This Lamborghini Zodiac Truck Concept Is a ‘Lambo Rambo’ on Steroids

“I present to you the first ever concept Lamborghini Baja truck fit for the future and for…Armageddon.”

Instagram/@ashthorp

Back in 2018, a Lamborghini’s chief technical officer told Maxim exclusively that the famed “Lambo Rambo,” aka the LM002 produced in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s, wouldn’t be making a return. Fortunately, graphic artist Ash Thorp revived the brutish Italian 4×4 in creating the “Zodiac.”

If you follow our online auto coverage, you might recognize Thorp as the X-Men: First Class and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare collaborator who advised fellow designer Carlos Pecino to base his “Vanguard” Baja race truck on the International Scout II. In turn, Pecino pushed Thorp. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CND22J4BU47

“I think this is one of the most involved builds yet and it’s been so rewarding to bring to life,” Thorp wrote on Instagram. “@colorsponge [Pecino] and I have really pushed one another with these next builds.”

Both concepts featured ultra-aggro features fit for the toughest trails, including oversized wheel arches, monstrous wheels wrapped in hefty rubber, lifted bodies and bolstered suspensions. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNIy9kjBFSr

The seed for Thorp’s creation was planted when he discovered the Lamborghini Cheetah, the very first prototype in the short-lived military truck’s lineage.

“I first came across Lamborghinis military concept truck the Cheetah which I was totally blown away by and later discovered the LM002 which I of course fell in love with.”

He continued, adding that his growing interest in Baja race trucks informed the Zodiac’s hulking stance. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNLJteahmbL

“I started to get pretty obsessed with Baja trucks and how incredible those machines are and that’s when the idea came to me… a Baja ready LM002. I told @colorsponge  the idea and we both loved it! Ladies and gentlemen I present to you the first ever concept Lamborghini Baja truck fit for the future and for…Armageddon.”

Thorp didn’t specify a power plant and instead asked followers to sound off in the comments. “What engine would you put in this beast? I read a few really fun suggestions. Would it be a V12 or EV or… both?”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNBDtjvBUw4

Since he asked, how about a quad-turbo, 8.0-liter W16? After all, both Bugatti and Lamborghini are under the Volkswagen Group’s umbrella.

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