Lamborghini Diablo
A story that begins with the “P132” prototype
The Countach successor project began in 1985. The first prototype, the P132, had a sharper wedge shape than the production model.
The Diablo, which debuted in 1990, was the first production model to break the 325 km/h top speed barrier, ushering in a new era for Automobili Lamborghini. The Diablo story begins in 1985 with the P132, a successor to the Countach, which aimed to create the world’s fastest super sports car.
The early P132 prototypes featured sharp, wedge-shaped, avant-garde lines, but after the car became part of Chrysler in 1987, the design was refined, and its harmony and future-oriented vision became clear. The final design was a beautiful two-seater mid-engine car with scissor doors inherited from the Countach and a comfortable cabin.
The Diablo was unveiled in 1990 to coincide with the start of the Monte Carlo Rally, which began in the Principality of Monaco. Since then, improvements have been made and variations have been added, and the car was produced until 2001. Now appearing at many concours d’elegance, the Diablo has become a legendary V12 super sports car, and its authenticity is carefully protected by Lamborghini’s historic car division, Polo Storico.
Alessandro Farmeschi, Automobili Lamborghini Aftersales Director, had this to say about the Diablo:
“The Diablo is an iconic model in Lamborghini’s history. In recent years, the Diablo has become increasingly strategically important for Polo Storico. In fact, we have seen a significant increase in demand for Diablo authentication and restoration services, primarily due to a younger generation of collectors who see the car as a cultural and design icon.”
“By sharing the Diablo story through archival information and documents, Polo Storico strengthens the bond with customers and enthusiasts, thereby ensuring the brand’s importance and enduring value.”
Nardo sets speed record for a production car
The Diablo, which made its debut in 1990, was brought to the Nardo test track and ran at 337 km/h, the fastest speed for a production car at the time. The photo shows the production process in Sant’Agata.
Diablo is named after the legendary bull that fought for hours against bullfighter José de Lara (known as “El Chicoro”) in 1869. Even in an era before social media or online teasers (pre-releases), Diablo quickly became a worldwide sensation, with pre-orders coming in before its announcement.
The rear-mounted 5.7-liter V12 naturally aspirated engine produced a maximum output of 492 PS and a maximum torque of 580 Nm at the time of its debut. It accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 337 km/h at the Nardo Circuit, setting a new speed record for a production car at the time.
The car is the first production car to feature a partially carbon-fiber body, and its advanced suspension delivers unprecedented driving dynamics. For the first time in a Lamborghini, the car also features innovative comfort features such as adjustable seats, electric power windows and an Alpine stereo system.
Diablo has continued to evolve over the past 11 years
In 1998, the retractable headlights were replaced with fixed headlights, and in 2001, the final evolution model, the Diablo 6.0 SE, made its debut.
During its 11-year production run, the Diablo was produced in many variations. In 1993, the Diablo VT became the first Lamborghini super sports car to feature all-wheel drive, a feature that was passed down to all V12 models, providing greater stability and driving safety.
The Diablo SE30, launched in the same year, was released to commemorate Lamborghini’s 30th anniversary. The engine’s maximum output was increased to 525 PS, and in the Diablo SE30 Jota, it was further increased to 59 PS. In 1995, the Diablo VT Roadster was released, paving the way for Lamborghini’s V12 open-top cars.
In 1998, when the car became part of the Audi umbrella, it underwent a major facelift. Retractable headlights were replaced with fixed headlights, ABS was added, and the V12 engine’s displacement was increased to 6.0 liters. The high-performance Diablo SV was introduced, and the Diablo GT, which debuted in 1999, had a maximum output of 575 PS and a top speed of 338 km/h.
Between 2000 and 2001, the Diablo 6.0 VT and Diablo 6.0 SE debuted as the final evolution of the car, designed by Luc Donckerwolke, Audi’s first chief designer.
Expanding into the world of motorsports and film
The Diablo also laid the foundation for Lamborghini’s motorsport activities, which continue to this day. The photo shows the Diablo GT1, which appeared in Japan’s JGTC.
In the late 1990s, the Diablo entered the world of motorsports. In 1996, the Supersport Trophy, a one-make championship using the Diablo SV-R, was launched, with 32 one-make racing cars produced. This was Lamborghini’s first full-scale official racing program.
Based on this experience, two prototypes of the Diablo GT1 Stradale, boasting a maximum output of 655 PS, and the Diablo GTR, a GT-based model for circuit use, were created. 401 GTRs were produced, and they competed in the All Japan GT Championship (JGTC) and GT series in Europe.
The Diablo’s influence has also spread far beyond the road, reaching movies, TV shows, and video games. Jim Carrey drives a red Diablo in the 1994 film “Ace of the Dead.” The car also has a prominent presence in films like “Dengeki” (2001) and “Die Another Day” (2002), as well as the TV series “Smallville” and “Nip/Tuck.”
Since the 1990s, he has become an indispensable icon in the popular video game series “Need for Speed,” and even co-starred with top model Cindy Crawford in a famous 1996 commercial.
