Lamborghini Diablo
Diablo SV ( UK version )
The Lamborghini Diablo ( Spanish for devil) is a sports car from Lamborghini, which was built in the period from 1990 to 2001. He is the direct successor of the Lamborghini Countach and was replaced by the Lamborghini Murciélago.
- 4.1 Lamborghini Alar 777
- 4.2 Lamborghini Canto
Genesis
The plans for the project P132, from the then emerged the Diablo began in 1985. The aim was not only to find a successor to the Countach, but also to build the fastest production car in the world. So the car had at least 320 km / h fast, even if no buyer could ever leave it. There were no independent tests that occupied the specified maximum speed of 325 km / h, a test vehicle is to have however reached on the route from Nardo 337 km / h.
The P132 was larger, heavier and much more powerful than the Countach. It differed significantly in technical terms, but used the same engine the upstream transmission and the more developed V12 from the Countach. Marcello Gandini had the same design several body styles, until one of them was the approval of the Executive Committee of Chrysler. The tubular frame differed from that of the Countach with a longer wheelbase and the use of square instead of round tubes. The body was the expected combination of steel, alloy, carbon fiber and other expensive materials.
The V12 had a displacement of 5707 cc instead of 5167 cc of the Countach. Bore and stroke have been increased so that both the engine power and the torque increased. For the first time all versions of this engine were equipped with an on-site fuel injection system, regardless of which country they were sold.
The shape of the car was typical of the work of the vehicle designer Gandini; others he designed cars from this period confirm this Distinguishing features were long, flowing lines with large air intakes in the sides and shorter front fenders, joined to which pulled far down, flat side window. The drag coefficient was 0.31, significantly lower than the old Countach.
The interior was not designed by Gandini. It came from Chrysler in Detroit, an arrangement with two seats, a curvy lines and a wide center console.
Diablo and Diablo VT
In his presentation, 1990, the Diablo was initially offered only with rear-wheel drive. In 1993, the all-wheel drive Diablo VT was ( for viscous traction ) on the market. 1995 was presented Motor Show, the Diablo VT Roadster in December at the Bologna. They possessed all the 5.7 liter V12 with 362 kW ( 492 hp). VT and VT Roadster were built unchanged until 1999, the base model with rear-wheel drive was set in 1998.
Diablo SE 30
From 1993 to 1995, the Special Edition SE 30 to celebrate the 30th birthday of Lamborghini was built. Your uprated V12 now brought 386 kW ( 525 hp) on the road. In addition to improved facilities and a rear spoiler could recognize the special model on a small badge on the rear. Only 150 units were built
1995 Lamborghini offered in addition to the SE to the Jota package. Owners of the special edition were able to bring their vehicle to Lamborghini, where it then the Jota package has been installed. It includes two air intakes on the roof, a stronger gearbox and various measures to reduce weight by using lighter materials. In addition, the brakes of the increased engine performance have been adjusted. The increase in output to 438 kW ( 595 hp) is achieved by an improved engine electronics, an increased speed limit and a special race exhaust system. It is estimated that approximately 12 to 15 vehicles were converted. A total of 28 Jota kits were built. Whether and how many were built exactly is unknown. With the modifications of these cars, mainly because of the extreme exhaust system, incidentally, not roadworthy.
Based on the three VT 1996 Diablo VT -R were built yellow, red and orange colors. These vehicles have parts of the SE body kits including the large rear spoiler. But wheels and retractable side windows were from the normal VT. Whether these special models have the normal engine is not really known, some sources speak of a more than 400 kW ( 550 hp ) twelve-cylinder tuned.
Diablo SV
In 1995, Lamborghini Diablo SV with the uprated V12 and 375 kW before (510 hp). It lacks the all-wheel drive and the electronic chassis of the VT, but he has the stronger brakes and a revised interior. A new three-piece adjustable rear spoiler ensures more downforce. At the Geneva Motor Show was presented a roadster version of the SV in March 1998. There were only five produced, as the new owner, Audi sold with all -wheel drive Lamborghini on. Interestingly, almost all have Roadster already on the 390 kW ( 530 hp) engine and other specifications of the subsequent model refinement.
Racing models
As a racing car for a private Diablo brand trophy presented in Geneva in 1996 Lamborghini SV -R before. Based on the SV, these vehicles were equipped car for racing. Everything that was not absolutely necessary, has been removed from this racing car. They got next major spoilers also a modified suspension, a more durable braking system and special Sparco seats. Approximately 30 cars were built, including 1997, a roadster called Diablo Roadster -R. He, too, had planned a larger production, but it remained at a model. The engine output at Roadster and Coupe 400 kW ( 544 hp). Some SV - R were later even upgraded roadworthy.
Facelift in 1999
1999 took place a larger facelift, the most distinctive feature was the replacement of the pop-up headlights by fixed headlights. Also in the interior of the Diablo was updated. In addition, a new ABS braking system has been introduced and modified the chassis to bring the increased power ( including through variable valve timing ) of 390 kW ( 530 hp ) on the road. Available were the Diablo SV with rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants VT and VT Roadster.
Only available in America were two special models based on the VT and VT Roadster. The Alpine Edition (twelve Coupes produced ) has a special interior my carbon deposits and an Alpine navigation and sound system. The Diablo VT Roadster Momo Edition was also produced in twelve copies with yellow- red interior and some Momo Accessories.
Turn of the millennium brought the Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Millennium out. Limited to 30 pieces version includes an extensive two-tone leather upholstery and various carbon components. This was the last open Diablo, then there was until 2001 only enclosed versions.
Diablo GT and GT -R
Shortly before, in September 1999, the Diablo GT on the market, who has a new six-liter engine on board. At its launch, it was with a top speed of 338 km / h fastest production sports car in the world, especially since even faster cars such as the Bugatti EB110 and the McLaren F1 were no longer produced at the time. The heavily revised V12 delivers 423 kW here ( 575 hp). New larger brakes and a re modernized interior are also included. Also, the weight was reduced by lightweight construction. 80 units were built.
Again, more power, namely 438 kW ( 595 hp) offers presented in December 1999, again more extreme Diablo GT -R. Thought he was for the 2000 season of the Lamborghini Diablo Super Trophy. Only 30 units were planned to eventually have about 40 produced.
Last facelift
The six-liter V12 from the GT took place a year later in a slightly tamer version in the new Diablo VT 6.0 space. This was the last stage of evolution of the Diablo. Again, the interior has been redesigned, and he also got a modified look (among front and rear sections ). A rear spoiler was available as an option here.
At the end of production in 2001 there were still the special edition Diablo VT 6.0 SE. 44 pieces were produced with similar features as in the Roadster Millennium ( noble leather interior and Carbon applications). The SE was available in two finishes: Oro Elios (Gold) and Marrone Eklipsis ( Brown). In addition, an Alpine navigation system was originally provided.
The successor to the Murciélago came in 2001.
Motors and production figures
The Diablo was equipped with different variants of the V12 engine. Driven only the rear axle when the basic model as well as most sports versions like the SV, GT and GTR. The models marked with VT have all-wheel drive.
Performance and weight of the individual models
Special models
Lamborghini Alar 777
Living in Argentina under the stage name Joan Ferci Lamborghini importer and designer Jorge Antonio Fernández García builds, with official permission of Lamborghini special editions of Diablo. After the Coatl and the Eros GT-1 Ferci presented in 2007 in Buenos Aires the Alar 777 The rated power of the built- in Diablo V12 engine has been increased in this model to 700 hp.
Lamborghini Canto
In 1997, the then managing director of Lamborghini Vittorio Di Capua was planning a successor to the already getting on in years, Diablo, the Canto. Launch would have been in 1999, but on May 7, 1998 attended a congregation composed of senior Audi and VW employees on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Automobili Lamborghini SpA Sant 'Agata. The then presented Canto, Lamborghini internally also called L 147, Ferdinand Piech did not like Lamborghini and therefore was not allowed to build the car. In return, Lamborghini received financial support in the amount of 155 million euros for the five following years. This money was not only the Lamborghini Murciélago developed but also the museum, funded the development center and a large showroom.