Lamborghini's infamous LM002 will be replaced by VAG but it goes ahead - only if Bentley is willing to accept 4x4 sister model.
I have just been speaking to a 2nd tier VGA component supplier my insider in Italy and he tells me that the supposed abandoned Bentley 4x4 project is far from dead - because companies are currently developing components for it!
Indeed it may arrive whether owners of the winged "B" want it or not - because Audi is determined to resurrect the aborted replacement for Lamborghini's 80's classic LM002 - and costs mean that the English marque will be dragged along kicking and screaming into this unwanted SUV project.
Apparently the decision was made easier because both manufacturers have suitable power plants (and transmissions), Bentley with the 550-bhp VW sourced W12 and Lamborghini with a due-to-be revised 620-bhp V12, which is about to appear in a face-lifted Murcielago.
With combined world sales of around 7,500-10,000 units, it remains unclear as how how many items will be raided from the Volkswagen/Audi parts bins - but the only current model capable of donating chassis/running gear components is the VW Tuareg and insiders suggest this platform is far too small for an LM002 replacement (or roomy Bentley for that matter).
I can see the point of an LM002, some say it was way ahead of it's time, but I've looked through every Bentley book in my library and I don't recall them making an SUV - oh dear, what would Walter say?