1991 Lamborghini Diablo

The Lamborghini Diablo took its origins and original architecture of the Countach, defined by Paolo Stanzani in 1971. Its engine still resided at the rear central position longitudinally, and the gearbox and its lever protrudes into the cabin. The twelve-cylinder engine was similar to the Countach 'Quattro Valvole' of 1985, but modifications made it more docile. The 5.7-liter displacement of the Diablo exceeded that of the 5.2-liter unit powering the Countach 25th Anniversary. It was more powerful and flexible, and fitted with an electronic injection system developed in-house, using parts from Weber-Marelli and a catalytic converter. Its 492 horsepower exceeded that of the Testarossa by 122 horses.

The multi-tubular steel frame architecture was sourced from the Countach but with a larger and stronger central cage, front and rear sub frames were designed to absorb violent shocks, and the central beam was made of composite material. It had a 15cm longer wheelbase which allowed Marcello Gandini to design a smoother and longer form while remaining true to the design language of its predecessors. Gandini, who had designed the Espada, Countach, and Miura, managed another tour de force with the Diablo. Introduced on January 21st of 1990, the Diablo was a long-overdue replacement for the Countach, which had been on sale in various guises since 1974.

The Diablo was endowed with creature comforts not traditionally associated with Lamborghini products or with supercars, including power windows and mirrors, and air conditioning. Steering remained unassisted on early examples, as did anti-lock brakes. Optional equipment included a custom-molded driver's seat, rear spoiler, factory fitted luggage set, an exclusive Breguet clock, and a remote CD changer and subwoofer.

The Diablo remained in production from 1990 to 2001 with 2,884 examples built during that time, including 401 examples built during its inaugural year. Development had begun in June of 1985 under the codename Project 132. At the time, the company was financed by the Swiss-based brothers Jean Claude and Patrick Mimran. Chrysler acquired the company in 1987 and funded the project to completion, adding design input along the way. Their design team in Detroit was commissioned to create the third redesign of Gandini's original design, 'softening' the shape and removed many of the sharp edges and corners. Gandini's original design was later realized in the Cizeta-Moroder V16T.

The name 'Diablo' continued the company's tradition of naming its cars after breeds of fighting bulls. The source of the Diable was a ferocious bull raised by the Duke of Veragua in the 19th century.

During its production lifespan, numerous modifications were made including several prototypes. The first prototype was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1992, a 'roadster' version that demonstrated what an open-top version might look like. The Diablo VT was introduced in 1993, adding an all-wheel driving system that used a viscous center differential, responsible for the 'VT' portion of the name (viscous traction). Additionally, the VT added front air intakes below the driving lamps, larger intakes in the rear arches, four-piston brake calipers, power steering, and a more ergonomic interior with revised electronically adjustable dampers.

The Diablo SE30 also arrived in 1993 as a limited-production special model in honor of the company's 30th anniversary. Modifications to the engine boosted output to 523 horsepower. It used magnesium intake manifolds, a free-flowing exhaust system, a tuned fuel system, and adjustable stiffness anti-roll bars. The power glass side windows were replaced with fixed Plexiglas, reducing the vehicle's overall weight. Non-essential amenities were removed including the power steering system, air conditioning, and stereo. Race-like features included carbon fiber seats with a four-point race harness, and a fire suppression system.

Unique design elements applied to the SE30 included special magnesium alloy wheels, SE30 badging, a new metallic purple paint color, rear cooling ducts with a vertical body-colored design, slats covering the narrow rear window of the engine lid, the addition of a larger spoiler, and the front fascia wearing straked brake cooling ducts and a deeper spoiler. The raging bull emblem usually residing on the front of the luggage lid was relocated to the nose panel between the front indicators.

Lamborghini produced 150 examples of the SE30 models and approximately 15 were converted to 'Jota' specifications. The 'Jota' was a factory modification kit designed to transform the SE30 (essentially the street-legal race car) into an actual circuit racer. Approximately 28 Jota Kits were produced. Along with exterior revisions, the engine was tuned to produce nearly 600 horsepower and 471 lb-ft of torque. The rear-view mirror was removed, the engine lid was revised, and two ducts protruded from above the roofline directing air into the intake system.

The Diablo SV arrived in 1995 and revived the Super Veloce title introduced on the Miura SV. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, the Diablo SV was devoid of the four-wheel-drive system of the VT, with its engine tuned to produce 510 horsepower at 7,100 RPM and 580 Nm of torque at 5,900 RPM. Standard equipment included an adjustable rear spoiler, black tail lamp surrounds, dual front fog lamps, additional front brake cooling ducts, larger-diameter front brakes with larger 18-inch front wheels, and repositioned rear fog and reverse lamps (similar to the setup of the SE30). The engine lid was also similar to the SE30 Jota.

A United States-only special edition of the Diablo SV was introduced in 1998 and limited to just 20 examples. It was called the Monterey Edition and came with the SE30/VT Roadster style of air intakes in front of the rear wheels. Several of the Monterey Edition cars wore vibrant colors.

In December of 1995, Lamborghini introduced the VT Roadster which used an electronically operated carbon fiber Targa top that was stowed above the engine lid while not in use. Along with the roof system, the VT Roadster had relocated brake cooling ducts which were moved inboard of the driving lamps, and the rear ducts used the vertical painted design used on the SE30. The quad rectangular driving lamps were replaced with two rectangular and two round units, and the front bumper was revised.

The roof panel resting above the engine lid meant that additional cooling vents were needed, along with larger air vents. Initially, 17-inch wheels were standard, growing to 18-inches by 1998, the same time engine output increased to 530 horsepower thanks to a variable valve timing system. Approximately 200 examples were built from 1995 through 1998.

1999 introduced a second generation of the VT and VT Roadster and the Diablo SV. The Diablo GT was introduced in 1998 and 80 examples were built. The Diablo VT 6.0 and VT 6.0 SE wore significant styling changes both on the inside and outside. Approximately 40 examples were SE models built from 2000 to 2001.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: ZA9DU07P7MLA12300

The Lamborghini Diablo served as a replacement for the Countach, which had been in production for 17 years. Upon its arrival, the Diablo was the most advanced, fastest, and most expensive vehicle that Lamborghini ever built. It was first publically debuted at Monaco in January of 1990 wearing styling by Marcello Gandini of Ital Design, the man responsible for the Lamborghini Miura and Countach. Finishing details were done by Tom Gale of Chrysler Corporation.

The Diablo used a steel spaceframe chassis which was a development of the Countach, but constructed of square-section rather than round tubing and incorporating 'crumple zones' at front and rear. There was a revised suspension capable of accommodating the future developments of four-wheel drive and active suspension. Carbon-fiber composite panels, first used in the Countach Evoluzione model, were employed in the Diablo. The engine was a 48-valve V-12 engine displacing 5.7-liters and using fuel injection for the first time. Horsepower was nearly 500 bhp and torque was rated at 428 lb/ft, an improvement of 55% over the Countach. Catalytic converters were standard, allowing the engine to comply with emissions requirements worldwide.

Along with more power, the Diablo had a lower drag coefficient than the Countach. It easily exceeded 200 mph which made it quicker and faster than the Ferrari F40, albeit marginally. It was the first Lamborghini capable of 200+ mph, and the first Lamborghini design developed with the help of wind tunnels.

A total of 900 were built through 1998. This particular example is finished in Giallo Fly over a black leather interior. It is a first-generation, low-mileage Diablo (12,000 kilometers) with the desirable factory grey rearview mirrors. It has a factory rear wing, air conditioning, power windows, and an Alpine Stereo radio with a cassette player.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: ZA9DU07P0MLA12283

This Lamborghini Diablo is the 283rd of 401 examples produced during its first year. It was delivered new to an owner in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania via Ultimate Motor Works of Longwood, Florida, wearing red over a black leather interior with red interior piping and optional rear wing. The MSRP was $245,310.

This Diablo's original owner retained the car for nearly 14 years before it was purchased by its second caretaker in 2005, and retained it for five more years before selling it to a third owner in Auburn, Alabama who kept it until 2017. In 2014, the car was treated to a major service at a cost of nearly $20,000. Among the items updated or replaced were radiator hoses, thermostat, A/C belts, valve cover gaskets, alternator, and a new clutch.

Currently, the car has fewer than 5,250 kilometers on the odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: za9de07a0mla12081

This 1991 Lamborghini Diablo is powered by a 5.7-liter V12 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The exterior is finished in white with black leather upholstery. There is a gated shifter, fixed-back bucket seats, scissor doors, a Blaupunkt radio, a rear wing, and retractable headlights.

by Dan Vaughan

In 1985 Lamborghini began designing and developing a replacement for their successful Countach model. The Lamborghini Diablo was introduced in 1990 and stayed in production until 2001. The name Diablo is Spanish meaning 'devil' and was borrowed from a type of legendary bull raised by the Duke of Veragua in the 19th century. The goal for the Countach replacement was to achieve a 315 Km/h top speed. Marcello Gandini was commissioned to design the bodywork. Chrysler purchased Lamborghini in 1987 which meant Gandini's designs had to pass Chrysler's approval. Adjustments were made that took away from the aggressiveness of the vehicle and focused more on the driver and passenger comfort. The modifications did not draw drastically away from the initial designs and Gandini was satisfied with the outcome. Chryslers influence continued to the interior of the vehicle. The Italian leather seats, steering wheel, and dashboard were all adjustable. The seats could be ordered specifically to fit the driver. The stereo system was an Alpine unit, customizable to the user's preferences with offerings of either a CD or cassette player. An optional remote CD changer and subwoofer cost additional but was still available. A Breguet clock would set the buyer back an additional $10,500 while the factory-fitted luggage cost $2600.

The Lamborghini V-12 cylinder was enlarged to 5.7 liters and given a multi-point fuel injection system. It was placed mid-ship in the Diablo and provided power to the rear wheels. The powerplant was capable of producing nearly 500 horsepower and gave the super-car a top speed of over 325 Km/h. Zero-to-sixty took just over four seconds.

For an additional $4500, a rear wing could be added to the vehicle. The engine remained cool thanks to the rear bumper which served as a spoiler that recycled the warm air from the engine with cool air. The body was mostly comprised of aluminum alloy.

The doors opened up and forward and had side windows that could be rolled down electronically. Visibility was much improved over the Countach. The side windows were designed to allow ample viewing. The rearview mirror was functional and not hindered by the engine lid.

Throughout the years, Lamborghini made subtle improvements to the vehicle. To increase sales and attract new customers, Lamborghini introduced AWD versions, Targa editions, and limited edition variants. Limited edition versions offered customers unique customization, such as the 'Victoria's Secret' theme car. In addition to the specialty and limited editions, Lamborghini offered racing variants. A version was created to compete in the GT1 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Other racing versions, such as the SVS and SV-R were factory-created racing-ready vehicles.

In 1993 to celebrate Lamborghini's 30th anniversary of automobile production they introduced the Diablo SE 30. In an effort to reduce the overall weight, the vehicle was deprived of luxurious amenities. The brakes were enlarged and the suspension was improved, giving the driver the ability to adjust the stiffness of the vehicle's suspension.

The Diablo VT was introduced in 1993 and stayed in production until 1998. The VT, meaning Viscous Traction, was given an all-wheel-drive system, power steering, four-piston Brembo brakes, a computerized suspension system with Koni shock absorbers, and an improved interior. The suspension had two settings that could be selected by the driver. The traction-control system shifted power to the front wheels when the rear wheels lost grip. The first setting was an 'automatic' mode meaning the suspension was controlled by a computer. The 'manual' mode allowed the driver to select between four different driving selections depending on the terrain and driving conditions.

A Roadster version of the VT was introduced in 1995. It had been debuted with the coupe at the 1992 Geneva Auto Show but it took another few years before it was ready for production. It was similar to the coupe but was given a removable carbon-fiber roof panel. Production continued until 1998.

The Diablo SV (Sport Veloce), introduced in 1995 and produced until 1998, was an optional package the included larger brakes, a three-piece adjustable spoiler, a revised dashboard, and an enlarged engine. The 5.7-liter twelve-cylinder engine produced 520 horsepower. The pop-up headlights were replaced with an exposed headlight system.

Auto König of Germany produced a kit for the SV that added to the mechanical capabilities of the vehicle. A twin-turbocharger system increased the engine's output to over 800 horsepower. To combat the extra power, the suspension and brakes received modifications.

1998 was the final year for the pop-up headlights. All models were built with a built-in headlight design.

1999 brought the second versions of the Diablo VT, Diablo VT Roadster, and Diablo SV. All new was the Diablo GT. These versions were only produced for the 1999 model year. The Diablo VT was a combination of mechanical and aesthetic modifications. The pop-up headlights were replaced with exposed headlamps. The dashboard was redesigned and new wheels adorned the exterior of the vehicle. ABS finally made its way onto the Diablo. The brakes were enlarged and a new variable valve timing system (VVT) was added to the V12 engine. With 530 horsepower on tap, the Diablo VT raced from zero-to-sixty in less than four seconds. A Roadster version was available which added a removable roof.

The Diablo ST was similar to the Diablo VT. Its engine featured a 530 horsepower VVT engine. The brakes were enlarged and the exposed headlamps were standard. The main distinguishing features were aesthetics.

The Diablo GT was a limited edition version that was meant for the race track and when introduced, was the fasted production car in the world. Only eighty examples were produced, all were sold in Europe. The engine was enlarged to 6.0 liters and horsepower skyrocketed to 575. The suspension was lowered and given modifications. The brakes were enlarged and provided excellent stopping power. The weight of the vehicle was reduced wherever possible, meaning the interior was void of amenities or luxury items. Wider wheels, flared fenders, and modified bodywork gave the Diablo an aggressive stance and appearance.

The third version of the Diablo VT was introduced in 2000 and produced until 2001. During its production lifespan, only 260 examples were produced. A new hybrid engine replaced the aging 5.7-liter unit. Based on the Diablo GT, the 6.0-liter VVT engine had updated software and a new intake and exhaust system, resulting in 550 horsepower. Titanium connecting rods and a lighter crankshaft added to the engine's improvements. Most of the vehicles were AWD however, upon customer request, a rear-wheel-drive system could be ordered. To improve visibility at high speeds, the windshield wipers were improved. The interior and exterior of the vehicle received styling and modernization updates, including the bumper, dashboards, seats, and more. The interior was lined in leather and airbags were standard for both the driver and passenger. Carbon fiber and aluminum were used throughout the cockpit.

In 2000 production of the Diablo ceased. However, Audi had purchased Lamborghini from Chrysler in the 1990's and decided to produced two special edition versions of the Diablo, the Millennium Roadster and the VT 6.0 Special Edition. The rear-wheel-drive Millennium Roadster was painted in 'Millennium Metallic Silver', featured a carbon fiber rear spoiler, and given the VT roadster's body. The VT 6.0 Special Edition was offered in two colors, 'Oro Elios' (gold) and 'Marrone Eklipsis' (metallic brown). The interior color matched the exterior color. Special electrically adjustable leather seats and dashboard accompanied the Alpine stereo system and DVD audio/navigation system. Twenty-one examples in each color were created, resulting in a total of 42 produced.

In September of 2001, the Diablo was replaced by the Murcielago. The SE was the final installment of the exclusive super-car, the Diablo.

by Dan Vaughan

Replacing the Lamborghini Countach, the 2-door Lamborghini Diablo SV coupe was introduced in 1990. With a total of 2,903 units produced during its lifetime, the Diablo in the name stands for 'devil' in Spanish and truly classifies the high-performance supercar built by Lamborghini of Italy.

Unveiled on January 21, 1991, the Diablo was introduced at a base price of $240,000. The Lamborghini Diablo sported a 5,7 liter 48-valve variation of the legendary Lamborghini V12 that featured a dual overhead cam and computer-controlled multi-point fuel injection that produced 492 horsepower and 427 foot-lbs of torque. The Diablo could achieve 0-60 mph in a little over 4 seconds and the capability of 202 mph as a top speed. Just like the Countach, the Diablo was rear-wheel drive with a mid-mounted engine.

The Diablo didn't feature as many bells and whistles as other cars with a price tag as extreme. It only came with basic radio functions, powerless seats, and no antilock brakes. Several options were available though, a rear wing spoiler, a customized molded seat for the driver a factory-fitted luggage set (available for $2,600), and an exclusive Breguet clock for the dash (available for $10,500).

In 1993 the Lamborghini Diablo introduced a new version, even more specialized that only attracted more faithful fans. The Diablo VT (Viscous Traction) version was built on the basic Diablo platform, but joined with a viscous-coupling type all-wheel-drive system, resized front wheels and tires that worked better with the all-wheel-drive system, an improved steering system, four-piston Brembo brake calipers and much more. The VT also came with an updated dashboard design along with a new computerized suspension system that had extremely tuned shock absorbers. The Diablo VT was manufactured from 1993 through 1998 while the Diablo VT Roadster was produced from 1995 through 1998.

Lamborghini unveiled its open-topped concept version of the VT at the 1992 Geneva Auto Show alongside the coupe. It wouldn't be until 1995 that this vehicle would be produced. This version was nearly identical to the coupe, except for its removable Targa-style carbon-fiber roof panel and different taillights.

To celebrate Lamborghini's 30th anniversary, the SE 30 Diablo was unveiled and only sold in limited numbers for 1993. A racing variant of the standard Diablo, the SE 30 was introduced with very basic features, no extras, no radio, AC, or sound deadening. The seats in the SE 30 were carbon fiber molded seats to make the entire car lighter. The vehicle also received an advanced adjustment system that was controlled with an interior knock that could instantly adjust the stiffness of the car's front and rear antiroll bars. The SE 30 didn't have ABS, but the discs were enlarged on all four wheels.

An optional add-on package to the base model, the SV (Sport Veloce) model was introduced in 1995 that was produced through 1998. This version didn't have the all-wheel-drive system or electronic suspension, but it did feature the VT's revised dashboard and much larger brakes along with a new 3-piece adjustable spoiler. The Diablo SV was powered by an upgraded version of the 5.7 liter V12 that produced 510 horsepower. Since the vehicle's air intakes were shaped slightly different, the headlamps were exposed rather than the pop-up units used on previous models from 1999 onwards. Considered by some to be the 'ultimate Diablo', the Diablo SV featured an enormous V-12 engine that was modified to reach 510 horsepower.

A tuned variant of the SV was produced by Tuning company Auto König of Germany that featured more suspension modifications, a twin-turbocharger system that pushed the SV's output to over 800 horsepower, and huge brakes.

In 1999 the second version of the Diablo VT coupe and roadster were both introduced, basically with only minor styling updates. The VT's now featured the SV's exposed headlamps along with new wheels and a completely new dashboard. Brakes were now even larger, and the ABS was finally added, along with a new variable valve timing system on the 5.7 liter V12. Horses were now up to 530, and the VT could hit 0-60 in just under 4 seconds. Unfortunately, Lamborghini decided to discontinue the Version 2 Vt's after only one year of production, despite all the money invested in updates.

The Diable SV Version 2 coupe and roadster were also introduced in 1999, and updates were mainly focused on the cosmetic side of the vehicle. The exposed headlamps stayed the same, while new wheels, larger brakes, and a new VVT equipped, 530 horsepower engine.

The SV Diablo versions were also discontinued in 1999.

by Jessican Donaldson