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Here we go again; according to unconfirmed reports from the UK, Lamborghini is working on a spiritual successor to the LM002 aka Rambo Lambo – you know, the monstrous Italian SUV of the late 1980s, which used the Countach's 5.2-liter V12 and had a special place in the hearts of obscenely rich sheiks.

"Industry insiders" say that the new model will be based on the same platform as the Audi Q5 and Porsche's upcoming Cajun. Let me deviate right here, as this sounds more than a bit off.

The original LM002 measured 4.9 meters (192 inches) in length, but its bulky design made it seem a lot bigger. The Audi Q5 is 4.62 meters (182 inches) long and it shows, as it doesn't come anywhere near the Q7's presence. It really looks like a small SUV. No, a true successor has to be as off the charts as the original or even more. A bigger platform is a must. Strike one.

The same secret sources say that the new SUV – dubbed LM00X – will get a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, rated at around 550 hp. First of all, it would be awfully cramped under the bonnet. It also sounds like it would become the new entry-level Lamborghini, and seeing that even the Gallardo has a V10 engine, let me ask, why?

The LM002 was outrageous, partly due to the exotic engine choice – a noble V12. And if some sheik thought that it still wasn't the real deal, he could ask for a bigger, 7.0-liter marine V12, sourced from a Class 1 powerboat. So, hell no, a measly V8 won't do it. Strike two.

Last but not least, the magazine says that the LM00X will cost £100,000 or $160,690, when it will presumably hit the market in 2012. Again, let me get this straight. You once had a preposterous SUV, which cost and arm and a leg, and now you want to make its successor downright cheap (at least by Lamborghini standards). Why? Some of the previous clients might be still around, I say make them remember the good old days by giving them a worthy new LM002 and take their money. See, everybody is happy. That's a strike three in my opinion, but feel free to agree or disagree in the comments section below.

By Csaba Daradics

Although there's been no official announcement other than confirmation of a Q5 Hybrid SUV sometime this year (next week's L.A. Auto Show is a good bet), Audi's website seems to think that the brand's mid-size hybrid crossover is ready for some time in the spotlight.

According to the site, the Q5 Hybrid will be a full hybrid with a 2.0 TSI four-cylinder working alongside a 33-kW (44 HP) electric motor, regenerative braking, and start/stop tech.

Behind the scenes, the car will have an adaptive control system to optimize the gas/electric power ratio. On electric power alone, Audi is expecting the car to be able to cruise at speeds up to 100 km/h / 62 mph. Curious about range and efficiency? There's now a power meter in the instrument cluster for just that reason.

As with just about every car out there these days, there's an S mode; in this case, it provides the raciest performance from the hybrid drivetrain by allowing full access to the 240 horsepower and 480 Nm / 354 lb-ft of torque (there's a boost function, too).

Expect a nice, wordy press release very soon, but I couldn't possibly imagine what else you'd need to know; it's a Q5 Hybrid, which just about says it all.

By Phil Alex