The high energy and power density capability of lithium ion battery technology have been attracted widespread interest over the past few years due to potential applications in both hybrid electric vehicles and full electric vehicles. Spinel LiMn2O4 is a promising candidate to replace layered Ni or Co oxide materials as cathode in lithium ion batteries because of itsintrinsic low-cost, environmental friendliness, high abundance and better safety.However, the application of LiMn2O4 in high power systems requires the development of fast kinetic electrodes, which appears nowadays possible using nanostructured morphologies. In this regard, spinel LiMn2O4 nanowires were successfully synthesized using a facile two step process: a solvothermal reaction to prepare α-MnO2 nanowires followed by solid state reaction. The nanowire structure and morphology have been correlated to the electrochemical characterization and the possibility of high rate capability as well as phase stability will be discussed. Galvanostatic battery testing showed that the material delivers 100 and 78 mAh/g at very high rates (60C and 150C, respectively) in a larger potential window (2.4/4.4V) with very good capacity retention and outstanding structural stability. Such performances are due to both the favorable morphology and the high crystallinity of nanowires.