www.QV500.com - Lamborghini Diablo Part 11: Diablo 6.0 VT & SE
 
The 6.0 VT was Lamborghini's last Diablo. Briefly manufactured before the all-new Murcielago arrived in 2001, the 6.0 VT was unarguably the most accomplished variant of this legendary model. Available only as a four wheel drive VT Berlinetta, it was the first real ‘Audified’ Diablo and received several significant improvements at the behest of the German organisation. There was an improved chassis further reinforced with carbon inserts to increase torsional rigidity. There was also revised suspension that featured the latest generation electronically controlled dampers.
   
Track was widened all-round, the distinctive new 18-inch wheels having been unique to this car. Weight was unchanged from the outgoing VT ’99 at 1625kg. Like the GT, the VT 6.0 also used Lamborghini's enlarged 5992cc V12, albeit de-tuned by 25bhp to 550bhp at 7100rpm. Titanium connecting rods were fitted along with the lightweight crankshaft from the GT, compression remaining unchanged at 10.7:1. Other interesting features of this revised powerplant were it's new 32-bit microprocessor for the engine management system, revised multi point fuel injection with data acquisition and diagnostic functions and an improved exhaust system that reduced back pressure and bypassed noise control regulations. Individual coils were fitted directly onto each spark plug, all of which contributed to the fastest performance figures of any series production Diablo. 0-60 took just 3.6 seconds and top speed rose to 211mph. Carbonfibre was the material of choice for the bodywork, steel and aluminium being used only for the roof and doors respectively. Aesthetically, the 6.0 VT was easily identifiable from it's predecessors, boasting unarguably the cleanest profile of any Diablo, even the 1990 original.
 
At the front, a redesigned nose featured two gaping air intakes and a wraparound carbon finish chin spoiler. The supplementary light clusters were now repositioned beneath each headlight. Fenders were wider than the outgoing VT and carbon skirts from the GT fitted. At the rear, body coloured light surrounds were joined by a mesh tail facia and redesigned bumper with two centrally exiting exhausts. Meanwhile, although most of the cockpit features appeared to have been lifted from the 1999 model year Diablo's, subtle revisions were made throughout.
   
New seats, steering wheels, redesigned dashboards, door inserts, switchgear and centre consoles were fitted, the latter coming finished in high gloss carbon. There was also a new air conditioning system and additional foot space. Launched at the 2000 Detroit Auto Show, the VT 6.0 was immediately hailed by the motoring press as the finest series production Diablo ever, praise indeed when you consider the 530bhp SV and 1999 model year cars. Finally, 40 special equipment VT 6.0's were subsequently produced after being shown at the Geneva Salon in March 2001. Two batches of 20 cars were completed with Oro Elios (gold metallic) and Marrone Eklipsis (brown) paint. Other outwardly identifying features were Lamborghini branded brake calipers (rather than Brembo) while mechanically, the intake manifolds and cylinder head covers were finished in magnesium to save weight. All carbon body and cabin inserts were threaded with titanium, lending a glossier appearance than normal. Cockpits were colour coded according to the bodywork with special leather used for the electrically adjustable seats and dash along with unique stitching and an upgraded Alpine DVD / navigation system.