Lamborghini Diablo (Ultimate Guide)

Lamborghini Diablo

The Lamborghin Diablo was launched in 1990 as the successor to the iconic Lamborghini Countach. Chrysler bought Lamborghini in 1987 and the Diablo was developed under their stewardship. The Diablo name came from the Spanish word for “Devil”. Like the Countach before it, the Diablo shape was penned by Marcello Gandini. The design elements included the slant front end, steeply raked windscreen and scissors doors. However, the final design was refined by Chrysler’s studio in the USA, smoothened all sharp edges and corners, improved cooling and aerodynamics. Overall, the Diablo design looks amazing even now over 30 years after its initial launch.

From a platform perspective, the Diablo was merely an enhancement of the Countach. It still had a spaceframe chassis, aluminium body and transmission layout that was largely unchanged, with the exception that the new car gained more length, width and wheelbase as well as a touch more cabin space. As a result, a standard Diablo tipped the scale at more than 260 lbs heavier than the last Countach.

Straightline performance was never a problem to the Diablo, because it’s epic 5.7-litre V12 produced close to 500 horsepower. It recorded 0-60mph in 4.5 second and a top speed of 202 mph by independent magazines. It was the fastest production supercar of its time (not for very long in fairness). The V12 was always the jewel of the crown. Powerful and sharp throttle response aside, it impressed most with its thundering roar, a sound we will never tire of. Louder and rawer than Ferrari’s V12, the Lamborghini engine noise was still the top of the supercar bunch. Handling was average at best, the Diablo just too heavy, too wide, too bulky to handle. Several updates over the years improved the Diablo immensely and by the end of its production run it was considered a legitimate top-tier supercar. Below, we take you through the models, history and specs as well as anything else you could ever want to know about the Lamborghini Diablo.

The Basics

• Years: 1990-2001

• Production: 2,884 units

• Assembly: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

• Layout: Longitudinal rear mid-engine

• Driven Wheels: RWD/AWD

• Engine: 5.7L – 6.0L Nat Aspirated V12

• Original price (base): $239,000

• Predecessor: Lamborghini Countach

• 
  

  
  

  Successor: Lamborghini Murcielago

Diablo Fun Fact

The Lamborghini Diablo had no ABS until 1999, and no power steering until 1993. That’s right folks, a massive mid-engined V12 with over 485 hp, rear drive and no ABS or power steering. Sounds like a boatload of fun (and wet underpants).

Best Diablo? The Diablo VT 6.0

For VT 6.0, Lamborghini has lengthened the stroke by 0.16 inch, lightened the crankshaft, used lighter and stronger titanium connecting rods, and updated the old 16-bit engine-control system to a more powerful 32-bit unit. As a result, peak engine output was up to 543 horsepower at 7100 rpm, 20 more than found in the prior Diablo. Torque was up 11 pound-feet to 457 at 5800 rpm. The character of the car was also changed, a much more enjoyable and less scary drive.

Lamborghini Diablo (1990)

• Years: 1990 – 1998

• Production: 900 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 492 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 4.09 seconds

• Top Speed: 204 mph

Lamborghini Diablo. Owners started taking delivery of the Diablo in June 1990, five years after the start of the project. The Diablo sold well and was loved by the press. Only faults were heavy steering and heavy operation clutch.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VT

• Years: 1993 – 1998

• Production: 400 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 492 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 4.09 seconds

• Top Speed: 204 mph

Lamborghini Diablo VT. The biggest difference with the Diablo VT and earlier versions was the addition of all wheel drive for the first time. It had a viscous center diff that could transfer up to 25% of the torque to the front wheels to improve traction.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo SV

• Years: 1995 – 1998

• Production: N/A units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 492 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 204 mph

Lamborghini Diablo SV. The Sport Veloce (SV) version of the Diablo was a 2WD version that also befitted from the 30 Edition Jota upgrades and a light drivetrain. With a potent spec, it was used to transform the Diablo into the SVR race model.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster

• Years: 1995 – 1998

• Production: ~200 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 492 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 4.09 seconds

• Top Speed: 204 mph

Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster. The Diablo VT Roadster was introduced in 1995 and had a targa top. Besides the roof, the roadster’s body was altered from the fixed-top VT model in a number of ways. The front bumper was revised.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VT MY1999

• Years: 1998 – 2000

• Production: N/A units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 530 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 446 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.95 seconds

• Top Speed: 208 mph

Lamborghini Diablo VT (MY 1999). The 2nd generation VT coupé received the same cosmetic and mechanical upgrades as the SV model, including the open headlamps, restyled interior, 529 hp V12 engine, and ABS. A great all around update.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster MY1999

• Years: 1998 – 2000

• Production: 100 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 530 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 446 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.95 seconds

• Top Speed: 208 mph

Lamborghini Diablo VT (MY 1999). The engine lid was changed substantially in order to vent properly when the roof panel was covering. Roadster also featured revised wheels. The air intakes on top/sides were made larger than the coupe Diablos.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo SV MY99

• Years: 1998 – 2000

• Production: 100 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 530 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 446 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.85 seconds

• Top Speed: 201 mph

Lamborghini Diablo SV (MY1999). Diablo received a mid-cycle facelift in 1999. They simplified the model range by eliminating the “base” Diablo (SV became the new entry-level). Power and torque both got a bump and gone were the pop up lights.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo GT

• Years: 1999

• Production: 83 units

• Engine: 6.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 575 bhp @ 7,300 rpm

• Torque: 465 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 210 mph

Lamborghini Diablo GT. In 1999, fans were surprised when the Diablo GT was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show. It combined the modifications of the GT2 race car with the craziness of the Diablo to offer serious road racing performance.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0

• Years: 2000 – 2001

• Production: N/A units

• Engine: 6.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 550 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 457 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.95 seconds

• Top Speed: 208 mph

Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0. The Diablo VT 6.0 was the result of Audi starting to influence Lamborghini. A major development of the original design, not only on the outside but also on the inside and the underpinnings of the Diablo.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini The Malcolm Forbes Diablo

• Year: 1991

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 492 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 4.09 seconds

• Top Speed: 204 mph

Lamborghini Lamborghini The Malcolm Forbes Diablo. When the new Diablo was presented to the public back in January 1990, the late Mr Forbes was present. He liked the Diablo, so he ordered it finished in custom ‘money green’ over a gold leather interior.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo SE30 (Special Edition)

• Year: 1994

• Production: 150 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 525 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds

• Top Speed: 207 mph

Lamborghini Diablo SE30. To celebrate Lamborghini’s 30th year as a road car maker, a special edition Diablo called the SE30 was offered in 1993. It was the fastest car Lamborghini had made: 207 mph flat out and 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo SE Jota

• Year: 1995

• Production: 28 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 595 bhp @ 7,300 rpm

• Torque: 471 ft lbs @ 4,800 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 211 mph

Lamborghini Diablo SE Jota. Automobili Lamborghini SpA had the Jota kit developed by Lamborghini Engineering SpA which we could call the ‘Squadra Corse’ department back in those days, in fact from the 28 kits made for 1995 only 12 were built at the facility.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Diablo SE Corsa and Jota P

• Year: 1995

• Production: N/A units

• Engine: N/A

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Diablo SE Cora & Jota P. Before the Diablo GT1 was built by SAT, Automobili Lamborghini SpA had a Diablo SE modified with the Jota performance option. This would allow the Diablo SE Jota to be legally entered into GT racing throughout the world,

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo SV-R

• Year: 1996

• Production: 31 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 540 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 441 ft lbs @ 5,800 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds

• Top Speed: 205 mph

Lamborghini Diablo SV-R. The Diablo SV-R was the first Lamborghini that was officially entered into racing by the factory, although the actual drivers weren’t factory pilots, it was still the closest thing to a race car Automobili Lamborghini SpA ever built, beside the Formula one engines they built.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VT-R

• Year: 1996

• Production: 3 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 492 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,200 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 4.09 seconds

• Top Speed: 204 mph

Lamborghini Lamborghini Diablo VT-R. A Lamborghini Diablo VT-R started life as a ‘normal’ Diablo VT, but it was build on special demand only, production of this ‘factory custom’ was halted after only 3 cars. The intention was to produce five cars, but after the third was ordered, Audi AG took over.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Diablo Roadster VT-R

• Year: 1997

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 540 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 441 ft lbs @ 5,800 rpm

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: 208 mph

Lamborghini Diabo Roadster VT-R. In 1997, Automobili Lamborghini SpA built a one-time special car for a single-marque championship, a Diablo Roadster in the VT-R edition. Based on the VT Roadster MY1995, but for some reason it was equipped with two wheel drive only and used a highly tuned V-12 delivering nearly 600 bhp in full race tuning.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo GT1

• Year: 1997

• Production: 2 units

• Engine: 6.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 655 bhp @ 7,500 rpm

• Torque: 506 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Diablo GT1. During 1996, Automobili Lamborghini SpA contacted SAT in France to design and build a race version of the Diablo to be able to compete in the GT championships, much like the Porsche GT1 from 1997, this was a car that needed to be based on a production car, but with a completely race oriented setup.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo SVS

• Year: 1997

• Production: 2 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 540 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 441 ft lbs @ 5,800 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds

• Top Speed: 205 mph

Lamborghini Diablo SVS. Worldwide only two or three of these Diablo SVS models were built, with the same highly tuned engine, gearbox and suspension settings as a Diablo SVR race car but with a completely normal interior finished in alcantara just like on the Diablo SV.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo GT2 (Test Car)

• Year: 1998

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: N/A

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Diablo GT2 (Test Bed Car). This car was a test bed for new technologies, but was not initially intended to be sold. The SV-R was a very competitive car and a new race car wasn’t needed at that time, also the styling for the GT2 was surprisingly similar to those of the Swiss based Affolter tuned cars.

Guide

Lamborghini Diablo SV Roadster

• Year: 1998 – 1999

• Production: 6 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 530 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 446 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 201 mph

Diablo SV Roadster. Lamborghini SpA decided not to actively commercialize the Diablo SV Roadster, although several demands were already made by the US importer. The US-distributor did custom built some roadsters in the U.S by doing exactly what the factory would do.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo Alpine Edition

• Year: 1999

• Production: 12 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 530 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 446 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.95 seconds

• Top Speed: 208 mph

Lamborghini Diablo Alpine Edition. During the 1999 year, a very special series of only 12 Diablos was built for the U.S market to celebrate the relationship between Lamborghini and Alpine Car Audio. The Diablo VT was used as a base to show what could be done with car electronics those days.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo SV Monterey Edition

• Year: 1998

• Production: 20 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 510 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,900 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 204 mph

Lamborghini Diablo SV Monterey. This very special limited Diablo SV edition was only 20 times made, so they were sold out almost at once, and prices went up. If you could obtain one through some dealer you would have to pay a large amount of money. The Monterey Edition used a slightly redesigned air intake in front of the rear wheels.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VS Victoria Secret Special

• Year: 1998

• Production: N/A units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 510 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 428 ft lbs @ 5,900 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds

• Top Speed: 204 mph

Victoria Secret Diablo. If you had about $ 350,000 to spare for a very special Christmas gift, you could always try to get one of the very limited edition Diablo VS special Lamborghini’s. This wasn’t a real factory special but a custom ordered Diablo SV modified for Victoria’s Secret, in cooperation with Lamborghini USA.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster Momo Edition

• Year: 1999

• Production: 12 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 530 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 446 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.95 seconds

• Top Speed: 208 mph

Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster Momo Edition. The Diablo VT Roadster Momo was in fact a cosmetic upgrade of a standard VT Roadster, a custom two color interior was installed into this car, a red over beige Leather/Alcantara covered the seats and the dashboard. Special four point seat belts by Momo were used to keep you seated.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Millennium

• Year: 2000

• Production: 30 units

• Engine: 5.7 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 530 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 446 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.95 seconds

• Top Speed: 208 mph

Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Millennium. The Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster had a limited run of 30 cars for the 2000 model year and was given the “Millennium Roadster” name. You could only get it in two colors (Titanium Metallic and Yellow).

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo GT-R

• Year: 2000

• Production: 30 units

• Engine: 6.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 590 bhp @ 7,300 rpm

• Torque: 472 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds

• Top Speed: 210 mph

Lamborghini Diablo GT-R. In comparison with the Diablo GT, GTR most important features are a modified chassis frame with integrated roll bar, improved suspensions, central fixing nut for the rims, race braking system, additional radiators for transmission oil cooling, very high performance rear wing.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0 SE (Special Edition)

• Year: 2001

• Production: 42 unit

• Engine: 6.0 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 550 bhp @ 7,100 rpm

• Torque: 457 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.95 seconds

• Top Speed: 208 mph

Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0. The aim of this special edition was to emphasise the Lamborghini Diablo in two exclusive colors: Oro Elios & Marrone Eklipsis. 42 SE’s were built, 20 in each color. Other upgrades happened too.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo GT2

• Year: 2002

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: N/A

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Diablo GT2. Recently these photos were taken at the official museum located at the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata, they show us another Diablo GT2 model based on the 6.0 model.

Guide

Lamborghini Diablo P132 (Early Prototypes)

• Year: ~

• Production: N/A

• Engine: N/A

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini P132. The Gandini design was very futuristic and aggressive looking, like the Countach was back in the Seventies, now the engine cover was made in glass, but in the early testing phase this arrangement didn’t cool the engine enough, so the idea was abandoned.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Prototype

• Year: 1992

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: N/A

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Concept. On the 1992 Geneva Auto Show, Lamborghini presented a prototype of an open-top version of their flagship, the Diablo Roadster, naturally the roof was removed and the chassis was altered to cope with this, but there were also some other changes.

Guide

Recent lamborghini DIABLO News & Updates

Lamborghini DIABLO NEWS, UPDATES, AUCTION RESULTS, WALLPAPERS AND MORE. While the DIABLO has long been out of production, there are lots of people the world over with one in their garage and millions more wishing that there was a DIABLO in theirs! Whenever we find something cool about the LAMBORGHINI DIABLO, we will post it here.

Aftermarket lamborghini diablo

they cannot help themselves and we love them for it. here are the coolest tuned diablo cars.