Lamborghini Diablo GT

About this model

With 1998’s takeover of Lamborghini by Audi, the Diablo GT2 project was abandoned. At Geneva the following year, the company unveiled the Diablo GT, a raw, track-focused road car destined for limited production. Using what they had learnt from the GT2 project, Lamborghini’s engineers overhauled every inch of the Diablo platform.

The engine’s displacement was increased to 5992 cc and was uprated with lighter and stronger internals, an ‘individual intake system’ (using one throttle unit per cylinder for higher airflow) and tweaked engine management. A redesigned exhaust system reduced back pressure and was equipped with the Exhaust Noise Control System (ENCS), a valve-actuated system allowing for variable noise between high and low speeds.

This was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, specifiable with various gear and final drive ratios to suit customer preferences. To reduce weight, the rear-wheel drive layout of earlier Diablos was adopted and the suspension and chassis frame were modified to allow the use of wider OZ alloy wheels. The body panels, besides the roof and doors, were constructed from carbon fibre and adopted many of the aerodynamic features discovered through the GT2’s development. In total, this saved 70 kg and largely improved acceleration and braking.

Inside, further use of carbon fibre was found, alongside Momo racing seats, four-point harnesses and slatherings of leather and Alcantara. The pedal position and rear visibility were improved, notably with an optional camera mounted on the rear spoiler to assist with reversing.

With the Jaguar XJ220 and McLaren F1 both out of production upon the GT’s introduction in 1999, Lamborghini claimed it was the ‘fastest production car in the world’. Depending on gearing, the top speed was between 190 and 211 mph (305-339 km/h), and owners could pick between four colour options. The GT, however, was unavailable in the US but trickled into the country via the grey market shortly thereafter.