 |
 | The Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0, probably the finest Diablo yet. |  |
|
 |
| Format : 750 x 374 |
| Size : 40 Kb |
|
The Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0.
Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 MY2000
The new Diablo of the third millennium is a substantial leap forward, compared to the MY 99,
presenting many technological improvements such as:
- body mainly in carbon fibre
- new 6 liter engine
- wider front and rear tracks
- improved exhaust system
- new 32 bit microprocessor for the engine management system
- upgraded chassis
- completely redesigned interior
- new air conditioning system
The Diablo 6.0 sets a new benchmark for the high performance sports cars.
|
| Format : 750 x 507 |
| Size : 79 Kb |
The only comparison can be made to the Diablo MY 99 with an increase of the engine capacity of 285 cc,
to 5,992 cc, delivering 20 hp more, reaching then a maximum power of 550 hp. The torque is even better
with 620 Nm at 5,500 rpm instead of 605 Nm compared to last year model.
Since Automobili Lamborghini SpA decided to halt all other Diablo production, no Roadster or SV version of this
magnificent new Diablo will be available, rumors are the Roadster will return as late as 2003 and will naturally
be based on the Diablo successor. Another rumor did mention the production of a long and short wheelbase version
of the Diablo VT 6.0, but this is highly unlikely, since it would mean the new chassis would need to be
homologated again, causing a rather high cost for the final year of production for the Diablo, this
will probably not happen.
In line with the Lamborghini tradition many technical improvements have been made to the engine management system,
to the chassis, to the suspensions and to the exhaust system. Also in line with the tradition is the body design
|
| Format : 750 x 513 |
| Size : 95 Kb |
of the car which has been modified in the front with a new bumper and spoiler, and wider fenders to house the wider
front and rear tracks. The rear bumper has also been redesigned, now holding twin exhaust pipes located at the middle
of the car, much like the rear treatment used on the Diablo GT, from which both tail light units were
taken too.
|
| Format : 697 x 458 |
| Size : 67 Kb |
The entire body is now built in carbon fibre except the doors which for safety reasons are
in aluminium and the roof which is made out of steel, as it is a structural part of the chassis.
The chassis has been reinforced with carbon fibre inserts increasing the torsional rigidity of the structure.
The new design of the massive 18-inch single piece wheels also sets the Model Year 2000 Diablo apart from the
earlier models in the series.
The new 6 liter V12 engine gives an output of 550 hp (405 kW) at 7100 rpm with a maximum torque of
|
| Format : 750 x 425 |
| Size : 107 Kb |
620 Nm at 5500 rpm. It is equipped with a variable intake valve timing system
(derived from the well proven one already used in the Diablo MY 98 and MY 99) in order to guarantee
good charge efficiency and good torque not only at high r.p.m. but also at low speed.
The new 6 liter V12 engine is equipped with titanium connecting rods and a lighter crankshaft
to improve performance. The exhaust system has been redesigned to reduce the back pressure and integrates
the Lamborghini ENCS system for noise control.
Engine Management System
In order to guarantee not only high performance but also a good driveability at low speed, whilst
maintaining emission requirements, a new version of the Lamborghini Engine Management System LIE has
been designed, with a more powerful hardware (state of the art 32 bit microprocessor) and a very sophisticated
software. The ignition now features individual coils directly fitted on to the spark plugs; fuel injection is
sequential multi point, as in Lamborghini tradition. Lamborghini Data Acquisition System (LDAS) and diagnostic
functions are integrated in the system.
Exhaust noise control system (ENCS)
|
| Format : 600 x 285 |
| Size : 50 Kb |
It is a further development of the already existing system in the Diablo MY99 and Diablo GT.
A special design of the exhaust pipes, together with a variable geometry system based on the actuation of two valves
(controlled by the Engine Management System), allows control of the exhaust noise level both at low and high
engine speeds, with no loss of performance:
at low/medium speeds:
throttles closed, each part of the pipe included between
the throttle and the "1 in 2" or the "2 in 1" junction acts as a noise filter
(for each bank two resonance tubes with closed end "in parallel" are created) at medium frequencies
at high speeds:
throttles opened, the length difference of the pipes between
the junctions acts as a noise filter due to the "interference effect" at high frequencies.
Transmission
4WD transmission based on the well proven "VT" (Viscous Traction) system.
The gearbox control lever is in the central tunnel but in an asymmetric position in order to be
closer to the steering wheel and guarantee better ergonomics.
Recently I've received information that the Diablo 6.0 can be ordered with rear wheel drive only
for the same price as the VT version, naturally this configuration will be more 'fun' to drive
if you can handle the power. With this option the Diablo 6.0 will come very close to the experience
you'll be able to get driving a Diablo GT, since the GT was only a limited production car, this
two-wheel drive option is the closest you'll get when buying a new Diablo.
Chassis, suspension
The Diablo 6.0 now features a wider front track (+60mm) with modified suspension,
electronically improved controlled dampers and higher rigidity chassis. The rear track too has been slightly
increased. The result is a top level handling , with a substantial improvement of the car dynamics while achieving
a better suspension comfort. The clutch, brake and gas pedals have also been improved with more foot space
for comfort and driveability.
Brakes
|
| Format : 750 x 498 |
| Size : 103 Kb |
The braking system, as well as the ABS system, is derived from the well proven high performance
system of the Diablo MY 98-99. The perforated discs are of large diameter and self ventilated (335mm front, 335mm rear)
with high performance calipers and latest generation ABS system with upgraded calibration.
Because on the Diablo 6.0 the wheels are again 18 inch tall, these massive discs can easily be mounted
behind them, the new design of the rim helps to keep the air flow cooling down the perforated and ventilated disc brakes.
Body
The Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 features both new technology and new design. Based on the high level know-how
reached by Lamborghini's composite material department, most of the body parts are now made of carbon
fibre except for the roof and the doors.
Some new body colors are available for the Diablo 6.0 series, an overview can be found here.
Interior
|
| Format : 750 x 411 |
| Size : 62 Kb |
Newly designed interior incorporating carbon fibre technology. All the components such as seats,
|
| Format : 640 x 969 |
| Size : 48 Kb |
steering wheel, dashboard, central tunnel, switch panels, door panels, aim at combining a sports
style with elegance and comfort.
The steering wheel is a completely new design, with the downward facing top spokes, this wheels reminds us of the
original steering wheel once used in the 350 GTV prototype.
The massive central console holds most buttons, like the ones to operate the electric windows, this entire console
is in fact finished in a high gloss real Carbon Fiber.
Air conditioning
A completely new climate control system has been installed, allowing the best comfort even in extreme
conditions. The air conditioning is fully integrated and, to get the best comfort, the driver has just
to set the desired temperature level that will be maintained regardless of external conditions.
Information kindly supplied by :
Grant Johnson
Exclusive Inc.
US Distributor for Automobili Lamborghini SpA
|
Return to the list.
If you would like to contact me with any comments or suggestions, mail me
The Lamborghini Cars MailBox
• info@lambocars.com •
Neither this site nor my E-mail is associated with the Automobili Lamborghini Holding SpA
Lamborghini Cars is a non-commercial enthusiast website, we do not sell cars or parts, the Lamborghini name,
all model names and the Raging Bull logo are registered trademarks of
Automobili Lamborghini SpA.
| |
