Lamborghini Diablo Turns 35: The Icon That Shaped an Era

The Italian supercar that combined extreme style and serious performance remains a global reference.

The Lamborghini Diablo, unveiled in 1990, marked the beginning of a new era for the brand. With scissor doors, muscular proportions, and a powerful V12, the Diablo blended striking design with outstanding performance, paving the way for the modern, successful Lamborghini we know today. Even before its official launch, the Diablo generated excitement and pre-orders, quickly establishing itself as an icon of the 1990s and the automotive world.

Design, Engineering, and Technical Evolution

The Diablo was based on Project 132, featuring a revised tubular chassis and a body made of steel, lightweight alloys, and carbon fiber. Its 5.7-liter V12 produced 492 HP and 580 Nm of torque, allowing 0–100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds and top speeds exceeding 325 km/h. Throughout its production, variants such as the VT (all-wheel drive), SE30, and GT were introduced, with power outputs reaching 596 HP in the Jota version, establishing the Diablo as a versatile and evolving supercar.

From Road to Track

The Diablo excelled not only on the road but also on the track. In 1996, the Diablo SV-R debuted in the Super Sport Trophy, while the GT1 Stradale and GT-R versions competed in international championships. Thanks to its design and performance, the Diablo demonstrated that Lamborghini could combine visual spectacle with extreme sports capabilities, setting a precedent for both racing and street models.

Cultural Icon and Pop Phenomenon

Beyond engineering, the Diablo became a pop culture symbol: it appeared in films like Dumb and Dumber, Die Another Day, video games such as Need for Speed, TV shows, and music videos, becoming a car coveted by celebrities including Jay Leno, Mike Tyson, and Mario Andretti. With over 60 colors available, including 40 special custom finishes, the Diablo anticipated Lamborghini’s current trend of exclusive personalization.

Legacy and Current Appreciation

With 2,903 units produced, the Diablo not only set sales records but also expanded Lamborghini’s international reputation. Today, special editions and highly customized models are steadily appreciating in value, while requests for restoration and certification at Polo Storico continue to grow, solidifying the Diablo as a timeless icon of design, engineering, and automotive status worldwide.