The Lamborghini Diablo VT ushered in a new era for Lamborghini that had been a dream for the Italian automaker since the Lamborghini LM002, which didn't work out for Lamborghini. The reasons for its downfall are a complex tale for another time, but its impact is undeniable. The Lamborghini LM002 pioneered Lamborghini's first all-wheel-drive drivetrain that trickled down to the Lamborghini Diablo VT in 1993, making it the first V12-powered AWD Lamborghini. While adding a few pounds, the AWD system in the Diablo VT offered a performance edge over its competitors, with drivers noting its ease of control, especially at high speeds. Its 523 horsepower, compared with better power transfer to the wheels, helped it wrestle corners and maintain grip like claws digging into the tarmac. However, Lamborghini didn't just stop at the AWD system. Being the first update since initial production, the Diablo VT got some enhancements, such as a slightly revised exterior, new suspension, engine refinements, and other powertrain updates. These would then be passed on to the base-spec Lamborghini Diablo as other performance-oriented iterations, such as the Diablo SE30 and Diablo SV, were put into production. Lasting six years in production makes the Lamborghini Diablo VT relatively easier to find than some of the models that preceded it due to its slightly higher production numbers. Market prices average around $320,000, but appreciation in recent years has seen some examples sell for well more than that, even going over the half-a-million-dollar mark. Before delving deeper into the pocket-emptying side, let's take a look at how the Diablo VT came to be and the engineering behind it.
Ferruccio Lamborghini, having owned several grand tourers, most of them Ferraris, preferred making high-performance grand tourers. However, this changed due to evolving customer needs, and he aimed to beat his biggest competitor, Ferrari. Shifting their focus from grand tourers to high-performance supercars, Lamborghini launched the iconic Lamborghini Countach, their first true supercar embodying Ferruccio Lamborghini's extreme and futuristic car goals. The Lamborghini Diablo preceded the Countach, beginning as a concept in 1985 under the name Project 132. Before its debut in 1990, the Diablo saw a rough concept stage with Marcello Gandini quarreling with Chrysler Corporation, who had bought Lamborghini in 1987 about the car's design. Chrysler Motors would settle for a rounder design while Gandini implemented his design on the Cizeta Moroder V16T, which he co-designed with Claudio Zampolli, who had worked at Lamborghini. Three years into the Diablo's production run, Lamborghini unveiled the Lamborghini Diablo VT at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show. It had some cues different from initial production units, but the biggest change was when Lamborghini used a viscous center differential, making the Diablo VT all-wheel-drive. The all-wheel-drive system was an iteration of the Lamborghini LM002's four-wheel-drive system. Though not full-time AWD, the Diablo VT's AWD system significantly improved the car's handling and, hence, its overall performance. It would pioneer the Lamborghini Murcielago, which was sold optionally with AWD. Lamborghini then implemented it on the Gallardo, Aventador, Huracan, and, as recently seen, the Lamborghini Revuelto. Lamborghiniregistry.com estimates that between 1993 and 1999, 434 Lamborghini Diablo VT examples were made, all at Lamborghini's assembly plant in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy.
Sharing the same underpinnings as the base model Diablo, the Lamborghini Diablo VT featured a square-tube steel space frame chassis reinforced around the cockpit with lightweight materials, including carbon fiber, to reduce the car's overall weight. Sitting on the rear end of the chassis is a 5.7-liter V12, but instead of 492 horsepower, it makes 523 horsepower, primarily sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. The slight but significant power bump results from tweaks to the timing system, a revised engine management system, and new intake manifold covers. Making the Diablo VT all-wheel-drive is a centrally positioned viscous differential that can allow up to 25% of the engine's power to the front wheels. To implement this, Lamborghini developed their Viscous Traction traction control system from which the Diablo VT gets its name. How does it work? In situations such as during high-speed cornering where the rear wheels might experience a loss of grip, the viscous differential actively transfers power to the front wheels via the Viscous Traction system. This system has sensors on each wheel, seamlessly integrated with the engine management system. Its only disadvantage is that it packs on a few pounds to the Lamborghini Diablo VT which weighs 3,583 pounds, 109 pounds more than the base model Diablo. However, it still clocked an impressive 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds and even surpassed Lamborghini's initial 196 mph goal with a 201 mph top speed.
The Lamborghini Diablo VT's cabin showcases a blend of classic luxury grand-tourer styling and modernity while still sticking to the main focus, functionality, and driver engagement. As with the standard model, the seats, dashboards, door panels, center console, and steering wheel are all wrapped in high-quality leather, which, despite being over two decades old, exudes elegance even in the little creases and imperfections. The leather aside, a gated manual shifter serves as the cabin's centerpiece and will have any driver wanting to shift through every gear as the harmonious V12 sings behind the cabin. Lamborghini layered the engine bay with carbon fiber to reduce weight and, most importantly, to insulate the cabin from engine noises. However, it still didn't block the engine's melodious tune as it revs to 7,500 rpm. Keeping up with the 90s, an Alpine stereo with a remote 6-CD changer and cassette compatibility, adjustable seats, electric windows, and remote locking were standard equipment in the Lamborghini Diablo VT. Additionally, a subwoofer was installed to complement the door speakers, which sounded great, allowing drivers to blast Dr.Dre Snoop Dogg's and "Nuthin' but a "G" Thang," released one year before the Diablo VT.
From a visual perspective, the Lamborghini Diablo VT remains unchanged from the base model Diablo, except for air intakes on the front bumper below the driving lamps to improve brake cooling and slightly larger intakes in the rear arches. Gandini, a master of form-following function design shown through the Diablo and its predecessors, crafted the front bumper with a low and wide wedge-shaped front fascia, giving the Diablo VT an attacking demeanor. It also contributes to efficient airflow and downforce as it pierces the air like a sharp knife through butter. Moving on to the side profile, the massive side skirts add to the car's bold design and integrate cooling ducks towards the rear wheels, which, like on the Lamborghini Countach, are like chunky rubber slaps designed for maximum traction. The tires are wrapped around custom-designed OZ Racing aluminum alloy wheels, a must-have should you decide to buy a Lamborghini Diablo SV. High-mounted quad exhaust tips perfect the rear aesthetic, but it would have been nice if Lamborghini made a wing optional for a distinctive visual character, not necessarily for aerodynamic purposes.
Designed to make drivers feel comfortable at the very edge of performance, the Lamborghini Diablo VT exemplifies excellence in every aspect of its engineering. The fully independent suspension got revised electronically adjustable Koni dampers with four settings, one being automatic, which is governed by the vehicle speed, adjusting the suspension automatically from predetermined maps from driving tests on different road conditions. If the speed exists, the automatic mode's set limit the suspension automatically adjusts to offer a stiffer ride for enhanced performance and handling. Lamborghini partly moved away from the traditional rack and pinion steering system, introducing a powered rack and pinion steering system, greatly contributing to the Diablo VT's handling ease. Also enhancing performance is a new Brembo braking system that significantly improves the car's safety during high-speed braking. Lastly, the Lamborghini Diablo VT's body was made from aluminum and carbon fiber panels, thus reducing weight to the best possible minimum.
Being among the most sought-after supercars from the 1990s, the Lamborghini Diablo VT doesn't come cheap. Its collectability and desirability drive prices up as years go by. Market prices range between $200,000 and $500,000 depending on the spec, history, and model year, but it's common to see some examples being listed for figures nearly clocking the million-dollar mark. Nonetheless, its price is only a façade if you're set on buying one, and at Exotic Car Trader, we can help you find your dream Lamborghini Diablo VT. And if you have developed a liking for Italian bulls, you might just find a suitable bullpen companion from our Lamborghini listings.
The Lamborghini Diablo VT was more than an evolution of the Lamborghini Diablo. It was a leap forward for Lamborghini, showcasing the future Ferrucio Lamborghini wanted his cars to take perspective. Today, its stunning visual appeal continues to turn heads, and enthusiastic drivers praise it for its exceptional performance and handling. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! With its capabilities, the Lamborghini Diablo VT isn't the type of car you buy and let sit watching prices and hoping to sell it for a fortune more than what you bought it for. It's a car you take out occasionally, perhaps on a weekend, and if you do so, you are guaranteed to return home with a night-lasting wide grin.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE
