The idea of a multi-purpose Lamborghini was taken one step further with the enormous LM-004. The car was built around the same chassis as the LMA-002, but went
much further, the engine wasn't the 'normal' 4754 cc unit (factory
designation number L 503), but an all new 7.0-Litre one. This new engine was designed by Alfrieri and used very little parts
from the original 5-Litre unit, this 7-Litre unit was actually destined
for marine purposes and could be distinguished from the smaller V-12's
by the larger exterior dimensions and the design of the cam cover. Several other parts around the engine were changed too, the gearbox
became mechanical instead of the automatic ones in the first designs,
and a special design by ZF was used, taken from the LMA-002. The suspension was also taken from the LMA, as was the power-assisted
steering, but a big difference was the use of drum brakes on the rear
axle.
Lamborghini aimed the LM-004 at another category of customers, this
was clearly visible on the inside of this car, the seats were changed
for body-hugging types like those in the Countach, upholstered in
leather, with nice carpets on the floor, a complete dashboard with
radio-telephone, VHF radio, stereo system, air-conditioning,
refrigerator and a cold-water tap between the back seats.
All this made the LM-004 appear like a giant, upright Countach, and this large, 3000 Kg heavy beast could even reach 200 Km/h.
Only one LM-004 was built, the new 7-Litre engine did not perform
well enough to allow the increase of weight against a 5-Litre unit.
Therefore, further testing was done with the 5-Litre unit, resulting in
the LM-002, which would be commercialized from 1986 on, in almost the
same form as the LM-004.
Note that the original LM004/7000 was actually tested by AutoCar in
May 1986, perhaps you can still find a copy of this test, unfortunately
this rare Lamborghini no longer exists today.
Rumors state however that it was possible to order the LM002 with the
7.0-Litre Lamborghini marine engine fitted into it, naturally on
special demand for a wealthy customer, prices for this 'option' were
never published, but then again, anyone who would order it with this
massive engine wouldn't care about a little extra cost.
Sunday, February 7, 2016
VW streamline prototype
Based on the KdF-Wagen Typ 60,
aka VW Beetle, it was designed by K.C. Volkhart as a fast courier car
for Luftwaffe (German Air Force). Body, designed by Baron Reinhard von
Koenig-Fachsenfeld, was built by Helmut Fuchs Niederwenningern/Ruhr.
Thanks to its low drag coefficient (0.17 only) the streamline body
allowed for speeds up to 150 km/h. The engine, mounted at the rear, was
the standard VW 1.1-liter boxer, 24.5 hp.
Bentley Continental T
One of my all time favorite cars! I have just always really loved the muscle car looks combined with the Bentley refinement. The T version had a shorter wheelbase, and wider fenders compared to the regular versions of the Continental. Considering it has a GM 4L80-E it would be interesting to see what a swap to a 6 speed 6L80-E would give performancewise (and fuel savings wise). One odd thing about these is that they have two brake calipers in the front. Would be interesting to know the reasoning behind that...
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