Forty years ago, Lamborghini introduced a vehicle to the market that challenged traditional classifications, with the LM002 being the first SUV produced by a supercar manufacturer. This launch occurred in 1986, a period when brands like Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, and Bentley had not yet considered operating in this segment.
The LM002 originated from a military project, developed in partnership between the Italian manufacturer and Chrysler. In the late 1970s, Lamborghini created the Cheetah prototype to compete for contracts with the United States Army. However, this project was surpassed by the HMMWV, also known as the Humvee, from AM General, which later had a civilian version called the Hummer H1.
With the concept established, Lamborghini opted to develop a production version. Prototypes such as the LM001 and LMA002 served as testing phases until the definitive model was presented at the Brussels Motor Show in 1986.
Unlike modern SUVs focused on urban comfort and efficiency, the LM002 was designed to withstand extreme environments due to its military origins. Its construction included a tubular chassis, aluminum and fiberglass bodywork, and independent suspension on all four wheels, providing a large travel distance to traverse difficult trails, sand, and rocks.
The design, signed by Giulio Alfieri, was robust and nicknamed Rambo Lambo, referencing the character from Sylvester Stallone. Despite its rugged appearance, the vehicle possessed notable specifications. Under the hood, Lamborghini installed a 5.2-liter V12 engine, identical to the one used in the Countach Quattrovalvole, generating about 450 horsepower and over 50 kgfm of torque, figures impressive for the mid-80s.
This engine was coupled with a five-speed manual transmission with a low gear and a permanent all-wheel-drive system, allowing the utility vehicle to reach approximately 210 km/h, considering its three-ton weight. The high fuel consumption was not a concern, as the fuel tank held about 169 liters, ensuring range in deserts, the primary conception environment of the LM002. The tires, developed by Pirelli, featured specific technology to operate with low pressure in the sand and support high speeds on asphalt.
Despite its utilitarian proposal, the interior featured sophisticated finishes, including leather-upholstered seats, air conditioning, sound system, and wood details, indicating that the model catered to high-income clients. For this reason, the LM002 was mainly acquired in the Middle East, in addition to businessmen, collectors, and celebrities.
Between 1986 and 1993, only a few of 300 units were manufactured, classifying the LM002 as one of the rarest mass-produced models from the brand. Some special editions incorporated 7.2-liter V12 engines intended for offshore vessels, reinforcing its reputation as an exaggerated vehicle in every aspect.
For many years, the LM002 was seen as an anomaly in Lamborghini's history due to its imposing size in contrast to the brand's tradition of producing fast, low coupes. However, the growing demand for the luxury SUV segment changed this perception. Currently, almost all supercar manufacturers have a utility vehicle in their portfolio, with Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, and Lotus finding their main source of revenue in this area. Lamborghini itself consolidated its success with the Lamborghini Urus, its best-selling model, boosting the company's global volume. Four decades later, it is clear that the LM002 not only presented a new product but also inaugurated an unprecedented concept: the application of supercar engineering in an off-road vehicle.
Lamborghini has introduced the new Lamborghini Urus SE Performante, which was presented this Wednesday, the 1st, as the most powerful and fastest utility vehicle ever manufactured by the brand based in Sant'Agata Bolognese. This new version represents a significant advancement in the Urus SE plug-in hybrid line, taking the highest level of the Urus range globally.
Under the hood, the vehicle integrates the traditional 4.0L twin-turbo gasoline V8 engine with a permanent magnet electric drive. This system is powered by a 25.9 kWh battery, which offers over 60 km of range when operating exclusively in electric mode. The combination of powers results in 812 hp at 6,000 rpm, while maximum torque reaches 101.97 kgfm, available from first gear. This represents an increase of 146 hp and 15.3 kgfm compared to the previous Urus Performante.
With these specifications, the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, complete the 0 to 200 km/h acceleration in 10.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of 312 km/h.
In addition to the power gain, the Performante badge emphasizes weight reduction and aerodynamic refinement. There has been extensive use of carbon fiber in parts such as the hood, roof, fenders, side skirts, and rear diffuser. Additionally, the model features an Akrapovič titanium exhaust and new braking systems. These modifications have resulted in a weight 32 kg lighter than the standard Urus SE, totaling a homologated weight of 2,473 kg, establishing a power-to-weight ratio of 3 kg/hp, considered a standard in the category.
The SUV now incorporates the AURA dual-chamber air suspension, which reduces body roll by 55% and dampens vibrations by 25% compared to the previous Performante generation. The aerodynamic package provides 23% more downforce than the standard Urus SE, improving stability at high speeds. The package also includes Pirelli P Zero tires mounted on 22 or 23-inch wheels. A notable addition is the Rally driving mode, designed for loose surfaces, which is added to the Strada, Sport, Corsa modes, and the purely electric mode.
Lamborghini has not yet released official prices, but it informed that the value will be revealed closer to the model's arrival in the United States. Considering that the Urus SE starts around US$ 250 thousand to US$ 280 thousand, it is expected that the Performante version will exceed US$ 300 thousand, which would be more than R$ 1.56 million at the current exchange rate, placing it among the most technologically advanced and exclusive super-SUVs in the segment.
