1996 Lamborghini Raptor

In 1996, the Italian-based company Zagato built the Raptor for Lamborghini. Using CAD/CAM equipment, the prototype was ready in less than four months. Many of the mechanics were borrowed from the Diablo such as the chassis and the engine. It was on display at the 1996 Geneva Autoshow, sadly it never entered into production.

The entire front windshield, doors and portions of the roof tilt upwards allowing two passengers to enter the vehicle. The chassis is a steel, tubular box-section unit with a carbon-fibre body. The engine and drivetrain were borrowed from the Diablo VT. The four-wheel drive vehicle was powered by a 620 horsepower V-12 engine with a Z-Engineering compressor. If the vehicle would have gone into production, the compressor would have been offered as optional equipment.

Even though this was a super car, air conditioning was standard. The large disc brakes with Alcon calipers provided ample stopping power. During testing, the car proved to be worthy of the Lamborghini Name. Its aggressive styling matched its amazing power and performance.

The car was to go into limited production with an estimated 50 units to be produced. By the close of the Geneva Auto Show, there were already three orders. The pricing was never set and the project was eventually scrapped.

Since then the one-and-only prototype has visited the Pebble Beach Concours, during the celebration of the Zagato marque. It is currently residing in the United States in a private collection.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2008