Meet the Lamborghini 132 GT1: The Diablo You've Never Heard Of
Rare ONES - If you are a supercar enthusiast who grew up in the 1990s, you probably know almost all the Lamborghini Diablo variants. There are SV, VT, SE30 Jota, even GTR. But have you ever heard of the Lamborghini 132 GT1?
At the end of the 1990s, high-end racing was the trend. This surge in interest was partly due to the sheer excitement it brought, and partly because it was theoretically possible to race at the top level with a legally street-car-based racing car. Many famous automotive brands tried their hand at it. Even Ferrari, usually focused on Formula One alone, made an attempt with their Ferrari F50 GT. Some succeeded spectacularly, like McLaren with their F1 GTR, which claimed overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Right side view of 1998 Lamborghini 132 'Diablo' GT1. (Picture from: Motor.es)
Seeing all this excitement, Lamborghini decided to join the fray. This was unusual because Lamborghini didn’t have a strong racing pedigree at the time. Despite this, Lamborghini embarked on an ambitious sports car racing program to compete with the Porsche 911 GT1, McLaren F1 GTR, and others.
Left side view of 1998 Lamborghini 132 'Diablo' GT1. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Lamborghini collaborated with a French company, Signes Advanced Technology (SAT), to design and build a racing car. Initially, everything went well. The collaboration succeeded in building a single road-going example to complement the racing car, and they managed to get homologation approval from the FIA, making it all legal.
Unfortunately, this project was suddenly canceled. However, by that time, two units of the Diablo racing cars had already been built. The reasons for the program's end are unclear, though we can make a few reasonable guesses. The cars were built in early 1998, but by September of that year, Audi had bought Lamborghini, and the program was brought to a halt.
In the end, the race version of the Lamborghini 132 GT1 ended up competing a little bit in Japan. The road car, such as it is, actually still exists, and one look is enough to understand that it is a true classic Lamborghini beast.
The car's exterior was typical of the 1990s design, with strong lines wrapped in carbon fiber, dramatically changing the look of Lamborghini's flagship car of the time. The interior was also very different from the standard version, equipped with a custom pedal box, open shifters, and all the buttons, compact switches, bucket seats, and roll cages you would expect from the best race car ever.
The car's powertrain was a 6.0-liter V12 naturally aspirated engine capable of producing up to 655 horsepower. This meant that the car was not only recognized for its appearance and performance but also for its sound. The roar of this Yellow Devil was fierce and unmistakable.
Supercar enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique and rare models, and the Lamborghini 132 GT1 is one of those hidden gems. While its racing career was short-lived, its legacy continues to captivate those who appreciate the blend of raw power and sleek design. For those curious about other unique Diablo variants, the Strosek offers another fascinating chapter in Lamborghini's storied history. *** [EKA [08112019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | UPOST | LOVE CARS | FIA HISTORIC DATABASE | MOTOR.ES | AUTOYAHOO ]
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Supercar enthusiasts are always on the lookout for unique and rare models, and the Lamborghini 132 GT1 is one of those hidden gems. While its racing career was short-lived, its legacy continues to captivate those who appreciate the blend of raw power and sleek design. For those curious about other unique Diablo variants, the Strosek offers another fascinating chapter in Lamborghini's storied history. *** [EKA [08112019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | UPOST | LOVE CARS | FIA HISTORIC DATABASE | MOTOR.ES | AUTOYAHOO ]
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