Lamborghini looks back at V12-powered Countach, LM 002

This year, Lamborghini is bidding farewell to its combustion engines as the Italian luxury car brand is set to enter its hybridization phase next year. On that note, the house of the raging bull is looking back at its rich V12 history by revisiting some of its most iconic cars including the Countach and the LM 002 — two polarizing models that share the same powerful engine.

Lamborghini first unveiled the Countach at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1971. The prototype, dubbed the LP 500, not only had a futuristic design but also boasted a powerful 12-cylinder powerplant. It was equipped with the 60-degree V12 engine that had already performed so well on previous transverse rear mid-engine Lamborghinis.

This time, however, the engine was mounted in the rear-longitudinal position, a new technical solution at Lamborghini, and the displacement was increased from the traditional 4.0-liter setup to a 5.0-liter layout. It made 440 horses.

When it was decided that the Countach should go into production in late 1973, Lamborghini made changes to its setup and equipped it with a 4.0-liter powerplant which now makes 375 horses at 8,000rpm. This model was named the Countach LP 400.

In 1978, after 152 units had been produced, the Countach LP 400 was transformed into the LP 400 S, acquiring the more elaborate shape that characterized it for the next 12 years.

“The ‘S,’ in fact, was modified at the level of frame and chassis to make the technical novelty of the period, the super low-profile Pirelli P7 tires, work better, but also at the aesthetic level. To accommodate the new enlarged brakes and wider tires, it became necessary to adopt wheel arch extenders, while the increased performance dictated the use of a more aerodynamic front spoiler. Certain enthusiasts would then also add a rear wing to complete the aerodynamic package,” explained Lamborghini in a recent press release.

In 1982, after 235 units had been produced, the 400 S was replaced by the LP 5000 S, still equipped with the legendary V12 but now increased to a capacity of 4.8 liters (4,754cc) for 375 horses at 7,000rpm.

After 323 units were produced through 1984, it was replaced by the Quattrovalvole, considered by many to be the best combination of aesthetics, performance, reliability, and comfort. Quattrovalvole had a 5.1-liter V12 engine that made 455 horsepower (hp) at 7,000rpm.

The LM 002, on the other hand, was Lamborghini’s take on an off-road vehicle and was the polar opposite of the futuristic sportscar personified by the Countach.

Despite their differences, the LM 002 still used the mechanics of the Countach engine in the 5.2-liter version with power reduced by 20hp — to be able to use less refined fuel without running into problems. In addition, the mill was turned 180 degrees and shifted to the longitudinal front position.

The LM 002 proved to be a flexible platform. One LM 002, in particular, was equipped with the 7.2-liter 700hp V12 engine usually used on off-shore boats, while another was prepared under the guidance of technical advisor Sandro Munari, a former World Rally champion, to compete in endurance races in the desert.

Lamborghini believes that the LM 002, was the vehicle that created the market for sports SUVs and the progenitor, at least spiritually, of today’s Lamborghini Urus.

Photos from Lamborghini

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