LAMBORGHINI DIABLO PART 2
by David Gidman
The Diablo received a Half-life facelift in 1999. Lamborghini decided to simplify
the model range by eliminating the entry-level Diablo, so the SV model became
the new entry-level trim and applied universal revisions across the line-up.
The most immediately noticeable exterior change was the replacement of the
previous Diablo’s pop-up headlamp units with fixed composite lenses. These
were borrowed under license from their original application in the Nissan
300ZX . All models were also fitted with new 18 inch wheels. The Diablo also
received an updated interior. Instead of the traditional Italian flat dashboard
with a separate upright instrument binnacle the new dashboard was an
integrated wave-shaped design. A thin strip of black glass ran the length of
the dash and contained various instrument indicator and warning lamps. This
aesthetic design was inspired by Bang & Olufsen Hi-Fi products. featured special upholstery, MOMO 4-point seatbelt harnesses, and MOMO
chrome wheels. Like the Alpine Edition, the Momo Edition also had MOMO
logos embroidered in the seat headrests and floor mats.
The power output of the engine was increased to 529 bhp and 605 Nm of torque
for both the SV and VT models and now featured variable valve timing. For
the first time in a Lamborghini, the Diablo was equipped with an ABS system,
complementing larger diameter brake discs. Little else was changed from the
previous generation. All US-spec VT models, coupé and roadster alike, shared
the same unique front and rear fascia’s as seen on the original VT Roadster,
along with the vertical painted rear brake ducts that had debuted on the SE30
model. These cosmetic variations were available as options on rest-of-world VT
coupés. Lamborghini introduced the Diablo GT in 1998 based on the formula of the
SE30 and the SE30 Jota of which only 80 examples were produced for sale.
The Diablo GT was a track oriented version of the Diablo and featured many
unique components exclusive to this model. The GT fitted with radically altered
aggressive bodywork, a stripped-down interior, and an enlarged engine. The
GT variant was exclusive built for the European market but some were exported
to the US.
A special run of twelve Diablo VT models was produced exclusively for the US
market in 1999 and called the Alpine Edition. As the Diablo had been utilising
Alpine stereo equipment since its inception, this very limited production was
intended to showcase and celebrate the Lamborghini/Alpine collaboration.
The Alpine Edition was a standard Diablo VT with no engine modifications
but having carbon fibre trim in various locations, but the big news was the
multimedia system. The stereo receiver was the top-end CVA-1005 model,
with integrated navigation system. Also included in the package was a DVD
player, 6-disc CD changer, and Alpine’s top quality tweeters, midrange drivers,
and subwoofers, powered by “Lamborghini” badged Alpine amplifiers. Alpine
logos adorned the seat headrests, floor mats, and the special car cover included
with this rare model.
Another special twelve-car run of VT models for the US market consisted of
VT Roadsters and was called the Momo Edition. Like the Alpine Edition, the
Momo Edition catered to the US car buyer’s interest in aftermarket products.
Lamborghini, rather than spending money to develop certain automotive
components had been using aftermarket suppliers such as Alpine and MOMO
to outfit the Diablo. The Momo Edition was again a standard VT Roadster, but
96 wirrallife.com
The VT Roadster enjoyed one final limited run of 30 cars for the 2000 model
year, after the introduction of the Diablo VT 6.0. The Millennium Roadster
model was available in just two colours, Titanium Metallic and Yellow. The
10 cars exported to the United States were all finished in Titanium Metallic.
Besides an optional carbon fibre spoiler, special two-tone leather interior, and
the shorter-ratio SV rear differential which providing enhanced acceleration,
this model featured no significant changes from the previous design, and
merely served as a final tribute to the outgoing roadster.
Exterior changes included an all new black carbon fibre front air dam with
large brake ducts and a central vent for the oil cooler. In the front luggage
compartment lid a large air extractor was added while the small corner vents on
the front fenders were changed to NACA style ducts. The fenders themselves
were widened to accommodate a wider front track. At the rear, the bumper and
its lamps were removed entirely and replaced by a carbon fibre diffuser. The
fog and backup lamps were integrated into the outer pair of the tail lamps and
shielded a pair of large centre-mounted exhaust pipes. The engine lid featured a
large central ram air duct protruding above the roof and a rear spoiler was fitted
as standard equipment. This radical new body was composed mostly of carbon
fibre, with the steel roof and aluminium doors being the only components to
retain their standard material. Special 3-piece OZ wheels finished the GT’s
exterior package.
Interior wise, the GT had more prominent carbon fibre panels, race-spec bucket
seats with 4-point seatbelt harnesses, a smaller steering wheel, and an optional
Alpine LCD screen for Satellite navigation along with a bumper mounted rear
view camera. Despite the racing pretences of the model, air conditioning was
still installed as standard equipment; airbags could be optionally omitted.
While the basic V12 block remained the same, the engine was increased to
6.0 L, this engine would later be used in the revised Diablo VT 6.0 and had a