On the 1992 Geneva Auto Show, Lamborghini presented a prototype of an open-top version
of their flagship, the Diablo Roadster, but it took another three years of work and
development to have the Diablo VT Roadster ready for sale.
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It was however a little reworked, it wasn't quite the same car as the prototype three years
earlier. The bodywork was altered, the side-air intakes used a design similar to the one
seen on the Diablo SE model, with the two vertical slots leading air onto the rear
disc brakes.
The front spoiler was completely redesigned to distinguish the VT Roadster
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from it's 'normal' closed counterparts, the fog lights were now separated, two rectangular lights
and two circular lights were used instead of the four square units on the closed Diablo's.
Also twin air intakes were mounted next to these rectangular lights to guide air to the front
disc brakes.
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The rear bumper used a design similar to the one used for the SE model, this way the backup
light and the rear fog lights were built into the bumper, the grille between the rear taillights
was also close to the SE styling grille. The VT Roadster now used four oval exhausts instead of
the earlier round ones.
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The engine cover had been redesigned, together with the bodywork behind both passengers, because
that's were the roof was stored when not in place above the driver. This roof section was made of
carbon fibre to keep the weight down, but Lamborghini was going to offer an electric system to
open and close the roof. This system would be developed in association with the Swiss Lamborghini
importer Affolter (see the GT's section). When the roof was stored in the engine lid, it
didn't remain open when accessing the engine, you would have to put the top back in place
when checking the oil.
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The last thing you'd notice on the outside were the specially designed rims, 17 inch tall front
and rear, also with the three-piece design, but slightly different from the original Diablo
ones. By the way, the Roadster was only available in VT version, an SV Roadster
with rear wheel drive was developed by the factory, but was never actually available.
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On the inside the Roadster was much like the latest Diablo VT from which it used the entire dashboard
configuration, one thing was unique for the Roadster however, the seats were slightly modified
and used a completely different stitching for the seat and backrest. Also the leather used was
especially selected for the Roadster, since the possibility of rain was always present and
the leather would have to resist to direct sunlight too when driving
top-less, for which the Roadster was intended of course.
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