LAMBORGHINI DIABLO SV

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 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 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, in 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 carbonfibre 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.