Lamborghini LM002 - supercar for motorized infantry

In the late 1970s, the US Army wanted to replace the Willys jeep that they had bored with something big and powerful. And announced a tender for 60 million dollars. The result was the appearance on the theaters of the war of the famous Hammer. But another thing is interesting. Suddenly, the company Lamborghini was announced and brought with them the Cheetah model. Chita was more like a beach SUV than a serious fighter, in addition, the company's engineers have habitually stuck the engine back. What a supercar can, then a cross-country vehicle death. Here Chita was safely and defeated during the test. The tender was lost, but the expenses had to be repaid somehow. The management of the company decided to continue work in this direction. Next became LM001, also unsuccessful and also with a rear engine location. The official reason for the failure is the use of American engines. Engineers took the V12 from Countach, imperceptibly moved it forward and received the Lamborghini LM 002. The test vehicle went well, the superiors liked it and was recommended for mass production. In total, from 1986 to 1993, 301 copies were produced. Design features of the machine

Lamborghini LM002 could boast of excellent dynamics. Up to a hundred a car weighing almost three tons accelerated in 8.5 seconds, although the maximum speed was not impressive, only 190 km / h. The 5.2-liter engine was equipped with six Weber carburetors and developed a power of 450 hp. The layout of the motor made the mechanics cry. So, for example, before removing the starter, you had to pull out the gearbox. Independent multi-link suspension of all wheels, made in a clever scheme, did not improve maintainability, but provided an unusual for the SUV smooth ride. To improve the patency used special very wide (345/60) rubber from Pirelli. The heavy car Lamborghini LM002 needed good brakes. Front discs with two calipers each, rear drum. And there was not any ABS.

Who needs the Lamborghini LM002 ?

He ate, of course, a little less than a tank, and it was just right to offer it to Soviet generals, who, as is known, did not spare fuel. But the advice then was not to all-terrain vehicles, and its market LM 002 found in the Middle East. 100 vehicles were purchased by Muammar Gaddafi for the Libyan army, and another 40 acquired Saudi Arabia.

The second half of the series went private. Civil versions were equipped with air conditioning, high-quality stereo and leather interior. Priority buyers were the Arab sheiks, wishing to drive through the deserts. If the sheiks lacked drive in the LM put the 6.8-liter injector V12, from the boat, and it turned out LM American.

Today, on the Internet, it is called rare and little-known. Well, if you rarely understand, then about the fame you can argue. The author, when he was a child until he was hoarse, argued with peers: what is better than Ferrari or Lambo. At a time when only "Driving" from car magazines and the Internet did not even smell, we were all well aware of the existence of the LM002. So they know and remember. Lamborghini LM002 was and remains the only serial SUV company. Beautiful, powerful, but with a very, very small target audience. Those who wish can purchase it at auctions for about 100 thousand dollars.