2017 Lamborghini SUV

Rumors about a possible Lamborghini SUV have been circulating for a very long time, with the first whispers beginning back in 2007. Since then, Lamborghini has denied plans for the monster mobile numerous times, but after Bentley confirmed the addition of an SUV to their line-up, Lamborghini started drinking from the rumor pool for ideas. Now plans for a Lamborghini SUV are in full force, joining the Aventador and Gallardo on the list of Lamborghini’s newest models and nixing the thought of production version of the Estoque.

Lamborghini will unveil a concept version of their upcoming SUV at the end of April at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, but new reports are stating that the production version won;t be following it in the near future. Lamborghini CEO has confirmed that a production version won’t go on sale until late in 2017. This is actual a rather strange move considering Bentley is preparing to unveil their production version of the EXP 9 F SUV concept in the next three years.

The production version of the Lamborghini SUV will be powered by a revamped version of the Gallardo’s V10 gasoline unit. No other details have been offered, but we’ll hang out for the concept version to get more details.

"We definitely need a third line in the mid- and long term," said CEO Stephan Winkelmann to a German paper. "An SUV would be the first Lamborghini for everyday use, not just for the race track or weekends. We would have the opportunity to win new customers. It usually takes 48 months until an all-new vehicle arrives at dealers, so the new Lamborghini would not be available to buy before 2017."

Initial details on the future Lamborghini SUV suggest that it will be built on a modified version of the Porsche Cayenne and that it will atually be a hybrid model combining a V12 engine with an electric motor. The V12 will deliver a total of 600 HP, while the electric motor will offer an all-electric drive range of 15 miles. This may sound like an insignificant number, but this is a much bigger Lamborghini than we’re accustomed to from the automaker. It will be about 4400 lbs and will be capable of a top speed of about 175-180 mph.

The fact that the Lamborghini SUV will be built on a modified Cayenne platform was confirmed by previous spy shots of a couple of strange and simple Porsche SUVs: The first prototype tested was huge compared to the next generation Cayenne that will be smaller and sportier than the current generation. The second shows off widened fenders and a lowered front-end not found on a regular SUV.

The Lamborghini SUV will be a serious competitor for the upcoming Bentley SUV which 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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