Automobili Lamborghini is an Italian luxury car brand based in Sant’Agata Bolognese. It produces high-performance sports cars. It is part of the Volkswagen Group, through its subsidiary Audi. Despite its small size, Lamborghini has a diverse lineup of high-performance cars. Here are three of their most popular models: the Diablo VT and Murcielago. Read on to learn more about each one!
Automobili Lamborghini SpA
Automobili Lamborghini SpA is an Italian manufacturer of luxury sports cars. The company is based in Sant’Agata Bolognese and is owned by the Volkswagen Group through its subsidiary Audi. Founded in 1963, Lamborghini has built a renown reputation for high-performance cars and is renowned for its aggressive styling. In 2011, it sold its first Lamborghini to the general public for $65 million.
In 2014, Automobili Lamborghini delivered 2,530 units, its best year in history. In 2015 and 2016, the company delivered another 2,530 vehicles, setting a record for the company. In 2019, it is forecasted to deliver an impressive 8,205 cars. But before we talk about the future of Lamborghini, let’s recap what happened during the past year. Its biggest mistake, however, was letting the company go under.
Miura Sports Coupe
The Lamborghini Miura first hit the road in 1966 at the Geneva Motor Show. The show featured many new cars, and the presence of a mid-engined passenger car caught auto journalists’ attention. The new car’s chassis had been unveiled the year before, but not quite finished. This resulted in the Miura’s final design, which has evolved into the Miura we know today.
The Miura’s mid-engined construction helped it become a supercar. Its young designer, Marcello Gandini, was only 25 when the car was launched. With that experience, he had worked on the Countach before coming up with a design for the Miura. The first production car made its debut at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show. The Miura became a global sensation after its introduction.
Diablo VT
While the VT didn’t quite live up to its name, this car had its fair share of high-tech features and a lot of power. With 492 horsepower and 248 lb-ft of torque, this Lamborghini was more powerful than its predecessor and had more style. It was a real slap in the face of the car culture of the nineties. In addition to its aggressive styling, the Diablo was also one of the first Italians to offer power seats, power steering and Alpine audio.
The VT’s traction and handling were enhanced by a new all-wheel-drive system that employed a viscous center differential. This drivetrain was a revised version of the LM002’s 4WD system, and provided a whole new nomenclature for the car: VT, or viscous traction. This new drivetrain allowed the car to direct up to 25% of its torque to the front wheels, significantly improving its handling.
Murcielago
The Lamborghini Murcielago has been in sixteen dealerships across the United States since December 2001, and 200 of them have been sold. The Murcielago’s power comes from a V12 engine and is transferred to the front wheels by a viscous center differential. Power is 70 percent rear, 30 percent front. Its stance and driving style harken to the fighter-jet era.
While the V12-powered Murcielago can hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, it’s not as quick as the Viper, which hits the speed mark in just 0.1 seconds. The car is extremely predictable, and it rewards aggressive driving. As you accelerate, the V12 engine reveals its strengths. Although the steering system is somewhat stiff, the car’s dynamics remain predictable. It isn’t as fast as the Corvette Z06, but it’s certainly a worthy competitor.
Aventador
In the early 2000s, the Aventador range debuted as a limited edition model, the Aventador LP 700-4. The range has been expanded, including the Aventador SVJ, which boasts an astonishing 759 horsepower and can accelerate from zero to sixty in under two seconds. Since then, the Aventador has been honed and improved. Here are some highlights from the new model.
The interior of the Lamborghini Aventador is ultra-luxurious, with scissor doors that fold open to reveal a low-slung cabin. The aforementioned interior is fitted with premium materials and customizable options, although there is limited room for small items. The Aventador’s dashboard sports a digital gauge cluster that offers a wealth of information. The Aventador also features a missile-launch style red cover over the engine start button.