The Lamborghini LMA002 (with the "A" for Antiore) was a prototype off-road vehicle designed and built by Lamborghini. It was a followup to the LM001 and was first presented at the 1982 Geneva Auto Show.
Background[]
This time it was a Lamborghini V-12, very much like the unit used in the Countach LP 500S. Because the engine was moved to the front, the entire chassis had to be redesigned; now becoming a multi-tubular steel space frame.
In the rear, space was free now for six more passengers, together with the four seats inside the vehicle this added up to ten people.
The suspension and the tires needed further development over those used for the LM-001, mainly because the LMA-002 was about 500 Kg heavier and could carry six more people. A very special naval type navigation system was installed, which used satellite references to locate the car, since it was intended to sell the car to customers who travel in the vast North African and Middle Eastern desserts.
Because the engine was in front the steering became rather heavy, but this was cured by installing power steering, on the inside the LMA-002 was finished very basically, with four simple seats and a small dashboard.
On this LMA002, which remained a unique prototype, the four-wheel drive was not permanent, it was possible to transfer the power to the rear wheels only, and a ‘real’ five-speed ZF gearbox was installed, replacing the automatic transmission used in the LM001.
The bodywork still used many flat panels, again to make the armoring easier; the complete roof could be opened, so the passengers could stand up. The LMA-002 was given a serial number, making it the first production LM002 which appeared in 1982. An LM003 was also built; in fact, it was an LM002 with a turbo charged diesel engine (HR/692-HT) installed in it, because the military required diesel propulsion. This engine, supplied by VM of Cento, with 3590 cc displacement producing 150 bhp at 4200 rpm and connected to a ZF five-speed gearbox was too underpowered for the heavy vehicle, and the project was abandoned.
Trivia[]
At the time, it was reported that the LMA had won a competition for a Saudi military contract for between 500 and 1000 cars, with Lamborghini increasing its staffing levels by thirty percent in anticipation. This order did not materialize, and only the single LMA002 would be produced. However, after many alterations and adjustments, the design entered series production as the LM002.
Gallery[]
.jpg "1982 Lamborghini LMA002 (1).jpg (82 KB)")
.jpg "1982 Lamborghini LMA002 (2).jpg (102 KB)")
.webp "1982 Lamborghini LMA002 (3).webp (50 KB)")
.jpeg "1982 Lamborghini LMA002 (4).jpeg (896 KB)")
See Also[]
