2000 Lamborghini Diablo GTR Coupe (LHD) Build No. 4/30

Description

Unveiled at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo in January 1990, Lamborghini’s latest supercar was named the Diablo after a legendary 19th century fighting bull, replacing the long running Countach as the brand’s ultimate model.  Codenamed Project 132, the Diablo was largely funded by Chrysler’s acquisition of Lamborghini in 1987 and featured an all-new steel spaceframe with a longer wheelbase and wider track.  The engine was a heavily revised version of Giotto Bizzarrini’s original 60-degree V12 that dated back to 1963.  Boasting dry-sump lubrication and LIE digital multi-point fuel injection, the V12 was enlarged to 5.7-litres by taking the bore out to 87mm and the stroke to 80mm, while compression was raised from 9.5:1 to 10.0:1.   As a result of these changes peak power rose to a heady 492 bhp at 7000 rpm, while torque was rated at 428 lbs/ft at 5200 rpm, a big jump from the 25th Anniversary Countach and performance was significantly improved – top speed jumped to 202 mph and the 0-100 km/h dropped to a mere 3.9 seconds.  Initially styed by Marcello Gandini, responsible for so many Lamborghini masterpieces including both the Miura and Countach, Chrysler were reportedly unhappy with his initial proposal, softening the hard edges to reflect prevailing design trends towards softer lines but the trademark scissor doors survived.  Taking full advantage of the bigger dimensions, the Diablo’s cabin was a lot more user friendly and quality control was significantly improved.  The Diablo continued to evolve over the next decade, adding Viscous Traction, a roadster and various special editions.  Lamborghini also began racing the Diablo, initially with the SV-R developed for the one-make Supertrophy series organized by Stephane Ratel and then with the GT-R.  Based on the road legal limited-edition GT, the GT-R was launched at the 1999 Bologna Motor Show.  Powered by a 590bhp 6-litre version of the V12, changes included a multi-throttle intake manifold with an individual intake system, variable valve timing, a dynamic air inlet duct system and titanium connecting rods and a lightened crankshaft, plus a racing exhaust.  The Diablo’s platform featured a fully integrated roll cage and a rear wing that mounted directly to the chassis, the body was clothed almost entirely in carbon fibre (the roof remained in steel and the doors in aluminium), brakes were upgraded to racing Brembos and lightweight magnesium Speedline 18-inch racing wheels.  The fastest, most powerful Lamborghini built at the time, just 30 GT-Rs were ultimately produced for the Super Trophy series along with various GT series around the world.