In 1990, the Diablo heralded a new era for the Lamborghini brand, breaking the 325 km/h speed barrier, thanks to its prodigious V12 engine, and setting an all-time record for road cars of that period.
The Diablo’s story started to take shape in 1985 with Project 132, conceived to deliver a successor to the legendary Countach and create the fastest car in the world. The first prototypes revealed sharp, visionary lines that were later refined after Chrysler acquired the Italian supercar maker in 1987, giving the model both harmony and a future-oriented vision. That was how the final silhouette was created: the scissor doors, muscular proportions, a striking rear design, and a passenger compartment that was not only sporty but also comfortable.
The Diablo was unveiled in 1990 in Monaco at the opening of the Monte Carlo Rally and produced until 2001, soon becoming an icon worldwide. Today, this legend is preserved by Lamborghini Polo Storico which, through its archive, restorations and certifications, protects its authenticity.
“The Diablo isn’t just a symbol of Lamborghini’s history; it’s also a model of growing strategic importance to Polo Storico,” commented Alessandro Farmeschi, After Sales Director at Automobili Lamborghini. “In recent years, we’ve seen a significant increase in requests for certifications and restoration services for the Diablo, in the most part due to a new generation of collectors and enthusiasts who see this car as a cultural and design icon.”
Even the name speaks of a legend: Diablo, named in honor of the legendary fighting bull of the same name which, in 1869 fought for hours against the matador José de Lara, known as “El Chicorro”.
With its 5.7-liter V12 engine, delivering 492 hp and 580 Nm torque, the Diablo could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 4.5 seconds, establishing a new speed record for road cars, reaching 337 km/h on the Nardò circuit. The tubular frame, aluminum and steel body with carbon fiber inserts—used for the first time on a production car—together with the sophisticated suspension gave the Diablo unprecedented driving dynamics. For the first time, a Lamborghini combined outstanding performance and comfort, with adjustable seats, electric windows, and Alpine stereo system—delivering luxury, design, and power without compromise.
Over the eleven years of production, Diablo evolved into various versions. In 1993, the VT model introduced all-wheel-drive for the first time on a Lamborghini super sports car, which would become a typical feature of all the V12 engines, guaranteeing greater stability and driving safety.
In 1998, with the acquisition of Lamborghini by Audi, the Diablo underwent a significant restyling: this marked the arrival of fixed headlights instead of traditional pop-ups, ABS, and the V12 with displacement increased to 6 liters. This was the start of a new stylistic and engineering phase for Lamborghini.
The Diablo’s influence extended beyond the road. With a constant presence in movies, video games, and TV programs, it captivated Hollywood in leading roles: from the red model driven by Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber (1994), to the appearances in Exit Wounds (2001), and in Die Another Day (2002), to the TV series Smallville, Nip/Tuck, and Blue Mountain State. It has been an icon in the video games of the Need for Speed franchise since the 1990s, while in a famous 1996 commercial it appears alongside top model Cindy Crawford. It’s celebrated in music too: in Jamiroquai’s music video for Cosmic Girl it became a pop symbol for an entire generation. Celebrities such as Jay Leno, Mike Tyson, Dennis Rodman, Jay Kay, Rod Stewart, Nicolas Cage, Troy Corser, and Mario Andretti chose it, confirming it as a global status symbol and dream car.
In 2023, at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, a 1994 Diablo SE30 earned a place on the podium, confirming its timeless appeal. The Diablo’s value is constantly rising, particularly the special editions and more customized versions.
When production ended in 2001, the Diablo didn’t close a cycle; it ushered in a new era. As well as redefining the concept of the super sports car, it paved the way for all subsequent Lamborghini models. Today, thanks to the work of Lamborghini Polo Storico and the rising interest of collectors, the Diablo increasingly plays a leading role in the dialog between past and future. Thirty-five years on from its debut, it is still a symbol of extreme performance, timeless style, and technical innovation. A legacy that belongs to all Lamborghini enthusiasts.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Yes, indeed, the Diablo was an iconic supercar back in the early 90s. And yes, it was the fastest car for a short time, and it did offer 4WD for the first time on a Lambo. And it did earn a place on the podium at the prestigious Pebble Beach. But it was still tough to see out the back when reversing, forcing drivers to do the ‘Lambo shuffle’ and protrude half their body out of the car to see where they were reversing.