The Lamborghini Diablo is a mid-engine sports car made from 1990 to 2001. It came after the Countach and was eventually replaced by the Murcielago after its production ended in 2001. The name Diablo is the Spanish term for devil, and was the name of a ferocious bull from the 19th century.
Lamborghini Diablo Top Speed and Engine
The car manufacturer wanted to create a vehicle with a hellish top speed of at least 196 mph. It completed this task and released the 1990 Lamborghini Diablo with a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). Powered by a 5.7L V12 with dual overhead cams and 4 valves per cylinder, the Diablo was not messing around. It produced 492 PS (485 horsepower) and 428 lb ft of torque. It had a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) time of just 4.5 seconds.
Interior Features and Options
Improvements from the previous generation Countach included many comfort interior features, such as fully adjustable seats and steering wheel, electric windows, and an Alpine stereo system. Power steering became standard in 1993 while anti-lock brakes were also used in later Diablo models. If desired, a custom-molded driver’s seat, remote CD changes, and factory-fitted luggage set could be included. A rear spoiler and a Breguet dash clock filled out the list of available options.
Original Design and Production
Although Lamborghini was under different leadership then before, it turned to a familiar name for the design of the new model. Marcello Gandini, who had designed the Miura and Countach, was initially hired to design the upcoming Diablo. However, Chrysler Corporation (who bought the company in 1987) brought in their own Detroit design team to overwork the work of Gandini. The result was a reduction in sharp edges and an overall softer design which Gandini was reportedly very disappointed with, leading to him pursuing his own vehicle design, the Cizeta-Moroder V16T.
Updates and Additional Changes to the Diablo
The 1992 Geneva Motor Show introduced a prototype Diablo roadster with an open roof design. While it never hit full production, German tuner Koenig Specials received Lamborghini approval to convert a small amount of Diablos into replicas of this concept. In 1993, a Diablo VT was introduced with the additional of all-wheel drive using a viscous center differential that could put up to 25% of the torque to the front wheels. This improved handling and reduced unwanted tire slip from the rear. Improved brake cool and a more ergonomic interior were also featured. In the same year, 1993, the Diablo SE30 was produced as a limited-edition serious to commemorate the brand’s 30th anniversary. Only 150 were made. It was lighter and more powerful than the original, pushing output to 530 PS (523 horsepower) through a tuned fuel delivery system and improved intake and exhaust systems.
Mid to Late 1990s Changes in the Lamborghini World
The Diablo SV came to fruition in 1995, pushing power to 517 PS (510 horsepower), but lacking the all-wheel drive found in the VT. An adjustable rear spoiler was added, available color matched or carbon fiber. A roadster version was released in December 1995, offering an electronically-operated targa top which was stored above the engine lid when retracted. Another exclusive production of the Diablo came in 1998 with the Diablo GT. It was a track-oriented version of which only 80 were produced, all exclusive to Europe but could be imported to the US. Increased usage of carbon fiber across the entire vehicle helped reduce weight. A facelift came to the Lamborghini Diablo in 1999, removing the pop-up headlights in favor of fixed units and adding a new wave-like design to the interior dashboard. Engine output increased to 536 PS (529 horsepower) and 446 lb ft of torque. There were many changes the Lamborghini name in the 90s. In1994, Chrysler left Formula1 and sold Lamborghini to a group of Southeast Asian owners. It was sold again to Audi AG in 1998, who pushed for improvements of the Diablo before releasing the replacement Murcielago.