Lamborghini Cheetah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lamborghini Cheetah |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mobility Technology International |
| Assembly | California |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Prototype |
| Platform | 4 wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Chrysler 5.9 liter (360 ci) V8 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 118 in (300 cm) |
| Length | 179 in (455 cm) |
| Width | 60 in (152 cm) |
| Weight | Net (including fuel) 4500 lb (2042 kg) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Lamborghini LM001 |
The Lamborghini Cheetah was a special type of vehicle called an off-road prototype. It was made by the famous car company Lamborghini in 1977. A prototype is like a test version of a new car. This vehicle was designed to be used by the military.
History of the Lamborghini Cheetah
The Lamborghini Cheetah was the very first off-road vehicle that Lamborghini ever made. It was created because the company wanted to build a car for the military.
The design of the Cheetah looked a lot like another military prototype. This other vehicle was called the XR311 and was made by a company called Food Machinery Corporation (FMC) in 1970. Because the Cheetah looked so similar, FMC took legal action against Lamborghini in 1977.
The Cheetah was built in San Jose, California, in the United States. After it was built, the prototype was sent to Sant'Agata Bolognese in Italy. This is where Lamborghini is based, and they added the final touches to the car there.
The Cheetah had a large 5.9-liter Chrysler engine. This engine was waterproof and produced 180 horsepower. It was placed at the back of the vehicle and connected to a 3-speed automatic transmission. However, having the engine in the back made the car very hard to steer. Also, the engine wasn't powerful enough for a vehicle of its size. Because of these problems, the Cheetah did not perform very well overall.
The only finished prototype of the Cheetah was never tested by the US military. It was later sold to another company called Teledyne Continental Motors. This unique vehicle still exists today.
Even though the Cheetah wasn't a success, Lamborghini learned a lot from it. They later developed a much better off-road vehicle called the Lamborghini LM002. The LM002 had a similar look to the Cheetah. But it had a powerful 12-cylinder engine from the Lamborghini Countach sports car. This engine was placed in the front, which helped with steering and performance.
Other Cool Lamborghini Vehicles
See also
In Spanish: Lamborghini Cheetah para niños
