Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Victor A
Lamborghini is a name that is synonymous with luxury and high-performance supercars, however, did you know that Lamborghini once made an SUV-truck? Yes, you read that right, it’s name is the LM002.
The LM002 was a unique and innovative vehicle that broke away from the norm for luxury car manufacturers. However, there is so much more to the story behind the creation and production of this magnificent car.
The reason why we call it an SUV-truck is because it is not clear where to categorize this car, let us first explain this point.
Is the Lamborghini LM002 an SUV or a truck?
Lamborghini says that the LM002 is an SUV, so we can all argue that this is the correct categorization for this vehicle, however, we’ve seen multiple automakers in the past give an incorrect category for a model just for advertising purposes.
It doesn’t help that many people consider this vehicle a truck, and that’s due because it has the proportions that you’ll find in a truck, plus it has that tiny truck bed in the back.
Its boxy exterior, considerable ground clearance, and the truck bed make it look like a proper truck.
However, when you look at the luxurious interior with its leather seats, the enclosed four-passenger compartment, and other characteristics and it reminds you of an SUV.
Aside from its military-inspired design, the LM002 also had some unique and interesting features that are worth mentioning.
For example, the truck bed at the back was small and not very practical for carrying heavy loads, but it did have a cover that you could remove for open-air driving.
The LM002 also had a rear-mounted spare tire, which was not only functional but also added to the truck’s rugged appearance.
Other design details included the unusual rear tail lights, the aggressive-looking exhaust pipes, and the bonnet-mounted air intake.
When did the Lamborghini LM002 truck come out?
The Lamborghini LM002 was first introduced in 1986, and it remained in production until 1993. It was designed as a military vehicle, and it was conceived as a vehicle that can tackle the toughest situations.
By using aluminum and fiberglass for its body construction, the LM002 became a durable and lightweight vehicle for its class standards.
The LM002 was first intended to be a military vehicle, and in 1977 the prototype was codenamed the Cheetah.
The Italian automaker designed this vehicle with the purpose of being useful for oil companies in oil exploration and production.
This prototype used a Chrysler V8 engine, and later a second prototype came out, the LM001, which continued using a V8 unit.
Lamborghini LM002 SUV-Truck specifications
The LM002 used the same 5.2-liter V12 engine that the Lamborghini Countach packed, which produced 444 hp and 368 lb-ft of torque.
this vehicle had a limited top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h) and could go from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 7.8 seconds.
The Lamborghini LM002 featured a four-wheel-drive system that gave the driver the ability to switch between high and low gear ranges.
This feature, combined with the powerful V12 engine and massive tires, made the LM002 a force to be reckoned with on any terrain.
When its predecessor, the Lamborghini Urus came out, one of the biggest complaints was the fact that the automaker decided to give it a V8, with the excuse of emissions, etc.
However that’s hard to justify when you had the Bentley Bentayga with its W12 already in the market, and later the Cullinan came with a V12, and now we have the Ferrari Purosangue with its V12 too.
It doesn’t help that the Urus shares too many parts with some Audi SUV models, which kind of tells us that Lamborghini was looking to cut costs with the Urus.
Pricing and availability of the LM002
The Lamborghini LM002 came out with a price of around $120,000 at the time in the US, while today, you can find a used one at around $400,000.
This is a collectors car, so, obviously, prices went up over the years, also, the number of vehicles that Lamborghini produced wasn’t that many, with 328 units
Despite its impressive capabilities, the LM002 was not without its flaws. The truck’s weight affected its handling and overall performance, earning it a reputation for being very heavy.
The fuel consumption of the LM002 was also quite high, which made it an expensive vehicle to operate.
Unfortunately, the LM002 was not a commercial success for Lamborghini. The vehicle’s high price tag and relatively limited production numbers made it inaccessible to all but the wealthiest buyers, and its fuel economy and handling issues made it impractical for everyday use.
Despite its flaws, the Lamborghini LM002 remains an iconic vehicle to this day. The truck was a bold departure from Lamborghini’s traditional offerings, and it showed that the Italian automaker was capable of producing more than just high-performance sports cars.
