2000 Lamborghini Diablo GT

Lamborghini produced the mid-engine Diablo supercar from 1990 through 2001. Serving as a replacement for the Countach, which had enjoyed a seventeen-year production lifespan, the Diablo was replaced by the Murciélago after 2,884 examples had been produced. First exhibited publicly at Monaco in January 1990, the Diablo set new benchmarks in supercar design, improving on its illustrious predecessor in every way. The styling was courtesy of Marcello Gandini, the man who had designed the Lamborghini Miura and Countach, and the family resemblance was obvious.

At the heart of the Diablo pounded a 348 cubic-inch (5.7 liter) dual overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder version of the company's existing V12 engine. With computer-controlled multi-point fuel injection, the produced 485 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, giving it a top speed of 325 km/h, the first production Lamborghini capable of attaining a top speed in excess of 320 kilometers per hour (200 mph).

The steel spaceframe chassis was developed from the Countachs but constructed of square-section rather than round tubing and incorporating 'crumple zones' at the front and rear. The bodywork was formed from carbon fiber composite panels, first seen in the Countach Evoluzione model, and the revised suspension was capable of accommodating the envisaged future developments of four-wheel drive and active suspension.

Lamborghini Diablo Derivatives - the four-wheel-drive VT, high-performance SV and lightweight SE30

The Diablo VT was introduced in 1993 and equipped with a modified version of LM002's 4WD system with a viscous center differential (VT for viscous traction). The Diablo SE, also introduced in 1993, commemorated the company's 30th anniversary. Engine modifications boosted output to 523 horsepower, the overall weight of the vehicle was reduced, and the adjustable-stiffness anti-roll bars could be controlled from the interior on the fly. A total of 150 examples of the SE30 models were built, including 15 converted to 'Jota' specification (although 28 Jota kits were produced). The Jota was a factory modification kit that updated the SE30 into racing specifications. A pair of air ducts protruded above the roofline, funneling air into the intake system. Engine output was tuned to produce 595 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque.

The Diablo SV, for Super Veloce, had 510 horsepower at 7,100 RPM and 428 lb-ft of torque at 5,900 RPM, and the two-wheel drive configuration. Modifications included an adjustable rear spoiler, black tail lamp surrounds, dual front fog lamps, repositioned rear fog and reverse lamps, and an extra set of front brake cooling ducts. Behind the larger 18-inch front wheels were larger 13.4-inch brake discs.

A roadster version of the Diablo VT was introduced in December 1995, featuring an electronically operated carbon fiber targa top which was stored above the engine lid when not in use. They had quad rectangular driving lamps with two rectangular and two round units, a revised front bumper, 17-inch wheels, repositioned brake cooling ducts, and the rear ducts had a vertical painted design.

The Lamborghini Diablo GT

The Diablo received a substantial makeover in 1999 with the introduction of fixed-lens headlights, a revised dashboard layout, and a power increase to 529 horsepower. The second-generation Diablo was accompanied by the Diablo GT, a track-focussed, road-legal version partly inspired by the GT2 racing variant developed the previous year. Its more aggressive appearance was courtesy of its racing-style front air dam and three-piece split-rim OZ alloy wheels. The heavily ducted front luggage compartment lid and roof-mounted ram air scoop funneled cooling air to necessary components, and the front wings were flared substantially to accommodate its wider track. The race-developed rear diffuser incorporated a suitably raucous exhaust and the rear wing was made of carbon fiber, one of the many components formed from this exotic, lightweight, rugged material. The proliferation of carbon fiber throughout the car was so substantial that only the steel roof and aluminum doors retained their original integrity.

The 'lightweight' and 'carbon fiber' themes continued to the interior, with carbon fiber internal paneling and racing bucket seats being contributory factors in the saving of over 70 kilograms relative to the second-generation SV. There were 4-point seatbelt harnesses, a bumper-mounted reversing camera, a smaller steering wheel, and an optional Alpine LCD screen for GPS navigation. The airbags could be optionally omitted, and air-conditioning remained part of the standard equipment list.

Modifications to the engine included a longer stroke of 84 mm (from 80mm), bringing displacement to 6.0 liters and output to 575 horsepower. The transmission was the same 5-speed unit as used in other Diablo variants, but different gear ratios could be specified by the buyer. In keeping with the quest to keep weight at a minimum, the all-wheel-drive system was omitted. Compared to the original 1990 Diablo, the Diablo GT was 120 kilograms lighter. Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 120 mph.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2005