Latest news with #Countach
The National
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The National
Lamborghini Temerario review: Raging bull finds its voice once again
The air at Portugal's Estoril Circuit has often been thick with anticipation thanks to its Formula One legacy but the buzz on this drizzly summer morning was palpable by any standard. That's often the case with a new Lamborghini, a marque that's long defied convention with audacious design and unfiltered power. Take the Countach, which, despite its notorious handling, influenced the silhouette of nearly every supercar since. Today's centrepiece was the debut of the Temerario. Those accustomed to the theatre of car launches still feel the frisson when a new raging bull is unleashed. Lamborghini is about more than speed – it's about presence and a primal connection to the machine. Even before its official reveal, the Temerario whispered promises of a new chapter in Sant'Agata Bolognese's pursuit of automotive drama. Bathed in defiantly bright colours, a menacing line-up of Temerarios sat in the pit lane. Their low-slung, angular forms were new but unmistakably Lamborghini. Razor-sharp lines hinted at aerodynamic intent – the aggressive stance at massive power beneath its composite skin. Signature Y-motifs were subtly evolved. The colossal diffuser and high-mounted exhausts at the rear looked ready to devour tarmac. This was intimidating beauty, demanding attention rather than requesting it. Underneath it all, an all-new 4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine is paired with three electric motors. This isn't just about horsepower. It's about torque delivered like a lightning strike. The 0–100kph sprint takes just 2.7 seconds, with top speed pushing 350kph. But a Lamborghini, especially one built for circuits like Estoril, is about more than straight-line brute force. It's about the dance between driver, machine and asphalt. In that respect, the Temerario was ready to perform. Slipping into the cockpit, one is immediately struck by the focused efficiency of the interior – not unusual in a supercar, but those not familiar with such vehicles might be surprised by how many manufacturers opt for a questionable cabin layout. Every control is within easy reach, each display angled for optimal readability, and the seats, sculpted for lateral support, cradle me firmly, a necessary embrace given what is to come. Pressing the start button unleashes a growl that vibrates through the chassis and into my bones. This is the sound of nearly 800bhp, spinning up to 10,000rpm. The first laps of the iconic circuit were for familiarisation, with the track and the machine. Even during those tame laps, the car's precision was obvious. Steering was direct and unfiltered, translating track textures to fingertips. With 60% more downforce than the Huracan Evo, even amateur drivers could avoid spin-outs. Carbon-ceramic brakes allowed surgical late-braking – like dropping an anchor with scalpel-like precision. It is possible to hit 300kph on Estoril's straight. Those brakes are needed. A firm throttle press turned the windscreen into a blur. The power-train let loose a mechanical scream. Gear changes cracked from the exhaust in perfectly timed bursts. But the Temerario truly shone in corners. Estoril's demanding mix of sweepers and chicanes saw the car remain planted, balanced, and astonishingly fast. Active aero systems glued it to the tarmac. The chassis stayed composed. Grip through fast turns was phenomenal. Pushing a machine like this to its limits brings primal satisfaction. Despite its sophistication, the Temerario retains Lamborghini's raw, unfiltered soul. It demands full attention. At full tilt, there's no room for error, just controlled chaos. Most drivers exited the cockpit with shaking legs and a desperate need for a strong Portuguese coffee. The Lamborghini Temerario is a defiant ode to the thrill of driving. It reminds us that passion, engineering, and a touch of glorious madness still create the extraordinary. As with almost all supercars these days, it can certainly be used on the road, but, as with almost all supercars these days, something a little larger is probably more suitable for a proper road trip. In the city, it's a caged animal: the symbolic bull, barely contained, straining against the bars. The Temerario isn't just a new model, it's a statement. And at Estoril, it landed with impact.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
These Are Your Favorite Supercars
Is there anything more fun than a supercar? They're art, extreme engineering, and delirious sounds and speed all wrapped into one object, an object you can (if you're so lucky) interact with and be a part of. Driving a supercar is a rush few ever get to experience, but just being in the presence of a perfect marriage of form and function like a supercar can be pretty good too. After soaking in the rip-roaring fun that was the Goodwood Festival of Speed I had a lot of supercars on the brain. So I asked what your favorite supercars are, and it definitely delivered a hit of excitement I've been missing since I got home from England. None of these answers will surprise you, but it is fun to scroll through and listen to the engine exhaust notes of some of the most beautiful and powerful cars in history. Read more: These Are Lesser-Known Automotive YouTubers Our Readers Say Deserve More Attention Accept No Substitutes McLaren F1. It has been surpassed, but it will always be the greatest to me. And even though I'm a proponent of real colors on cars, I'd take one in gray. and But it held the title of fastest NA car for over 20 years, I think it wasn't until the Valkyrie that it was finally beat. And the F1 is a more usable car in almost every possible sense of the word. Holding that kind of record for that long is a hell of a feat. Especially when you realize top speed wasn't even on Gordan Murray's mind when he designed it. From Stillnotatony and Liffie420 A Gen Z/Elder Millennial Favorite Countach. As I got older, I know there are better ones available, both before and after it, but the Countach stands out as THE supercar that defined the class when I was a kid. Besides, speaking as a former teenage boy from the glory days of supercar poster days, the super flat nose to windshield shape allowed something I was even more interested with than the underlying car to lay on this area. and Countach for me too. There's countless modern supercars out there that would be easier to live with and that beat it on performance, but it's like a first love, troubled or not the impressions last a lifetime. Somewhere I have a photo of me when I first moved out to CA, the first thing I put up in my room was my large poster of a black Countach that I brought from RI. Wonder what ever happened to that! Might have to get another. From hoser68 and Dan60 Nothing Like A Ferrari F50 This may be controversial, but Ferrari F50. First of all, it has to be a Ferrari because everyone is a Ferrari fan even if they're not a Ferrari fan. Then there is plenty to like with light weight, a V12, a manual and a removable hardtop like a Corvette that gives you the best of both worlds. It lives in the shadow of the F40, but I think it's the better car and its looks have aged very well. Of course I probably will never be able to afford one, but maybe I'll get to drive one someday. From fabey The Grumpy Jalopnik Response To be completely honest, none. Anything that is outside of being able to be acquired by a relatively normal person on a reasonable budget is basically fictional. Recently did some mountain road driving near Santa Cruz and was seeing Porsches and Ferraris and McLarens driving around and I didn't actually get excited until we saw an ST205 Celica GT-Four park across the street, and I turned to my partner and I was like 'That is definitely the coolest, and very possible the rarest car we will see today.' I also happened to be pulled over for speeding at a common resting point at the time, so the fact that it pulled me out of my annoyance at getting a speeding ticket is pretty significant. From Ian One Of The Most Beautiful Cars Ever Built Of all time? Miura. I had a Matchbox car of a Miura when I was a child. There was something magical about them. I finally saw one, live and in-person, a few summers ago. I couldn't stop staring. Whatever you think the Miura is, it's more. From JohnnyWasASchoolBoy Another Wonderful-Sounding Engine From Ferrari I have begrudgingly become a Porsche fan. I drove a 996 last year and kind of bought it with utter annoyance that it was as good as everybody says they are. Anything faster than my slowest variant of the 996 but of little interest to me personally. I couldn't actually use anything faster on the road. Which is why I have little interest in supercars or hypercars - especially the modern ones with nine million horsepower, carbon brakes, and active aero. I know my opinion dates me. It makes me feel very old. But, if I'm going to pick a supercar it's going to be older, slower, and have some real flaws. My personal top three are the Ferrari 288, the Jaguar XJ220, and the Bugatti EB110. All three are gorgeous. The Ferrari isn't outrageously powerful, so it's still at the top of my list, where it has been since it was new and I was a little kid. From Poorsche The Unforgettable Car Built By A Tuning Company I've always had a place in the supercar lust for a Saleen S7. The craziness of the project that brought it to life and the great racing history are fantastic. Plus it looks great. and I'd have to agree about the Saleen S7 LM. Low-slung with fins and scoops galore. This beauty has been on my mind ever since Bruce Almighty transformed his 240Z and galloped away with it. Even kind of looks like it could be the American version of an NSX-R GT. Nowadays, almost all supercars ape this look and it's become homogenized, but in the early aughts...(chef's kiss)! From Cluck and DW Absolute Perfect Lexus LFA. The story behind its development, including sound engineers from Yamaha Music tuning the exhaust, is one of the best things ever. But don't take my word for it. and There is a strong tendency to look at the LFA on paper and compare it to its contemporaries, which is the wrong approach. From everything I have read, the car is an absolute work of art created by Toyota's top craftsmen. Despite not being the absolute top performer of the era, it is still a thrilling car to drive. From half man half bear half pig and Stephen Another Absolute Stunner Second gen Ford GT. LOVE the lack of the snob factor with that car. Others are faster, better looking, and have custom interior that took 1,000+ hours to build by hand but the snob factor ruins them. The best super car-lite is the final 1997 911 Turbo S. Subtle changes on it and more about go than show. It is the antithesis of a Ferrari with their crest painted on the fenders in bright yellow to say "LOOK AT ME I AM IN A FERRARI". From Tex Go With Your Gut I gotta go with the Porsche 959. If you need me to give you the logic behind my choice, I think your missing the point. The answer to 'Your Favorite Supercar?' should be based on gut, not reasoning. and I do miss the Ferrari F40/Porsche 959/Lamborghini Countach arguments of the late 1980s. The 959 was the tech marvel with the slick AWD system and everything computer controlled in an analog era. The Ferrari F40 was the banshee of the bunch. That puny V8 turbo, zero creature comforts, screaming even at idle. And the old guard Lamborghini that was on every car fan's poster with the huge wing, fat tires, and massive V12. And the arguments started there. From Crucial Taunt and Xavier96 A Commenter In The Here And Now We're in 2025. Let's keep the past where it belongs. It's been 30 something years since the Mclaren F1 came to the streets. Stop the nostalgia. The De Tomaso P72, in red with golden wheels, AKA, the most beautiful car of this century, combines the curvaceous style of the golden era with carbon fiber, unmatched beauty, luxury, exclusivity and usability, despite it's price and (probably) maintenance cost. It's as fast as an ordinary driver can deal, probably reliable, thanks to it's Ford Coyote based V8, that sounds reasonably aggressive and it has a stick shift. It has a badge full os history and tradition. It's not an obvious choice, almost a connouseur machine. Ticks all my boxes. From Danilo Dantas Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
The Drive
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Ferrari Trademark Filing Hints at Testarossa Rebirth After 40 Years
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Trademarks can tell us a lot about a secretive company that likes to play its moves very close to the chest, like Ferrari. The brand recently trademarked the name '849 Testarossa' in Iceland, as CarBuzz recently reported, and it's got us thinking that a revival of the '80s icon could be around the corner. Honestly, if this were just about 'Testarossa,' sans number, it probably wouldn't mean that much. Companies have to protect and maintain control of their intellectual property, and renewing long-held trademarks is how that's done. Ferrari still licenses scale models of the sports car and vintage racing machine that inspired it, not to mention other memorabilia. But this new one, '849 Testarossa' is very fresh, having only existed since July 21, and very specific. Such a nomenclature has existed in the Ferrari universe before, with cars like the 812 Superfast. The real question is what shape a theoretical revival would take. If it's not going to be an addition to the standard range, it could simply be an 'Icona' limited-production model like the Daytona SP3—and there's little doubting that the Testarossa is one of Ferrari's icons. I still remember the universal recognition it had as a kid in the '90s, more than a decade after its unveiling. In a world where Lamborghini could revive the Countach, a reborn Testarossa doesn't seem very far-fetched. Consider that 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Testarossa's introductory model year, and I'd bet my chips on a comeback. The picture of '80s excellence. Ferrari Got a tip? Send us a note: tips@ .article-sidebar]:pt-0>
The Advertiser
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
From Countach to Combat: The Lamborghini LM002 and Gaddafi's unrealised battle plan
Powered by a V12 engine from the Countach, boasting a top speed of more than 200km/h, the Lamborghini LM002 4×4 wasn't just the world's first super SUV, it also came dangerously close to becoming the late Muammar Gaddafi's ultimate desert patrol weapon. Lamborghini was struggling financially in the 1970s, and its usual business of building low-slung supercars like the Miura and Countach wasn't enough to keep the lights on. In a bold pivot, the company decided to chase military contracts, dreaming up an all-terrain vehicle that would appeal to armies (and deep-pocketed rulers) in the Middle East. Its first attempt, the Cheetah (1977), was powered by a rear-mounted American V8 but was so unstable it never made it past testing. Its successor, the LM001, met the same fate. Finally, Lamborghini realised it had to think differently – so it dropped its legendary 5.2-litre V12 from the Countach into the front of the chassis. Thus, the LM002 was born. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Of course, the idea of shoving the powertrain from the Countach into the front of the LM002 wasn't a difficult decision at all, given the fact it was the only engine Lamborghini had at the time. Unbelievably, Alfieri also developed a 7.0-litre V12 for the LM004 that never saw the light of day because it was simply going to be too expensive to build. Colonel Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011, was infamous for his unpredictable tastes and ambitions. Reports suggest he was intrigued by Lamborghini's prototype and saw the potential for a high-speed, all-terrain military vehicle – perfect for patrolling Libya's vast deserts or showing off his military might. Gaddafi allegedly expressed interest in ordering up to 100 units of Lamborghini's rugged off-road monster for his military, on the condition that it could be equipped with a rear-mounted machine gun. In his eyes, this was to be a desert patrol vehicle like no other – fast, intimidating and luxurious. However, the Italian government intervened. With rising concerns about exporting military-grade vehicles and weapon systems to volatile regimes, the plan was blocked before it could materialise. Gaddafi's dream of a Lamborghini desert army faded into the dunes. The real story is a slightly different according to those who worked at Lamborghini during that time, some of whom are still around today assisting the Italian brand with its Polo Storico special restoration projects. People like Walter Rinaldi and Rodrigo Filippani Ronconi. "Back in the day, the head of the technical department at Lamborghini was engineer Giulio Alfieri, who had previously served in the same position at Maserati from 1953 to 1975, and it was he who apparently is said to have had a common interest with Colonel Gaddafi. "The Libyan ruler wanted Lamborghini to a build a vehicle essentially to patrol the country's borders, but it had to have a machine gun mounted in the rear. "Lamborghini built a prototype but it was also not feasible for a high-performance brand like Lamborghini to create a vehicle with a machine gun in order to kill people." It also didn't sit well with the Italian government, which was "quite unhappy" that Lamborghini intended to build an off-roader with a machine gun for the Libyan ruler and so it forced Lamborghini to pull the pin on a military sales, at least. After the plan for military sales was quashed, Lamborghini continued developing the vehicle for sale to the super rich and powerful – and Saudi royals, oil sheikhs and Hollywood celebrities like Sylvester Stallone snapped them up, cementing its nickname: the 'Rambo Lambo'. According to Mr Rinaldi, Lamborghini built just 300 plus one LM002s between 1986 and 1993. And while they quickly became the toys of the day, the LM002 is considered the spiritual ancestor of the modern Lamborghini Urus, the super SUV that now dominates the automaker's sales charts. Incredibly, the LM002 tipped the scales at 3480kg – a good thing because according to Mr Rinaldi under Italian law you needed to have a truck licence to drive anything over 3500kg. Yet no Urus, no matter how fast, can match the pure outrageousness and excess of the LM002 – a vehicle originally conceived for use use exclusively in military operations. Engine and drivetrain Performance Chassis and suspension Brakes and wheels Dimensions Interior and features MORE: Everything Lamborghini Content originally sourced from: Powered by a V12 engine from the Countach, boasting a top speed of more than 200km/h, the Lamborghini LM002 4×4 wasn't just the world's first super SUV, it also came dangerously close to becoming the late Muammar Gaddafi's ultimate desert patrol weapon. Lamborghini was struggling financially in the 1970s, and its usual business of building low-slung supercars like the Miura and Countach wasn't enough to keep the lights on. In a bold pivot, the company decided to chase military contracts, dreaming up an all-terrain vehicle that would appeal to armies (and deep-pocketed rulers) in the Middle East. Its first attempt, the Cheetah (1977), was powered by a rear-mounted American V8 but was so unstable it never made it past testing. Its successor, the LM001, met the same fate. Finally, Lamborghini realised it had to think differently – so it dropped its legendary 5.2-litre V12 from the Countach into the front of the chassis. Thus, the LM002 was born. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Of course, the idea of shoving the powertrain from the Countach into the front of the LM002 wasn't a difficult decision at all, given the fact it was the only engine Lamborghini had at the time. Unbelievably, Alfieri also developed a 7.0-litre V12 for the LM004 that never saw the light of day because it was simply going to be too expensive to build. Colonel Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011, was infamous for his unpredictable tastes and ambitions. Reports suggest he was intrigued by Lamborghini's prototype and saw the potential for a high-speed, all-terrain military vehicle – perfect for patrolling Libya's vast deserts or showing off his military might. Gaddafi allegedly expressed interest in ordering up to 100 units of Lamborghini's rugged off-road monster for his military, on the condition that it could be equipped with a rear-mounted machine gun. In his eyes, this was to be a desert patrol vehicle like no other – fast, intimidating and luxurious. However, the Italian government intervened. With rising concerns about exporting military-grade vehicles and weapon systems to volatile regimes, the plan was blocked before it could materialise. Gaddafi's dream of a Lamborghini desert army faded into the dunes. The real story is a slightly different according to those who worked at Lamborghini during that time, some of whom are still around today assisting the Italian brand with its Polo Storico special restoration projects. People like Walter Rinaldi and Rodrigo Filippani Ronconi. "Back in the day, the head of the technical department at Lamborghini was engineer Giulio Alfieri, who had previously served in the same position at Maserati from 1953 to 1975, and it was he who apparently is said to have had a common interest with Colonel Gaddafi. "The Libyan ruler wanted Lamborghini to a build a vehicle essentially to patrol the country's borders, but it had to have a machine gun mounted in the rear. "Lamborghini built a prototype but it was also not feasible for a high-performance brand like Lamborghini to create a vehicle with a machine gun in order to kill people." It also didn't sit well with the Italian government, which was "quite unhappy" that Lamborghini intended to build an off-roader with a machine gun for the Libyan ruler and so it forced Lamborghini to pull the pin on a military sales, at least. After the plan for military sales was quashed, Lamborghini continued developing the vehicle for sale to the super rich and powerful – and Saudi royals, oil sheikhs and Hollywood celebrities like Sylvester Stallone snapped them up, cementing its nickname: the 'Rambo Lambo'. According to Mr Rinaldi, Lamborghini built just 300 plus one LM002s between 1986 and 1993. And while they quickly became the toys of the day, the LM002 is considered the spiritual ancestor of the modern Lamborghini Urus, the super SUV that now dominates the automaker's sales charts. Incredibly, the LM002 tipped the scales at 3480kg – a good thing because according to Mr Rinaldi under Italian law you needed to have a truck licence to drive anything over 3500kg. Yet no Urus, no matter how fast, can match the pure outrageousness and excess of the LM002 – a vehicle originally conceived for use use exclusively in military operations. Engine and drivetrain Performance Chassis and suspension Brakes and wheels Dimensions Interior and features MORE: Everything Lamborghini Content originally sourced from: Powered by a V12 engine from the Countach, boasting a top speed of more than 200km/h, the Lamborghini LM002 4×4 wasn't just the world's first super SUV, it also came dangerously close to becoming the late Muammar Gaddafi's ultimate desert patrol weapon. Lamborghini was struggling financially in the 1970s, and its usual business of building low-slung supercars like the Miura and Countach wasn't enough to keep the lights on. In a bold pivot, the company decided to chase military contracts, dreaming up an all-terrain vehicle that would appeal to armies (and deep-pocketed rulers) in the Middle East. Its first attempt, the Cheetah (1977), was powered by a rear-mounted American V8 but was so unstable it never made it past testing. Its successor, the LM001, met the same fate. Finally, Lamborghini realised it had to think differently – so it dropped its legendary 5.2-litre V12 from the Countach into the front of the chassis. Thus, the LM002 was born. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Of course, the idea of shoving the powertrain from the Countach into the front of the LM002 wasn't a difficult decision at all, given the fact it was the only engine Lamborghini had at the time. Unbelievably, Alfieri also developed a 7.0-litre V12 for the LM004 that never saw the light of day because it was simply going to be too expensive to build. Colonel Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011, was infamous for his unpredictable tastes and ambitions. Reports suggest he was intrigued by Lamborghini's prototype and saw the potential for a high-speed, all-terrain military vehicle – perfect for patrolling Libya's vast deserts or showing off his military might. Gaddafi allegedly expressed interest in ordering up to 100 units of Lamborghini's rugged off-road monster for his military, on the condition that it could be equipped with a rear-mounted machine gun. In his eyes, this was to be a desert patrol vehicle like no other – fast, intimidating and luxurious. However, the Italian government intervened. With rising concerns about exporting military-grade vehicles and weapon systems to volatile regimes, the plan was blocked before it could materialise. Gaddafi's dream of a Lamborghini desert army faded into the dunes. The real story is a slightly different according to those who worked at Lamborghini during that time, some of whom are still around today assisting the Italian brand with its Polo Storico special restoration projects. People like Walter Rinaldi and Rodrigo Filippani Ronconi. "Back in the day, the head of the technical department at Lamborghini was engineer Giulio Alfieri, who had previously served in the same position at Maserati from 1953 to 1975, and it was he who apparently is said to have had a common interest with Colonel Gaddafi. "The Libyan ruler wanted Lamborghini to a build a vehicle essentially to patrol the country's borders, but it had to have a machine gun mounted in the rear. "Lamborghini built a prototype but it was also not feasible for a high-performance brand like Lamborghini to create a vehicle with a machine gun in order to kill people." It also didn't sit well with the Italian government, which was "quite unhappy" that Lamborghini intended to build an off-roader with a machine gun for the Libyan ruler and so it forced Lamborghini to pull the pin on a military sales, at least. After the plan for military sales was quashed, Lamborghini continued developing the vehicle for sale to the super rich and powerful – and Saudi royals, oil sheikhs and Hollywood celebrities like Sylvester Stallone snapped them up, cementing its nickname: the 'Rambo Lambo'. According to Mr Rinaldi, Lamborghini built just 300 plus one LM002s between 1986 and 1993. And while they quickly became the toys of the day, the LM002 is considered the spiritual ancestor of the modern Lamborghini Urus, the super SUV that now dominates the automaker's sales charts. Incredibly, the LM002 tipped the scales at 3480kg – a good thing because according to Mr Rinaldi under Italian law you needed to have a truck licence to drive anything over 3500kg. Yet no Urus, no matter how fast, can match the pure outrageousness and excess of the LM002 – a vehicle originally conceived for use use exclusively in military operations. Engine and drivetrain Performance Chassis and suspension Brakes and wheels Dimensions Interior and features MORE: Everything Lamborghini Content originally sourced from: Powered by a V12 engine from the Countach, boasting a top speed of more than 200km/h, the Lamborghini LM002 4×4 wasn't just the world's first super SUV, it also came dangerously close to becoming the late Muammar Gaddafi's ultimate desert patrol weapon. Lamborghini was struggling financially in the 1970s, and its usual business of building low-slung supercars like the Miura and Countach wasn't enough to keep the lights on. In a bold pivot, the company decided to chase military contracts, dreaming up an all-terrain vehicle that would appeal to armies (and deep-pocketed rulers) in the Middle East. Its first attempt, the Cheetah (1977), was powered by a rear-mounted American V8 but was so unstable it never made it past testing. Its successor, the LM001, met the same fate. Finally, Lamborghini realised it had to think differently – so it dropped its legendary 5.2-litre V12 from the Countach into the front of the chassis. Thus, the LM002 was born. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Of course, the idea of shoving the powertrain from the Countach into the front of the LM002 wasn't a difficult decision at all, given the fact it was the only engine Lamborghini had at the time. Unbelievably, Alfieri also developed a 7.0-litre V12 for the LM004 that never saw the light of day because it was simply going to be too expensive to build. Colonel Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011, was infamous for his unpredictable tastes and ambitions. Reports suggest he was intrigued by Lamborghini's prototype and saw the potential for a high-speed, all-terrain military vehicle – perfect for patrolling Libya's vast deserts or showing off his military might. Gaddafi allegedly expressed interest in ordering up to 100 units of Lamborghini's rugged off-road monster for his military, on the condition that it could be equipped with a rear-mounted machine gun. In his eyes, this was to be a desert patrol vehicle like no other – fast, intimidating and luxurious. However, the Italian government intervened. With rising concerns about exporting military-grade vehicles and weapon systems to volatile regimes, the plan was blocked before it could materialise. Gaddafi's dream of a Lamborghini desert army faded into the dunes. The real story is a slightly different according to those who worked at Lamborghini during that time, some of whom are still around today assisting the Italian brand with its Polo Storico special restoration projects. People like Walter Rinaldi and Rodrigo Filippani Ronconi. "Back in the day, the head of the technical department at Lamborghini was engineer Giulio Alfieri, who had previously served in the same position at Maserati from 1953 to 1975, and it was he who apparently is said to have had a common interest with Colonel Gaddafi. "The Libyan ruler wanted Lamborghini to a build a vehicle essentially to patrol the country's borders, but it had to have a machine gun mounted in the rear. "Lamborghini built a prototype but it was also not feasible for a high-performance brand like Lamborghini to create a vehicle with a machine gun in order to kill people." It also didn't sit well with the Italian government, which was "quite unhappy" that Lamborghini intended to build an off-roader with a machine gun for the Libyan ruler and so it forced Lamborghini to pull the pin on a military sales, at least. After the plan for military sales was quashed, Lamborghini continued developing the vehicle for sale to the super rich and powerful – and Saudi royals, oil sheikhs and Hollywood celebrities like Sylvester Stallone snapped them up, cementing its nickname: the 'Rambo Lambo'. According to Mr Rinaldi, Lamborghini built just 300 plus one LM002s between 1986 and 1993. And while they quickly became the toys of the day, the LM002 is considered the spiritual ancestor of the modern Lamborghini Urus, the super SUV that now dominates the automaker's sales charts. Incredibly, the LM002 tipped the scales at 3480kg – a good thing because according to Mr Rinaldi under Italian law you needed to have a truck licence to drive anything over 3500kg. Yet no Urus, no matter how fast, can match the pure outrageousness and excess of the LM002 – a vehicle originally conceived for use use exclusively in military operations. Engine and drivetrain Performance Chassis and suspension Brakes and wheels Dimensions Interior and features MORE: Everything Lamborghini Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
From Countach to Combat: The Lamborghini LM002 and Gaddafi's unrealised battle plan
Powered by a V12 engine from the Countach, boasting a top speed of more than 200km/h, the Lamborghini LM002 4×4 wasn't just the world's first super SUV, it also came dangerously close to becoming the late Muammar Gaddafi's ultimate desert patrol weapon. Lamborghini was struggling financially in the 1970s, and its usual business of building low-slung supercars like the Miura and Countach wasn't enough to keep the lights on. In a bold pivot, the company decided to chase military contracts, dreaming up an all-terrain vehicle that would appeal to armies (and deep-pocketed rulers) in the Middle East. Its first attempt, the Cheetah (1977), was powered by a rear-mounted American V8 but was so unstable it never made it past testing. Its successor, the LM001, met the same fate. Finally, Lamborghini realised it had to think differently – so it dropped its legendary 5.2-litre V12 from the Countach into the front of the chassis. Thus, the LM002 was born. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Of course, the idea of shoving the powertrain from the Countach into the front of the LM002 wasn't a difficult decision at all, given the fact it was the only engine Lamborghini had at the time. Unbelievably, Alfieri also developed a 7.0-litre V12 for the LM004 that never saw the light of day because it was simply going to be too expensive to build. Colonel Gaddafi, who ruled Libya from 1969 to 2011, was infamous for his unpredictable tastes and ambitions. Reports suggest he was intrigued by Lamborghini's prototype and saw the potential for a high-speed, all-terrain military vehicle – perfect for patrolling Libya's vast deserts or showing off his military might. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Gaddafi allegedly expressed interest in ordering up to 100 units of Lamborghini's rugged off-road monster for his military, on the condition that it could be equipped with a rear-mounted machine gun. In his eyes, this was to be a desert patrol vehicle like no other – fast, intimidating and luxurious. However, the Italian government intervened. With rising concerns about exporting military-grade vehicles and weapon systems to volatile regimes, the plan was blocked before it could materialise. Gaddafi's dream of a Lamborghini desert army faded into the dunes. The real story is a slightly different according to those who worked at Lamborghini during that time, some of whom are still around today assisting the Italian brand with its Polo Storico special restoration projects. People like Walter Rinaldi and Rodrigo Filippani Ronconi. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'Back in the day, the head of the technical department at Lamborghini was engineer Giulio Alfieri, who had previously served in the same position at Maserati from 1953 to 1975, and it was he who apparently is said to have had a common interest with Colonel Gaddafi. 'The Libyan ruler wanted Lamborghini to a build a vehicle essentially to patrol the country's borders, but it had to have a machine gun mounted in the rear. 'Lamborghini built a prototype but it was also not feasible for a high-performance brand like Lamborghini to create a vehicle with a machine gun in order to kill people.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert It also didn't sit well with the Italian government, which was 'quite unhappy' that Lamborghini intended to build an off-roader with a machine gun for the Libyan ruler and so it forced Lamborghini to pull the pin on a military sales, at least. After the plan for military sales was quashed, Lamborghini continued developing the vehicle for sale to the super rich and powerful – and Saudi royals, oil sheikhs and Hollywood celebrities like Sylvester Stallone snapped them up, cementing its nickname: the 'Rambo Lambo'. According to Mr Rinaldi, Lamborghini built just 300 plus one LM002s between 1986 and 1993. And while they quickly became the toys of the day, the LM002 is considered the spiritual ancestor of the modern Lamborghini Urus, the super SUV that now dominates the automaker's sales charts. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Incredibly, the LM002 tipped the scales at 3480kg – a good thing because according to Mr Rinaldi under Italian law you needed to have a truck licence to drive anything over 3500kg. Yet no Urus, no matter how fast, can match the pure outrageousness and excess of the LM002 – a vehicle originally conceived for use use exclusively in military operations. Production years: 1986-1993 Units produced: Approximately 300, plus one Assembly: Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy Type: High-performance luxury off-road SUV Engine and drivetrain Engine type: Naturally aspirated V12, longitudinally mounted Displacement: 5167cc (5.2L) Bore x stroke: 85.5x75mm Compression ratio: 9.5:1 Valvetrain: DOHC 48-valve Fuel system: Six Weber 48 IDA DC carburettors Max power: 335kW (450hp) at 6800rpm Max torque: 500Nm (369lb-ft) at 4500rpm Transmission: Five-speed manual (ZF S5-24/3) Drivetrain: Permanent 4WD with centre differential lock Transfer case: Two-speed Performance Top speed: 210km/h (130mph) 0–100km/h (0–62mph): 7.8 seconds Fuel consumption: Approx 35L/100km (6.7mpg US!) Chassis and suspension Frame: Steel tubular spaceframe Body: Aluminium and fibreglass panels Front suspension: Independent double wishbone, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar Rear suspension: Solid axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar Brakes and wheels Front brakes: Ventilated discs Rear brakes: Ventilated discs Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion Tires: Pirelli Scorpion 325/65 VR17 (custom-designed run-flat type) Dimensions Overall length: 4790mm (188.6in) Overall width: 2000mm (78.7in) Overall height: 1850mm (72.8in) Wheelbase: 2950mm (116.1in) Ground clearance: 300mm (11.8in) Kerb weight: 3480kg (5,952lb) Fuel capacity: 290 litres (76.6 US gal) Interior and features Leather-trimmed seats and dashboard (highly customisable at the time) Full air-conditioning (rare in off-roaders then) Premium stereo (often Alpine, depending on spec) Optional rear seats or flat cargo area Electric windows MORE: Everything Lamborghini
