The VK LM5000 was the first VK released by HDT and was built to celebrate their trip to Le Mans to compete in the 24 hour race behind the wheel of a Porsche.
The LM5000 was also an interim model before the release of the main VK series, so the design input was minimal, with most parts like the fly through rear deck spoiler, wind splitters and Irmscher Wheels (although with a silver and black finish this time) simply carried over from previous models.
The interior featured standard seats, with the new Scheel seats optional, new Momo ‘Flyer’ steering wheel and HDT gearknob, while the outside featured an Australian flag on the front fenders along with Brock’s signature and a 5.0 badge, while the cars would only be available in Alpine White and Asteroid Silver like the SS and Group 3 to come.
Mechanically the cars featured the VK spec 177kw 5.0 litre V8 up front, mated to the M21 transmission with the standard LSD 3.08 differential down the back, although buyers now had the option of a Borg Warner T5 transmission.
VEHICLE FACTORY SPECS
ENGINE
5.044 Litre (308 Cubic Inch) HDT modified V8, Overhead Valve – 2 vales per cylinder; Compression Ratio: 8.8:1, Bore x Stroke (mm): 101.6 x 77.8; Maximum Power: 177kW; Maximum Torque: 319Nm @ 2400rpm.
INDUCTION
4 barrel Rochester Carburettor and port matched inlet manifold.
TRANSMISSION
M21 4 Speed standard. T5G 5 Speed optional
Ratios: Manual
First: 2.54
Second: 1.83
Third: 1.38
Fourth: 1.00
Reverse: 2.54
Final Drive: 3.08
CLUTCH
Single Dry Plate
STEERING
Power assisted rack and pinion
SUSPENSION
Front: Fully independant. Macpherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar.
Rear: Live axle located by trailing arms and Panhard rod. Coil springs and anti-roll bar.
BRAKES
Split circuit hydraulic system with power booster.
Front: 281 Ventilated discs.
Rear: 281 Discs
WHEELS & TYRES
15 x 7″ Irmscher Alloy wheels
PERFORMANCE
Top Speeds: (km/h@rpm)
1st: 74@5000
2nd: 103@5000
3rd: 136@5000
4th: 188@5000
Standing Start
0-60km/h: 3.3 seconds
0-100km/h: 7.6 seconds
400m: 14.9 seconds
FEATURES
Standard VK SL except for ‘sports’ instrument cluster (analog, not digital), drivers footrest, map lights in the dome light, HDT/Momo steering wheel and HDT (rubber) gearshift knob.
FUEL TANK
63 Litres. 90 Litre optional.
NUMBER BUILT
Approx 120
PRICES
$4350 for LM5000 pack on top of SL base price of $11150.
$4100 for T5G 5 Speed and Scheel Interior
KERB MASS
1367kg
