2015 Lamborghini SUV Preview

Initial details suggest that the future Lamborghini SUV will be built on a modified version of the Porsche Cayenne and that it will be in fact a hybrid model combining a V12 engine with an electric one. The V12 will deliver a total of 600 HP, while the electric motor will offer an all-electric drive range of 15 miles. An insignificant number you may believe, but we have to remind you this will be a 4400 lbs model. The model will be capable to hit a top speed of about 175-180 mph.

The fact that the Lamborghini SUV will be built on a modified Cayenne platform has been confirmed by some previous spy shots who were looking to strange to be simple Porsche SUVs: one - the prototype tested was huge compared to the next generation Cayenne that will be smaller and sportier than the current generation. And second, the widened fenders and lowered front-end are not from a regular SUV.

The model will be a serious competitor for the upcoming Bentley SUV who will be powered by a next generation W12 engine delivering up to 600 HP. For markets like Europe, Bentley will also offer a 6.0-liter V12 TDI engine with an output of about 500 HP.

History

Lamborghini Cheetah

No, the Cheetah is not back from the era when Lamborghini made tractors. No, it is just the company’s first attempt to build an off-road vehicle. It was built on contract for the American firm Mobility Technology International, which were contacted by the U.S. military to design and built an all-terrain vehicle. The Cheetah was built in San José, California. After initial construction, the prototype was sent to Sant’Agata so Lamborghini could put on the finishing touches. The final result was unveiled at the 1977 Geneva Auto Show.

Lamborghini Cheetah

Cheetah was powered by a 5.9L Chrysler engine, rear mounted, with a 3 speed automatic transmission. Maximum power was 180 hp.

The Cheetah was designed to carry four armed people and a driver. A fiberglass body was used, but the Cheetah was far too heavy for the underpowered engine, so overall performance was very poor. This engine was waterproofed and the radiator was protected by an infrared detection system.

The prototype was destroyed during testing by the US military.

Lamborghini LM001

The LM001 was the second off-road vehicle designed by Lamborghini. It was unveiled at the 1981 Geneva Auto Show.

The only difference between Cheetah and the LM001 was that the last one was powered by a 180 hp 5.9L AMC built V8, with the intention of offering the V12 from the Countach for production models.

Lamborghini LM001

But the LM001 didn’t have the success the company expected (the placement of the engine in the rear gave unfavorable handling characteristics when accelerating) so it was limited to only one unit.

Lamborghini LMA002

After the failure of the Cheetah and the LM001, Lamborghini decided to move the engine to the front. The first prototype build like this was the LMA002 presented at the 1982 Geneva Auto Show.

lamborghini LMA002

It was powered by a 332 bhp (248 kW) V12 engine from the Countach. The front-engine made space for six people in the rear.

The LMA002 was the basis for the production version LM002.

Lamborghini LM002

The LM002 was built between 1986 and 1993. it is also known as "Rambo" and it was limited to approximately 300 units.

Powered by a 5167 cc V12 engine from the Countach with a maximum power of 450 hp, the LM-002 became an immediate success, probably because its military looks and huge power.

The LM-002 standard equipment included every luxury item available, leather seats, thick color-matched carpeting everywhere, air-conditioning, tinted power-windows, a stereo system mounted in a roof console and much more, but still some were sold each year to various armies around the world.

Lamborghini LM002

The military version of the LM002 omitted some of the luxuries, and featured additions like mounting points for machine guns.

The last 60 units of the series were called LM/American and was introduced at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show. The LM/American had special baging, stripes, upgraded interior, group effects, chrome front and rear bumpers and MSW / OZ Racing alloy wheels.