: www.lamborghiniregistry.com)

In its last year of production in 1993, Lamborghini's US importers created a special LM American edition, that included an upgraded interior, aluminum MSW/OZ wheels and chrome bumpers front and rear. Only sixty LM Americans, initially shown at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, were built.

Even rarer, a Turin, Italy bodyshop owner, Salvatore Diomante, created estate versions of the LM002. The model's extended wheelbase, wagon-like closed rear section and raised roof contributed to larger interior accommodations, making it the most functional of all LMs.

While you will most likely never find an estate for sale, regular LM002s come on the market fairly often. If common sense gets the best of you, you'll need to watch out for shoddy bodyshell quality. Lamborghini, having outsourced the bodies to a Spanish independent, had to make some adjustments at their Sant'Agat facility prior to assembly. Obviously there was only so much the tiny coachbuilder could do and problems with the vehicle's aluminum and fiberglass panel fit are common.

Unfortunately the LM002 was never updated, but it was instrumental in forging a new ultra-luxury market for sport utility vehicles. It proved that the elite were willing to spend well to acquire the best of the best for their own protection, and enjoyment. This preempted the Hummer H1, and now the Porsche Cayenne Turbo among others.

The LM003 Borneo off-road design study by SZ Design (Zagato). (Photo: Lamborghini Cars - www.lambocars.com)

The question remains whether Lamborghini will consider building a replacement. It seems a natural, being that the Italian automaker is owned by Volkswagen who just recently co-developed their Touareg SUV along with Porsche's Cayenne. What fabulous architecture to develop the next generation LM. Would it be the LM005, or better yet, bring back the Cheetah name for old time's sake.

With arch-nemesis Ferrari putting the finishing touches on a new Maserati SUV, shown as the Kubang in Detroit, a V10 powered Lamborghini would not only give Lamborghini a profitability boost, but some great visibility. And unlike Maserati and Porsche, Lamborghini actually has a proud heritage pioneering the luxury SUV market. Some things just make sense.

Specifications:

• Price Range*: $113,000 - $140,500 ($79,000 - $97,500)
• Body Type: 4-door SUV, tubular chassis, aluminum and fiberglass body
• Layout: front-engine, 4WD
• Engine: 444-450 hp, 369 lb-ft of torque, 48-valve, DOHC V12
• Transmission: 5-spd manual
• Acceleration (0 - 96.6 km/h or 60 mph): 7.7 seconds
• Top Speed: 209 km/h (130 mph)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc
• Curb Weight (min-max): 2,700 - 3,085 kg (5,720 - 6,800 lb)
• Direct Competitors: Hummer H1
• Web Site: www.lamborghini.ca or www.lamborghiniregistry.com or www.lambocars.com
• *Prices taken from actual vehicles for sale at www.lamborghiniregistry.com