Lamborghini Diablo Celebrates 30th Year Anniversary: The Italian Thoroughbred From The 90's

However, the Diablo's journey began five years earlier in 1985 at the brand's factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese. It was codenamed Project 132, which was being developed to replace another popular supercar from the brand, the Countach.

The Lamborghini Diablo was powered by the classic 12-cylinder set-up, with a 5.7-litre engine, four overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. The engine also featured multi-point electronic injection. The engine produced a maximum of 485bhp and a peak torque of 580Nm.

The 12-cylinder engine was also responsible for the Diablo's fastest production car tag in the world at the time of launch. The Italian supercar was capable of reaching a top speed of 325km/h (203.1 mph).

The company had consulted many renowned racing drivers across the world including the rally champion Sandro Munari for the development of Diablo supercar. As a result, the Diablo features impressive dynamic behaviour and agility.

The Lamborghini Diablo featured a host of equipment offering maximum luxury at the time. This includes leather interior, air conditioning, electric windows and electrically adjustable seats. However, the Diablo was still a hardcore and barebones machine with power going to rear wheels and no electronic driving aids or power steering until 1993.

In 1993, Automobili Lamborghini launched the Diablo VT, the first Lamborghini Granturismo to be equipped with four-wheel drive. It also featured a series of mechanical improvements and stylistic changes that were also adopted on the two-wheel-drive version. In 1993, the special SE30 series was presented to commemorate 30 years since the birth of the company, with a power increase to 523bhp.

The company later launched the Diablo SV, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995. The Diablo SV was available only as a two-wheel drive version that produced a maximum power of 510bhp. The ‘SV' model of the supercar also featured an adjustable rear wing. In December 1995, the Diablo VT Roadster was launched, which was the brand's first 12-cylinder, open-roofed, mass-produced Lamborghini offered with the four-wheel-drive transmission only.

In the year 1999, the Automobili Lamborghini became part of the Audi Group. Marking the alliance, the company unveiled the restyled Diablo SV which was designed by Luc Donckerwolke, who was Lamborghini's first in-house designer.

The redesigned Diablo SV was followed by the VT and VT Roadster models. All three models evoked clear signs of modernization through its revised lines and interior. The engine produced a maximum of 529bhp and a peak torque 605Nm, which was equipped with the variable valve lift system and, for the first time on a Lamborghini, the brakes were completed by ABS.

The Diablo, also launched in special series or for competition with 6-litre engines, was Lamborghini's most-produced car to date with 2903 units in total. It remained available until 2001 when it was succeeded by the Murciélago model.

Thoughts About The Lamborghini Diablo Celebrating 30th Anniversary

The Lamborghini Diablo has been the reason for many innovations introduced from the brand. The Diablo has attained the legendary status because of its radical styling, design and heritage. The Diablo is among the most successful pin-up wall posters for many automotive enthusiasts inspiring young and mature generations across the world.