Page 1 of 1 Using the lessons learned from the experimental GT2 racing car developed during 1998, Lamborghini created the Diablo GT production car. Launched at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, it was a strictly limited edition model of which just 80 were made available to customers. While strictly speaking not a racing car, the Diablo GT was definitely track-ready and was only homologated for use on the road in Europe.
What was carried over from the GT2 was the enlarged, 6-litre version of the production Diablo's V12 engine. The displacement increase was achieved by increasing the stroke from 80 to 84 mm. Many of the engine's internals were also addressed with strengthened titanium con-rods, a lightened crankshaft and improved variable valve timing. Further changes included a carbon-fibre intake plenum and a revised exhaust system. The result was an output of 575 bhp, which represented a 45 bhp increase.
Mated to a five-speed gearbox, the engine was mounted in a lightened chassis. Much of the weight saving was the result of the removal of the four-wheel drive system. The Diablo GT also featured bespoke bodywork. This included a full width rear wing, a snorkel on the roof to feed fresh air into the carbon-fibre composite intake plenum and a large vent on the nose that served to extract the hot air from the oil cooler. The rest of the bodywork was also modified to the extent that only the doors and roof of the Diablo VT were carried over.
On the inside there were also numerous changes. Racing-inspired bucket seats complete with four-point harnesses were fitted. Many of the trim components were made from bare carbon-fibre. A smaller steering wheel also came as part of the package. Among the options was an Alpine GPS navigation system that also included a backup camera mounted under the rear wing. Thanks to the extensive work, over 160 kg was shaved off the Diablo VT's weight.
Deliveries of the first cars started in September of 1999 and the 80 examples earmarked for customers were all built by the end of 2000. The GT was further developed into the GT-R, which was a pure racing car and launched at the 1999 Bologna Motor Show. The GT-R was particularly successful in Australia. In detuned form, the 6-litre engine was later also fitted to regular production Diablos.
Far more than a limited production model intended to spruce up sales, the Diablo GT remains as the most hardcore road legal version of the Diablo. Even though it was originally only available in Europe, some cars have made it to the United States. Page 1 of 1
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Diablo GT
Using the lessons learned from the experimental GT2 racing car developed during 1998, Lamborghini created the Diablo GT production car. Launched at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show, it was a strictly limited edition model of which just 80 were made available to customers. While strictly speaking not a racing car, the Diablo GT was definitely track-ready and was only homologated for use on the road in Europe.