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Lamborghini Diablo Through the Years: All The Details
Back in 1990, Lamborghini introduced the Diablo, a car that quickly became a benchmark for the brand. It broke the 325 km/h barrier, which at the time was about as fast as road cars could get.
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The Diablo had actually been in the works since 1985 under the internal name “Project 132,” meant to succeed the Countach and push the limits of speed.
When Chrysler got involved in 1987, the design took on some refinements, ending up with the scissor doors, wide stance, and dramatic proportions that defined the final car.
The big reveal happened in Monaco at the Monte Carlo Rally, and the Diablo stayed in production until 2001.
Today, Lamborghini Polo Storico keeps its history alive through restorations, certification programs, and an extensive archive.
The name itself comes from a 19th-century fighting bull called Diablo, remembered for a long battle against the matador “El Chicorro.” Fittingly, the car lived up to its name.
Orders rolled in before anyone had even seen it in person—this was the pre-social-media era, after all.
Along with its performance, it offered a few creature comforts that were new for Lamborghini at the time: adjustable seats, electric windows, and even an Alpine stereo.
That same year, the SE30 celebrated the company’s 30th anniversary, with more power and even wilder Jota versions.
In 1998, after Audi took over, the Diablo was refreshed with fixed headlights, ABS, and a bigger 6.0-liter V12. Special models like the SV, GT, and GT-R pushed performance further, with some venturing into racing series in Japan and Europe.
Jim Carrey pulled up in one in Dumb and Dumber, it appeared in Die Another Day, and it showed up in TV shows from Smallville to Nip/Tuck.
It’s been a mainstay in video games like Need for Speed, starred in a music video with Jamiroquai, and was owned by celebrities ranging from Jay Leno to Mike Tyson.
Buyers had plenty of ways to make theirs unique too. Lamborghini offered over 60 colors, with more than 40 customizable options.
By the time production wrapped up in 2001, 2,903 Diablos had been built—more than any Lamborghini before it.
The car’s reputation has only grown since. At Pebble Beach in 2023, a 1994 Diablo SE30 took a podium spot, and collectors continue to chase rare versions.
Prices are climbing, and Lamborghini’s Polo Storico is seeing more demand than ever for restorations and certifications.
It bridged the raw Countach era with the more refined models that followed, setting the stage for everything from the Murciélago to the Aventador.
Diablo (1990–1998) The original Diablo launched with a 5.7-liter V12 producing 492 hp. It reached 100 km/h in just over four seconds and topped out at 325 km/h. Rear-wheel drive, a five-speed manual, and dramatic styling defined this first iteration. A total of 873 were built.
Diablo VT (1993–1998) The “Viscous Traction” introduced Lamborghini’s first all-wheel-drive system on a V12 model. Power output matched the standard car at 492 hp, with similar performance figures, but added traction improved drivability. Production totaled 529 units.
Diablo VT Roadster (1995–1998) This was the open-top Diablo, combining the VT’s all-wheel drive with a targa-style removable roof. It kept the 492 hp V12 but shaved the 0–100 km/h sprint to under four seconds. Only 468 were built.
Diablo SE30 (1993–1994) Built to mark Lamborghini’s 30th anniversary, the SE30 raised output to 525 hp while cutting weight to 1,449 kg. It was the lightest and fastest Diablo yet, reaching 333 km/h. Just 157 examples were produced.
Diablo SV (1995–1999) The “Sport Veloce” focused on raw performance with rear-wheel drive only and 530 hp from the V12. It sprinted to 100 km/h in 3.85 seconds but had a slightly lower top speed of 320 km/h. A total of 346 were built.
Diablo SV-R (1996) A track-only racing variant, the SV-R packed 540 hp and shed significant weight down to 1,385 kg. It saw use in Lamborghini’s one-make racing series and was limited to just 34 cars.
Diablo GT (1999–2000) A hardcore road model, the GT enlarged displacement to 6.0 liters, delivering 575 hp and 630 Nm. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and reached 338 km/h, making it the most extreme road-going Diablo. Production was limited to 83 units.
Diablo GT-R (1999–2000) The racing evolution of the GT, the GT-R produced 590 hp, kept weight at 1,400 kg, and carried over the GT’s top speed and acceleration. Only 32 were built, aimed exclusively at motorsport.
Diablo 6.0 (2000–2001) The facelifted Diablo under Audi’s ownership featured a reworked 6.0-liter V12 producing 550 hp. It combined all-wheel drive, improved refinement, and a top speed of 330 km/h. A total of 337 were produced.
Diablo 6.0 SE (2001) The final Diablo was the limited “Special Edition,” available in unique colors and capped at 44 units. It carried the same 550 hp V12 and 330 km/h capability but marked the end of the line for the model before the Murciélago arrived.
