Ciro drives a Lamborghini Diablo at Zwartkops

Ciro De Siena gets to drive a car that used to adorn his bedroom wall – the iconic Lamborghini Diablo – at Zwartkops Raceway. Suffice it to say, madness ensued.

The Lamborghini Countach is arguably the most iconic Italian supercar of the Seventies and Eighties. Its radical design stopped traffic, and it arguably set a benchmark in how far supercars could push the limits of sensibility, but those who know say it was awful to drive. For its successor, the Diablo, Lamborghini needed to combine the Countach’s wild nature with more, shall we say, gentle usability. Not too sensible, of course – because the car is named after the devil! – but enough to help you arrive home in 1 piece.

Our video guy, Ciro De Siena, quite literally had a poster of this car on his bedroom wall, and a scale model in the exact colour of the Lambo that he drove at Zwartkops. Yes, driving this car is, quite literally, a dream come true, but would the reality of the experience leave him feeling elated or deflated?

Despite lacking modern driving aids like ABS or traction control, the Diablo stands out as one of the most intimidating and, in a word, “mad” cars ever built. Ciro even drives it barefoot due to the close proximity of the 30-year-old Italian supercar’s pedals, highlighting the unique and demanding driving experience.

The car’s 5-speed transmission has incredibly tall gearing; it can reach 100 kph in 1st gear! The driving position is described as unique, making the driver acutely aware of the massive V12 engine behind them.

Specifications:

Model: 1995 Lamborghini Diablo VT
Engine: 5.7-litre, V12
Power: 362 kW at 7 000 rpm
Torque: 580 Nm at 5 200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, RWD
Weight: 1 625 kg
0-100 kph: 4.5 sec (approx)
Top speed: 325 kph (approx)

The 5.7-litre V12 engine produces 362 kW/580 Nm, which facilitates a 0-100 kph time of under 5 sec and top speed above 320 kph. However, the car’s Nineties braking system doesn’t instil confidence…

What’s more, the handling is spiky, with a clear distinction between grip and no grip, so the driver needs to be vigilant; while manageable at lower speeds, the Diablo is an entirely different prospect at the limit.

This particular Lamborghini Diablo VT was originally all-wheel drive, but has been converted to rear-wheel drive, further amplifying its raw, unassisted driving characteristics.

The review touches on the Diablo’s development from the Countach, its design by Marcello Gandini, and Chrysler’s influence at that point in Lamborghini’s history. The owner’s dedication to driving the car, accumulating significant mileage, reinforces the idea that these vehicles are meant to be enjoyed.

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