Oracle Lighting hasn’t messed with the LMTV’s original 6.6-liter Caterpillar turbo-diesel engine
by Brad Anderson
November 1, 2023 at 16:29
A dizzying array of wild creations have been unveiled at this year’s SEMA Show and while this Stewart & Stevenson M1079 expedition vehicle may not be the most glamorous, it is certainly one of the most rugged and capable.
This M1079 Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV) has been modified by Oracle Lighting. The LMTV was originally built for the U.S. Army in the 1980s and can be repurposed into an expedition vehicle capable of traversing even the toughest environments. In modifying this example for SEMA, Oracle fitted it with new 7-inch LED headlights on a custom bumper, illuminated badges, 9-inch LED spotlights on the roof rack, 5-inch LED light bars, and additional LED plow headlights.
With enough LEDs to light up even the darkest of environments, the LMTV was then fitted with an 18,000-lb synthetic rope winch, a new diesel fuel system, and six 100 Ah lithium-ion batteries. The vehicle’s original military underpinnings have been retained, meaning it continues to be powered by a 6.6-liter Caterpillar turbo-diesel engine paired with an Allison seven-speed electronic transmission. Other important features are a central tire inflation system and 46-inch all-terrain tires.
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Any serious expedition vehicle needs to function off the grid so Oracle has also installed a 1,000-watt solar system. There is also a 12-foot power awning and traction boards, a large Go Rhino roof rack with weather-resistant cargo cases, and a new Nardo Grey paint finish.
Given that this wild LMTV has been built for SEMA and not to actually go on a cross-country journey, the rear doesn’t support the living quarters. Instead, it looks more like a nightclub with two bench seats clad in a combination of leather and Alcantara. There are also new LED lights, a Bluetooth sound system, and custom cabinets.
“In considering our next project, it was important to our team to have it reflect our passion for outdoor pursuits,” Oracle Lighting’s director of development Justin Hartenstein said. “The LMTV hits all the marks by giving us an extremely capable vehicle and a massive canvas to show off our products and serve as a base camp at different events. It makes a big statement wherever it goes, and we thank our team and product sponsors for helping bring it to life.”
