Electrons and Xploits

Between 1986 and 1993, Lamborghini manufactured the LM002, an off-road vehicle with a surprising origin story. The initial prototypes weren’t intended for dusty trails and suburban driveways; they were designed for military use, aiming to compete with and even replace the Hummer.

Unfortunately for Lamborghini, the military contract never materialized. The LM002 prototypes proved too expensive to maintain, and their handling characteristics simply weren’t up to snuff for military applications. So, what did Lamborghini do with the 301 vehicles they had already produced? They did what any self-respecting, over-the-top Italian automaker would: they stuck a Lamborghini Countach V12 engine in them and sold them to the public!

The LM002, affectionately nicknamed the “Rambo Lambo,” was a marvel of excess, but it wasn’t without its quirks. One persistent weak point was the starter, which often struggled to turn over that massive V12 engine.

Luckily, modern high-torque starters offer a fantastic upgrade. However, integrating a new starter isn’t always plug-and-play. We discovered that a custom solution was needed to ensure a proper fit and — crucially — to allow the starter to engage the flywheel correctly. After some careful measurements and calculations, we engineered a specialized adapter plate, providing a reliable and powerful starting solution for this iconic, albeit eccentric, vehicle.

Design, Fabrication, and Installation.