Double trouble: A yellow Diablo SV and a red Diablo VT 6.0

  • Filip
  • 2025-03-26 21:38
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Double trouble: A yellow Diablo SV and a red Diablo VT 6.0

What’s better than one Lamborghini Diablo? Two, of course! A yellow Diablo SV and a red Diablo VT 6.0 - two cars that look so similar yet offer vastly different experiences. The Lamborghini Diablo was the epitome of the brand in the 90s, embodying the raw, unfiltered essence of a supercar. Produced from 1990 to 2001, the Diablo had an 11-year production run, with a total of 2,907 units built.

Compared to its successors, the Diablo is rare. Lamborghini built over 4,000 Murciélagos, and the Aventador’s production numbers are staggering at 11,465 units. But with less than 3,000 Diablos ever made, this car remains an exclusive piece of Lamborghini history. Breaking it down, here’s how the production numbers look across all variants:

Double trouble: A yellow Diablo SV and a red Diablo VT 6.0Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!

Early Models (1990-1998)

These were the first versions of the Diablo, evolving from the original rear-wheel-drive layout to all-wheel drive (VT models) and special editions.

• 873 Base Diablo (1990-1998)
• 157 Diablo SE (1993-1995)
• 529 Diablo VT (1993-1998)
• 346 Diablo SV (1995-1999)
• 2 Diablo SV Roadster (1998)
• 468 Diablo VT Roadster (1995-1998)

Motorsport Variants (1996-1999)

These were track-focused models made for racing competitions.

• 34 Diablo SVR (1996-1999, for one-make racing series)
• 32 Diablo GTR (1999, track-only based on the Diablo GT)

Final Generation (1999-2001)

These models came after Audi took over Lamborghini, featuring design and mechanical improvements.

• 83 Diablo GT (1999-2000, lightweight high-performance model)
• 337 Diablo VT 6.0 (2000-2001, heavily revised final version)
• 44 Diablo VT 6.0 SE (2001, limited edition final run)

One-Off Prototypes

These were ultra-exclusive, built for homologation or special projects.

• 1 Diablo GT1 (1997 - homologation model for GT1 racing, never officially raced)
• 1 Diablo GT2 (1998 - prototype for GT2 racing, remained a one-off)

SV vs. VT 6.0: What’s the Difference?

Both the Diablo SV and the Diablo VT 6.0 showcase the legendary naturally aspirated V12, but their engineering philosophy differs significantly.

Diablo SV (Super Veloce)

The SV is all about pure aggression - rear-wheel drive, lightweight, and built for a raw driving experience. Under the hood, it packs a 5.7L V12 producing 510 hp, with no all-wheel-drive system to interfere. That means it’s a handful to drive but also offers the most unfiltered Diablo experience. The SV is more track-focused, prioritizing performance over comfort.

Diablo VT 6.0 (Viscous Traction)

The VT 6.0 is the refined evolution of the Diablo, introduced toward the end of the model’s life cycle. It features all-wheel drive, providing better grip and making it easier to handle at high speeds. Its larger 6.0L V12 produces 550 hp, making it both more powerful and more stable than the SV. This version also benefits from upgraded aerodynamics, a redesigned interior, and improved suspension, making it the most advanced Diablo of them all.

A historic pit stop in Reims

These two British-registered Diablos were recently spotted in Reims, France, making a pit stop at the abandoned Circuit Reims-Gueux, a legendary motorsport venue with deep racing history. Originally opened in 1926, the circuit was a high-speed track known for its long straights and fast corners. It hosted numerous French Grand Prix races, as well as endurance events, before closing in 1972. Today, the remnants of the pit buildings and grandstands still stand, serving as a nostalgic tribute to motorsport’s golden era, while the old track itself has become part of the public road system.

This was the first time the yellow Diablo SV was seen on our site, while the red Diablo VT 6.0 has a more documented history, having been previously spotted in Amersfoort and Eemnes, Netherlands, as well as once in Warsaw, Poland. These sightings further reinforce the Diablo’s status as a global icon - wherever one appears, it instantly commands attention.

Double trouble: A yellow Diablo SV and a red Diablo VT 6.0Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!

Double trouble: A yellow Diablo SV and a red Diablo VT 6.0Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!

Presence like no other

One thing all Diablos have in common is their iconic wedge shape, a design that screams 90s supercar excess. It’s a shape that’s hard to miss, with a narrow front and a wide rear stance, creating that unmistakable Lamborghini look. The front of the Diablo measures 1,980 mm in width, while the rear expands to 2,040 mm - a dramatic contrast that adds to its aggressive stance.

The sound of the beast

While the Diablo’s V12 is an absolute symphony, it doesn’t quite match the sheer brutality of the Murciélago or Aventador. The later models benefited from better exhaust tuning and higher-revving engines, making them sound even more dramatic. That said, the Diablo’s soundtrack is mechanical, raw, and unmistakably Lamborghini—a sound that perfectly complements its old-school supercar personality.

A rare and timeless icon

Though it may not have the extreme production numbers of modern Lamborghinis, the Diablo remains one of the most iconic supercars ever built. Whether it’s the track-focused madness of the SV or the refined power of the VT 6.0, every Diablo is special in its own right. Unlike the Murciélago or Aventador, which saw thousands more units built, the Diablo’s rarity makes it a true collector’s gem.

For those lucky enough to experience one, the Diablo is more than just a car - it’s a time capsule of 90s supercar excess, a machine that commands respect wherever it goes. Loud, wide, and unapologetically Lamborghini, the Diablo will forever be remembered as one of the brand’s greatest creations.

Double trouble: A yellow Diablo SV and a red Diablo VT 6.0Click on the photo for more photo's of this spot!

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