Lamborghini Diablo

Lamborghini developed the Diablo from 1985 to 1989 under project code 132, originally penned by Marcello Gandini and later re-shaped by Chrysler’s design center. Production began in January 1990 at the Sant'Agata Bolognese plant and ran until 2001, spanning a single 11-year generation. It was the last Lamborghini launched before Audi’s takeover in 1998.

At 4460 mm long, 2040 mm wide and only 1100 mm tall, the Diablo’s exaggerated wedge profile preserved the Countach silhouette while gaining flush pop-up headlights, smoother surfaces and bigger cooling ducts. Polycarbonate rear lights and a wide glass engine cover kept weight low and rear visibility surprisingly usable for such a dramatic shape.

Powered by an evolution of the 5.7-litre V12, early coupes produced 492 bhp, enough for 0-100 km/h in 4.5 s and—crucially—a factory-certified 325 km/h vmax. That speed figure made the Diablo the first production Lamborghini to break 200 mph, solidifying its position among the fastest road cars of the decade.

Between 1990 and 2001, Lamborghini built just under 2,900 Diablos in six major variants before handing the supercar torch to the Murciélago. Today, the Diablo is remembered as the bridge between the analog brutality of the Countach and the tech-laden hypercars that followed.