1986 Lamborghini LM002 In 1981, brutish Lamborghini LM002 was a part military, part SUV, part maniac and 100% awesome.It was dubbed the “Rambo-Lambo”. The LM002 had with four-wheel drive, seating for four, and more than enough room for luggage, resulting in a vehicle that could go anywhere and one that makes...
Lamborghini LM002
The Rambo Lambo
1986 - 1993
Forget the Urus, this is Lamborghini SUV. Butish Lamborghini LM002 was a part military, part SUV, part maniac and 100% awesome. It was dubbed the “Rambo-Lambo”. The LM002 had with four-wheel drive, seating for four, and more than enough room for luggage, resulting in a vehicle that could go anywhere and one that makes no compromises.
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Overview
The Lamborghini LM002, affectionately known as the "Rambo Lambo," is a vehicle that defies the conventional image of the Lamborghini brand. Renowned for their sleek supercars, Lamborghini took a bold detour in the 1980s to create something utterly unprecedented: a luxury SUV equipped with the heart of a supercar. The LM002 is not just an SUV; it's a testament to Lamborghini's engineering prowess, versatility, and adventurous spirit.
The story of the LM002 begins in the late 1970s, with Lamborghini's attempt to design a high-performance off-road vehicle for military use, initially codenamed the "Cheetah." The Cheetah prototype didn't secure military contracts, but Lamborghini saw potential in the concept of a rugged off-road vehicle infused with luxury. This vision culminated in the LM002, which made its grand debut in 1986. It was a remarkable pivot, showcasing Lamborghini's willingness to explore new territories beyond the tarmac.
Visually, the LM002 was nothing short of imposing. Its aggressive, angular design, towering stance, and commanding presence were complemented by a luxurious interior that featured full leather upholstery, air conditioning, and a premium stereo system, blending off-road ruggedness with Italian luxury. The LM002's spacious cabin and versatile cargo space offered a level of practicality unheard of in any Lamborghini before or since, making it a truly unique offering in the automotive world.
Under the hood, the LM002 was as much a Lamborghini as its more traditional stablemates. Powered by a monstrous 5.2-liter V12 engine, borrowed from the iconic Countach, it delivered a staggering 450 horsepower. This engine could propel the massive vehicle to high speeds, ensuring that the LM002 was not just capable off-road but also thrilling on the open road. Optional was a more powerful 7.2-liter V12, primarily intended for marine use, further accentuating its over-the-top nature.
While only 328 units were produced, the LM002's impact resonates in today's automotive landscape. It was arguably the first true "super SUV," combining high performance, off-road capability, and luxury in a way that no vehicle had before. The LM002 can be seen as a progenitor to the current trend of high-performance luxury SUVs, paving the way for models like the Lamborghini Urus, and influencing an entire segment that merges utility with supercar-level performance.
The Lamborghini LM002 remains an iconic piece in the mosaic of automotive history, representing a bold and unconventional chapter in Lamborghini's storied legacy. Its rarity, combined with its extraordinary characteristics, has made it a coveted collector's item. The "Rambo Lambo" stands as a testament to Lamborghini's innovative spirit and its ability to push the boundaries of what is possible, crafting a vehicle that continues to captivate the imaginations of car enthusiasts around the world.
In retrospect, the LM002 is not just an outlier in Lamborghini's history but a landmark moment in the evolution of the SUV. It merged the utility of off-road vehicles with the extravagance and performance of a supercar, creating a category that would only gain popularity decades later.
Lamborghini LM002 Basics
Manufacturer: Lamborghini
Also called: Lamborghini LM/American
Production: 1986–1993
Assembly: Sant'Agata, Italy
Designer: Giulio Alfieri
Body style: 4-door SUV
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Related: Lamborghini Countach
Engine: 5.2 L (5167 cc) L503 V12
Trans: 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2,950 mm (116.1 in)
Length: 4,790 mm (188.6 in)
Width: 2,000 mm (78.7 in)
Height: 1,850 mm (72.8 in)
Curb weight: 2,700 kg (5,952 lb)
Did You Know?
The LM002 started life as a failed military vehicle concept called the "Cheetah," designed to compete for a US military contract.
Despite its military-inspired design, the early versions of the LM002 with the Countach engine placed in the back were actually terrible off-roaders due to imbalanced weight distribution.
The Rambo Lambo. The LM002 gained this moniker thanks to its rugged looks and appearances in action movies like the Sylvester Stallone film "Rambo III."
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Lamborghini LM002 Variants
There were some special edition and one-off LM002 variants, but none official other than the main model.
Lamborghini LM002
Years: 1986 – 1993
Engine: 5.2L Nat Aspirated V12
Power: 450 bhp @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 369 ft lbs @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph: 7.7 seconds
Top Speed: 130.5 mph
LM002’s interior is instantly familiar to anyone who has spent time in a Countach. The four-valve DOHC V12 engine had 450 hp with 6 Weber carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, independent suspension.
Our Favorite Lamborghini LM002 Images
This brutish beats cannot be mistaken for anything else. A feast for the eyes.
"It was a Lamborghini made for a sheikh on a shopping spree, its excess embodied."
Hagerty
