Ford Ranger, Everest lead Blue Oval's best result in 16 years
The Blue Oval's June 2025 figure was its best monthly result since June 2009, when it delivered 10,194 vehicles – led by its now defunct Falcon, but with the Ranger its next-best nameplate.
Leading the charge in June 2025 was the Ranger with 6293 deliveries, fending off arch-rival Toyota HiLux by a mere 98 units for its best result since December 2023.
The Ranger, which was Australia's best-selling vehicle in both 2023 and 2024, leads the HiLux year-to-date by 2044 deliveries, the pair ranked as the top two best-selling vehicles in Australia to the end of June 2025.
100s 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
Ford's second-best seller last month was the Everest – an SUV spun-off the Ranger – with 2705 deliveries to lead the large SUV segment ahead of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado's 2177.
Yet the LandCruiser Prado is ahead of the Everest year-to-date, the Toyota's 15,583 deliveries up a whopping 345.5 per cent to see it outstrip the Ford's 12,294.
Beyond the SUV and dual-cab ute segments, the Transit had its best month since May 2011, with 247 delivered including 17 Transit buses.
Ford's June success saw it second for the month overall, but the brand remains third year-to-date with Mazda still ahead on 48,942 sales to Ford's 47,300, both trailing a dominant Toyota's 20,225. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Ford faces a tough second half of 2025 with an ever-growing number of Ranger competitors, including the recently launched BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha, as well as the highly anticipated Kia Tasman dual-cab ute of which deliveries will commence this month.
There's also Australia's NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard), designed to encourage manufacturers to offer vehicles emitting less carbon dioxide (CO2), to navigate.
The future of some Ford powertrains and showroom prices has been impacted by NVES, according to the automaker, which brings lower CO2 emissions targets annually until 2029.
The automaker has reduced the power of its upcoming Ranger Super Duty (pictured below) as a direct response to the new emissions laws.
The 2.0-litre 'Panther' engine in the entry-level Ranger – also used in the Transit – has been dropped from the United Kingdom (UK) Ranger lineup as it won't meet upcoming emissions standards there. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
Although Ford Australia won't officially comment on the engine's local future, its own CO2 emissions figures for the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel reveal it won't meet NVES standards from 2026.
This means Ford Australia faces financial penalties if it keeps the engine in sale in new-car showrooms next year.
The fines – which came into effect on July 1, 2025 – have already been blamed in part for a $5000 increase to the list price of the Ford Mustang.
The NVES allows automakers like Ford to offset larger, 'dirtier' vehicles with more low-emission vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs).
But 86 per cent (or 40,605) of Fords delivered in the first half of this year were Ranger or Everest models, with Ford's EVs selling in much smaller volumes. The Mustang Mach-E, for example, accounted for just 251 out of Ford's 47,300 deliveries.
MORE: Explore the Ford Australia showroom
MORE: VFACTS: Australia's best-selling brands and models in the first half of 2025
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The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Cut-price electric Kia Picanto replacement coming to take on BYD Seagull
Kia has confirmed it's planning an affordable city-sized electric car – even smaller than the 2026 Kia EV2 already announced – and much would be a direct competitor to the BYD Seagull, Dacia Spring and Fiat 500e. Speaking to UK publication Autocar, Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song said a cheaper, smaller electric city car, which could be called the EV1, was "homework" for the company's product developers, confirming such a car was "one area we are studying and developing". Mr Song also said affordable, city-sized cars would remain an important part of the brand's lineup as European buyers move towards EVs. Kia technically already offers a city-sized EV – the Picanto-based Ray – but this tall, boxy model is exclusive to Korea. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The new city EV would take over from Kia's entry-level petrol-powered Picanto – currently Australia's cheapest new car – which was significantly updated in 2023 and still sells strongly in Europe. With a replacement still as far off as 2028-2029, the Picanto's successor could well ditch the current version's 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to become a battery-electric city hatch. It would face the BYD Seagull, set to go on sale in the United Kingdom later this year as the Dolphin Surf, at less than £20,000 ($41,874). The Seagull is under consideration for Australian showrooms and could become the cheapest EV offered here, given it would sit below the current price leader – the BYD Dolphin electric hatch at $29,990 drive-away. Even then, the current petrol Picanto could remain on sale alongside a newer, electric offering in Kia showrooms. Other brands have also planned this approach, such as Volkswagen, which intends to sell the petrol-powered Golf alongside battery-electric versions well into next decade. Kia has been prolific in rolling out new EVs. Its smallest, the funky EV2 five-door SUV, is due on sale overseas in 2026 but is unlikely to be offered here. The Kia EV4 electric sedan – a Tesla Model 3 rival – is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the last quarter (October-December) of 2025, joining the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9 electric Kias currently in Australian showrooms. The EV5 has been Kia Australia's most popular EV so far in 2025 and the fourth-most popular EV overall, with 2765 delivered to the end of June – putting it behind the third-place Model 3 with the MG 4 behind in fifth. Mr Song said Europe will "drive volume from a full EV lineup" because of a "strong trend" towards electric cars – yet internal combustion engines will remain important in emerging markets lacking electric-charging infrastructure. It will also enable Kia to maintain a flexible approach to respond to market trends when necessary. "The final destination in Europe is EVs, which is why I want to be a very strong EV player in Europe… but if we look at worldwide demand we should have alternative powertrains, like hybrids, plug-in [hybrids] and EREVs [extended-range electric vehicles]," he said. Sales of hybrids in Australia in the first six months of 2025 increased 14.9 per cent, following a 76 per cent jump in popularity in 2024, while key markets – including China and the United States – have also seen significant hybrid growth. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Kia has confirmed it's planning an affordable city-sized electric car – even smaller than the 2026 Kia EV2 already announced – and much would be a direct competitor to the BYD Seagull, Dacia Spring and Fiat 500e. Speaking to UK publication Autocar, Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song said a cheaper, smaller electric city car, which could be called the EV1, was "homework" for the company's product developers, confirming such a car was "one area we are studying and developing". Mr Song also said affordable, city-sized cars would remain an important part of the brand's lineup as European buyers move towards EVs. Kia technically already offers a city-sized EV – the Picanto-based Ray – but this tall, boxy model is exclusive to Korea. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The new city EV would take over from Kia's entry-level petrol-powered Picanto – currently Australia's cheapest new car – which was significantly updated in 2023 and still sells strongly in Europe. With a replacement still as far off as 2028-2029, the Picanto's successor could well ditch the current version's 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to become a battery-electric city hatch. It would face the BYD Seagull, set to go on sale in the United Kingdom later this year as the Dolphin Surf, at less than £20,000 ($41,874). The Seagull is under consideration for Australian showrooms and could become the cheapest EV offered here, given it would sit below the current price leader – the BYD Dolphin electric hatch at $29,990 drive-away. Even then, the current petrol Picanto could remain on sale alongside a newer, electric offering in Kia showrooms. Other brands have also planned this approach, such as Volkswagen, which intends to sell the petrol-powered Golf alongside battery-electric versions well into next decade. Kia has been prolific in rolling out new EVs. Its smallest, the funky EV2 five-door SUV, is due on sale overseas in 2026 but is unlikely to be offered here. The Kia EV4 electric sedan – a Tesla Model 3 rival – is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the last quarter (October-December) of 2025, joining the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9 electric Kias currently in Australian showrooms. The EV5 has been Kia Australia's most popular EV so far in 2025 and the fourth-most popular EV overall, with 2765 delivered to the end of June – putting it behind the third-place Model 3 with the MG 4 behind in fifth. Mr Song said Europe will "drive volume from a full EV lineup" because of a "strong trend" towards electric cars – yet internal combustion engines will remain important in emerging markets lacking electric-charging infrastructure. It will also enable Kia to maintain a flexible approach to respond to market trends when necessary. "The final destination in Europe is EVs, which is why I want to be a very strong EV player in Europe… but if we look at worldwide demand we should have alternative powertrains, like hybrids, plug-in [hybrids] and EREVs [extended-range electric vehicles]," he said. Sales of hybrids in Australia in the first six months of 2025 increased 14.9 per cent, following a 76 per cent jump in popularity in 2024, while key markets – including China and the United States – have also seen significant hybrid growth. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Kia has confirmed it's planning an affordable city-sized electric car – even smaller than the 2026 Kia EV2 already announced – and much would be a direct competitor to the BYD Seagull, Dacia Spring and Fiat 500e. Speaking to UK publication Autocar, Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song said a cheaper, smaller electric city car, which could be called the EV1, was "homework" for the company's product developers, confirming such a car was "one area we are studying and developing". Mr Song also said affordable, city-sized cars would remain an important part of the brand's lineup as European buyers move towards EVs. Kia technically already offers a city-sized EV – the Picanto-based Ray – but this tall, boxy model is exclusive to Korea. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The new city EV would take over from Kia's entry-level petrol-powered Picanto – currently Australia's cheapest new car – which was significantly updated in 2023 and still sells strongly in Europe. With a replacement still as far off as 2028-2029, the Picanto's successor could well ditch the current version's 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to become a battery-electric city hatch. It would face the BYD Seagull, set to go on sale in the United Kingdom later this year as the Dolphin Surf, at less than £20,000 ($41,874). The Seagull is under consideration for Australian showrooms and could become the cheapest EV offered here, given it would sit below the current price leader – the BYD Dolphin electric hatch at $29,990 drive-away. Even then, the current petrol Picanto could remain on sale alongside a newer, electric offering in Kia showrooms. Other brands have also planned this approach, such as Volkswagen, which intends to sell the petrol-powered Golf alongside battery-electric versions well into next decade. Kia has been prolific in rolling out new EVs. Its smallest, the funky EV2 five-door SUV, is due on sale overseas in 2026 but is unlikely to be offered here. The Kia EV4 electric sedan – a Tesla Model 3 rival – is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the last quarter (October-December) of 2025, joining the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9 electric Kias currently in Australian showrooms. The EV5 has been Kia Australia's most popular EV so far in 2025 and the fourth-most popular EV overall, with 2765 delivered to the end of June – putting it behind the third-place Model 3 with the MG 4 behind in fifth. Mr Song said Europe will "drive volume from a full EV lineup" because of a "strong trend" towards electric cars – yet internal combustion engines will remain important in emerging markets lacking electric-charging infrastructure. It will also enable Kia to maintain a flexible approach to respond to market trends when necessary. "The final destination in Europe is EVs, which is why I want to be a very strong EV player in Europe… but if we look at worldwide demand we should have alternative powertrains, like hybrids, plug-in [hybrids] and EREVs [extended-range electric vehicles]," he said. Sales of hybrids in Australia in the first six months of 2025 increased 14.9 per cent, following a 76 per cent jump in popularity in 2024, while key markets – including China and the United States – have also seen significant hybrid growth. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: Kia has confirmed it's planning an affordable city-sized electric car – even smaller than the 2026 Kia EV2 already announced – and much would be a direct competitor to the BYD Seagull, Dacia Spring and Fiat 500e. Speaking to UK publication Autocar, Kia president and CEO Ho Sung Song said a cheaper, smaller electric city car, which could be called the EV1, was "homework" for the company's product developers, confirming such a car was "one area we are studying and developing". Mr Song also said affordable, city-sized cars would remain an important part of the brand's lineup as European buyers move towards EVs. Kia technically already offers a city-sized EV – the Picanto-based Ray – but this tall, boxy model is exclusive to Korea. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The new city EV would take over from Kia's entry-level petrol-powered Picanto – currently Australia's cheapest new car – which was significantly updated in 2023 and still sells strongly in Europe. With a replacement still as far off as 2028-2029, the Picanto's successor could well ditch the current version's 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to become a battery-electric city hatch. It would face the BYD Seagull, set to go on sale in the United Kingdom later this year as the Dolphin Surf, at less than £20,000 ($41,874). The Seagull is under consideration for Australian showrooms and could become the cheapest EV offered here, given it would sit below the current price leader – the BYD Dolphin electric hatch at $29,990 drive-away. Even then, the current petrol Picanto could remain on sale alongside a newer, electric offering in Kia showrooms. Other brands have also planned this approach, such as Volkswagen, which intends to sell the petrol-powered Golf alongside battery-electric versions well into next decade. Kia has been prolific in rolling out new EVs. Its smallest, the funky EV2 five-door SUV, is due on sale overseas in 2026 but is unlikely to be offered here. The Kia EV4 electric sedan – a Tesla Model 3 rival – is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the last quarter (October-December) of 2025, joining the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9 electric Kias currently in Australian showrooms. The EV5 has been Kia Australia's most popular EV so far in 2025 and the fourth-most popular EV overall, with 2765 delivered to the end of June – putting it behind the third-place Model 3 with the MG 4 behind in fifth. Mr Song said Europe will "drive volume from a full EV lineup" because of a "strong trend" towards electric cars – yet internal combustion engines will remain important in emerging markets lacking electric-charging infrastructure. It will also enable Kia to maintain a flexible approach to respond to market trends when necessary. "The final destination in Europe is EVs, which is why I want to be a very strong EV player in Europe… but if we look at worldwide demand we should have alternative powertrains, like hybrids, plug-in [hybrids] and EREVs [extended-range electric vehicles]," he said. Sales of hybrids in Australia in the first six months of 2025 increased 14.9 per cent, following a 76 per cent jump in popularity in 2024, while key markets – including China and the United States – have also seen significant hybrid growth. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- 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:
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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
