The Lamborghini Diablo VT

Table of Contents:

Lamborghini Diablo VT – Key Details

The Ultimate Guide to the Lamborghini Diablo VT

LAMBORGHINI DIABLO VT – THE HYPERCAR THAT BORROWED FROM AN SUV

It’s 1993 and Lamborghini needs to spice up its 3-year old flagship model: Enter the Diablo VT. In true Lamborghini fashion, they look to the last place you would expect for inspiration – an SUV. That’s right, they borrowed the 4WD system out of the LM002 for duty in their V12 supercar. This is where the VT name was derived as well, as the initial stand for viscous traction. Because Lamborghinis were known for their frightening high-speed handling, the addition of 4WD was just what was needed to attract more tentative buyers to the brand.

MECHANICALS AND DESIGN

The Lamborghini Diablo VT used the same 5.7-litre engine as the original model. Still producing 485bhp and 428 lb-ft of torque, the engine was now aided by the extra traction of the 4WD system. For example, if the rear wheels were to lose traction, the system can kick up to 25% of power to the front wheels to help out. This change helped tame the Diablo, giving it newfound handling characteristics that made it easier to drive at speed. With power now routed to all wheels, the Diablo was also much more capable and secure when driving in rain or even snow.

Aside from the 4WD system, the Diablo VT was basically the same car that had debuted in 1990. There were some minor changes, however. Those include larger intakes on the rear wheel arches and under the headlights, for improved brake cooling. Those brakes now featured 4-piston calipers for added stopping power. Minor changes to the interior aimed at increasing comfort levels. Nearly all of these changes were soon put into the base Diablo as well, save for the 4WD system.

LEGACY OF THE LAMBORGHINI DIABLO VT

The move to use a 4WD system from a big SUV was slightly strange back in 1993. The VT, however, can be credited as the forerunner for the now-ubiquitous use of AWD in all Lamborghini models. Even though the Diablo VT was basically the same car as the standard Diablo in all other regards, this one change made all the difference. Lamborghini found yet another way to stand out from the supercar crown, cementing their reputation as the “different” Italian supercar maker.

Lamborghini Diablo VT – Photo Gallery

Lamborghini Diablo VT – Technical Specifications

Lamborghini Diablo VT – Registry & Videos

If you enjoyed all this but want more, check out these additional resources.