Sant’Agata Bolognese, 9 October 2017 – Twenty-five years after the legendary LM002 ceased production, Automobili Lamborghini will launch the Urus on 4 December 2017 in Sant’Agata Bolognese, again creating a new class of Super SUVs. In advance of the Urus world premier Automobili Lamborghini looks back on its SUV legacy in order to recall an extraordinary automobile.
The black LM002 (chassis #12231) from the Lamborghini museum, entirely-restored by the classic department Lamborghini Polo Storico represents Lamborghini’s original SUV creation: the LM002 is widely considered as the father of luxury SUVs. Turning heads in sophisticated city streets, the LM002 was equally at home in dirt, gravel and snow.
The LM 002’s development started as a project to develop a high performance off-road vehicle for military use at the end of the 1970s, with the name of Cheetah. Lamborghini engineer Giulio Alfieri resurrected the project in 1981 with the LM 001: an innovative concept with a rear-mounted engine, followed by the LMA prototype with a front-mounted powertrain. The final production model of the LM002 was first presented at the Brussels Auto Show in 1986, consolidating the final design: the V12 engine from the Countach Quattrovalvole provided a 5,167 cc capacity and 450 hp at 6,800 rpm.
In an aluminum and fiberglass body, with four-wheel drive transmission, transfer case and three self-locking differentials, the SUV could exceed gradients of 120%. Reaching speeds of more than 200 km/h, the LM002 was equipped with specially-developed Pirelli Scorpion tyres, allowing ‘floating’ capabilities across soft surfaces such as sand, and highly durable in hot conditions. The production of the bodies started in a company near Bilbao (Spain). Then the semi- assembled parts were shipped to Sant’Agata Bolognese for completion with the powertrain, mechanical parts, finishing, testing and delivery. A luxurious interior matching the individual needs of the customer completed the LM 002.
The LM002 attracted significant attention when launched, as a vehicle unlike any other, with performance to match its super sports car stablemates as well as significant off-road capabilities and an imposing design and presence. A total of 300 were produced from 1986 to 1992.
A premium-grade truck should offer plenty of style, strength and sophistication – but it shouldn’t be limited to a single size. While GMC redefined the luxury pickup segment with the Sierra 1500 Denali and Sierra HD Denali, the new 2017 Canyon Denali – which debuts at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show -- applies those same principles in a tailored, maneuverable, package.
In true Denali form, Canyon Denali turns heads and catches eyes with a blend of bold forms and bright accents. A Denali-exclusive chrome grille highlights the front fascia, while standard chrome assist steps, a polished exhaust tip, and distinctive 20-inch ultra-bright machined aluminum wheels further accentuate the pickup’s exterior. A spray-on bedliner protects the Canyon’s cargo box, while a three-dimensional Denali emblem on the forward cargo box wall provides a Denali twist.
The premium theme continues within, where Canyon Denali is equipped with both upscale amenities and advanced technologies. Premium Jet black perforated Mulan leather-appointed seating is standard, as are segment exclusive heated and ventilated front seats. A heated steering wheel is also standard, as are unique Denali-branded door sill appliques and headrests.
Canyon Denali also includes GMC’s IntelliLink1 infotainment system with navigation2 as standard equipment, which also incorporates an eight-inch diagonal color touch screen, along with phone integration with Apple CarPlay2 and Android Auto3 compatibility. Canyon Denali’s available OnStar system4 facilitates enhanced connectivity, including diagnostics and remote lock and start functionality through an available myGMC mobile app5 for smart phones, and in-car available 4G LTE data service with a Wi-Fi6 hotspot that can provide connectivity for up to seven devices.
Other standard equipment includes Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning, automatic climate control and Bose premium seven-speaker audio system.
Available as a crew cab in both two- and four-wheel drive forms, the Canyon Denali midsize pickup offers a 305-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 as standard equipment, which provides a maximum trailer tow rating of up to 7,000 pounds in two-wheel drive form.7 Canyon Denali will also be available with the new optional 2.8-liter Duramax Diesel turbo-diesel four-cylinder, which will offer trailer towing ratings of up to 7,700 pounds in two-wheel drive models.7
A professional-grade heavy duty pickup is designed to work hard without making the driver work hard behind the wheel. That’s where the updated 2017 GMC Sierra HD excels – whether you’re trailering a boat or carrying a heavy payload, GMC’s heavy-duty pickup trucks deliver an unrivaled blend of capability and driver confidence – and we’ve built upon that tradition for 2017.