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Lamborghini LM003: a diesel off-roader that remained a prototype
Lamborghini LM003 — a short-lived off-roader prototype aimed at meeting military needs. Here, we detail how it differed from the LM002 and why the project was scrapped.
LM003 briefly
The Lamborghini LM003 was a very short-lived off-roader prototype project, which Lamborghini developed and built to meet military requirements.
It barely differed from the LM002, except for the engine.
History and development
Instead of the Lamborghini V12, the LM003 received a VM Motori 5-cylinder 3.6-litre turbo-diesel engine, with around 150 hp.
It turned out that such an engine was completely inadequate for a 2,600 kg car, so the project was cancelled.
Technology and significance
The main feature of the LM003 was its diesel engine, which was supposed to better meet military needs. In practice, it proved too weak for the heavy vehicle.
The name LM003 is sometimes also given to another project that emerged when Lamborghini was owned by Megatech. The company wanted to refresh the successful LM002 with a newer design and call it the Borneo or Galileo. The idea was passed on to SZ Design (a Zagato offshoot), but it only resulted in a few sketches that resembled a modern Range Rover.
Where to see it and can you buy one?
According to available data, the LM003 remained a prototype and was never put into series production, so it is not available to purchase.
We do not provide reliable public information about the current storage location of the prototype, nor do we have pricing details.
Generations and Evolution
The LM003 was a prototype; another project didn't progress past the sketch phase.
LM003 (dyzelinis prototipas)
Prototype StageAn all-wheel-drive prototype with a 5-cylinder turbodiesel.
- A 3.6-litre "VM Motori" turbodiesel, around 150 hp
- Nearly identical to the LM002
- The engine was too weak for a car weighing around 2,600 kg
LM003 („Borneo“/„Galileo“)
A later projectA refreshed LM002 concept with "SZ Design".
- Sketch Stage
- Resembles the modern "Range Rover"
- Never reached the prototype stage
The LM003 and LM002
| Lamborghini LM003 | Lamborghini LM002 | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | A 5-cylinder 3.6-litre turbodiesel, around 150 hp | V12 |
| Purpose | Military needs | Series SUV |
| Production | Prototype | Series production |
The LM003 was meant to be a more economical version of the LM002, but the diesel engine wasn't up to the task for a 2,600 kg car.
Pros
- An intriguing chapter in Lamborghini's history
- A diesel engine in an SUV
- The same body as the LM002
- An idea to meet military needs
Cons
- The engine was too weak
- It remained just a prototype
- Little public information
Frequently asked questions
How does the LM003 differ from the LM002?
Instead of a V12, it had a 3.6-litre "VM Motori" turbodiesel with around 150hp.
Why wasn't the LM003 produced?
The diesel engine's power proved too little for a car weighing in at 2,600kg, so the project was scrapped.
Is this the same as the "Borneo" or "Galileo"?
The name LM003 is sometimes given to a later revised LM002 project, which never got beyond the sketch phase.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
