Lamborghini is said to be planning a triumphant return to the off-road segment with a high-performance SUV, based on the same platform as the Audi Q5 and Porsche’s forthcoming Cajun.
The high-riding machine will be Lambo’s first 4x4 since the monstrous LM002 built from 1986 to 1993. The Rambo Lambo, as the LM002 was nicknamed, was designed for military use and was powered by the V12 engine from the Countach. The new SUV – dubbed LM00X – is more likely to get the new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that will debut in the Audi S7 next year, tuned to give in excess of 410kW.
That will be good for a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than four seconds, and means the car will easily outpace the Cayenne Turbo S. Although the Cajun’s three-door layout will be retained, the LM00X’s styling will be inspired by the brand’s supercars, making it instantly recognisable as a member of the Lamborghini family.
To keep weight down, the carbon technology seen on the Sesto Elemento concept at last month’s Paris Motor Show is expected to be used. Suspension, brakes and dampers will all be specially developed to cope with the power on tap, but not all of the focus will be on-road.
The LM002 had tyres with carbonfibre sidewalls for driving through sand, and Lambo started to develop a racer to compete in the Dakar Rally. The new car should be equally capable as it will borrow some of Porsche’s adaptive chassis systems.
The LM00X is set to cost well over £100 000 (R1.2-million)when it goes on sale in the UK in 2012. - autoexpress