Lamborghini Diablo GTR - 1999

The Lamborghini Supertrophy is a monomarque championship held every year on the most famous race tracks, mainly in Europe. Since 1996 the cars competing in the Lamborghini Supertrophy were the Diablo SVR, a special version of the Diablo SV model adapted for racing. After four years of competition the Diablo SVR has proved the extreme reliability of the Lamborghini engines which could stand four racing seasons with no problems.
Quite an achievement for an engine designed for road use and brought to the tracks with no modifications.

Now, to meet the request of the passionate driver participating in the Lamborghini Supertrophy, the House of the Bull is presenting the Lamborghini Diablo GTR, a car based on the Diablo GT, the most powerful produced in series, that will set a new benchmark in the monomarque championships with an engine delivering no less than 590 hp.

In comparison with the Diablo GT, GTR most important features are a modified chassis frame with integrated roll bar, improved suspensions, central fixing nut for the rims, race braking system, additional radiators for transmission oil cooling, very high performance rear wing (directly bolted to the chassis), simplified interiors and weight reduction.
The engine is basically the same V12, 6 litre, of the Diablo GT which thanks to the adoption of a specially tuned exhaust system, without catalyser, delivers 590 hp (575 in the GT model).

Special features of the GTR engine, common to the GT, are:

• multi-throttle intake manifold with individual intake system
• variable intake valve timing system
• dynamic air inlet duct upstream of the intake plenum
• titanium connecting rods and lighter crankshaft

Unique specifications of the GTR engine are:

• improved exhaust system designed for racing
• special calibration of the engine management system

The engine management system is based on the proprietary Lamborghini LIE electronic engine control system tuned for racing. Fuel injection is sequential multipoint and ignition is static with individual coils. Lamborghini Data Acquisition System, LDAS, and diagnostic functions are integrated in the engine electronic management system.

For the engine cooling, two water radiators in parallel are side mounted to the engine and an engine oil cooler is front mounted as in the Diablo GT. Additional coolers for gearbox and differential oil are installed in order to better match the racing overloads.

The transmission is on the rear wheels through a Lamborghini 5 speed gearbox with one basic gear ratio option and an alternative option for a shorter 5th gear ratio. The gear box lever is in an asymmetric position on the central tunnel in order to be closer to the steering wheel, for better control. The steering system is power assisted.

The tubular chassis frame integrates the roll bar and is directly connected to the rear wing. The front suspension is modified for racing. Shock absorbers and anti-roll bars are adjustable. The rims are lightweight magnesium alloy with central fixing nut and they accept racing type tyres. A special racing fuel tank with fast filling system has been installed.

The braking system is based on the Diablo GT high performance module. New racing brake calipers have been adopted to better match the very severe racing conditions.

Most of the body is carbon fibre made, except for the roof, which is made of steel for torsional rigidity, while the doors are made of aluminium, for safety reasons.

The cockpit fittings are simplified to meet racing requirements. The driver seat has been moved towards the longitudinal axle of the car, reducing the size of the central tunnel, to ensure a better driving position. Racing switches for ignition and for other functions have been adopted instead of the series push buttons. The fire extinguisher system is installed on the right side of the cockpit with activating switch on the tunnel. The driver's seat is of racing type with a six-point safety belt and the steering wheel is also racing type.

Lamborghini is planning to produce 30 Diablo GTR which will be ready by May 2000 in order to open the Lamborghini Supertrophy season on the 11th of June.

The Lamborghini Supertrophy will be part of some of the most prestigious motorsport events. The following Series have been approached for a calendar to be presented to the next FIA Motorsport World Council for approval of the Lamborghini Supertrophy 2000 as a FIA Sanctioned Series.

Source: Lamborghini