The name Lamborghini has been synonymous with exotic sports car ever since the radically-designed Countach came out roughly 20 years ago. Although, Lamborghinis have been around much longer than that it is only in the last 20 years or so that the styling has become truly beautiful. The diablo is the heir apparent to the Countach, and it is more beautiful with the great curves, and is as fast as the legend it replaces. The Diablo twin turbo, which I saw at the London Motor Show, has an amazing 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds, making it second only to the McLaren F1. It also has an incredible 700 BHP. For an informative history of Lamborghini, take a look at the official Lamborghini web site, which is on my link page.

In the tradition of manufacturing extraordinary grand touring automobiles, Automobili Lamborghini has once again demonstrated that pairing old-world hand craftsmanship with state-of-the-art engineering technology delivers world-class results. The latest testament out of the Sant'Agata facility is the 1994 Lamborghini Diablo VT.

The magnificent Diablo (so named after the legendary and ferocious fighting bull that fought an epic battle in Madrid in 1869) has been significantly reengineered since its introduction in 1990. In total, nearly 25 percent of the 6,000 components comprising a Diablo VT have been either redesigned or modified for the 1994 model. This is a bold statement on behalf of the engineers who endlessly strive for superiority.

The most distinguishing trait of the aluminum-bodied Diablo VT is in its use of an original four-wheel traction system. The Viscous Traction (VT) feature increases the performance in conditions of low ground adherence which would normally render the vehicle less efficient with only rear-wheel drive capabilities.

Based on the relationship between the grip and torque, when the rear wheels begin to spin the surplus torque is automatically transferred to the front axle. This allows the Diablo VT to maintain itself into four-wheel drive when the rear-wheel drive alone reaches its natural limit of adherence.

The viscous drive unifies the functions of torque differential and anti-slip offering superb traction in all conditions and, as a result, safer and better handling. Thus, the tendency to oversteer when cornering at the limit, a characteristic of most rear-wheel drive vehicles, is greatly reduced by this traction system. The driver will immediately notice that driving the Diablo VT is more relaxing and less demanding.

The Diablo VT is able to effortlessly adapt from a comfortable luxury vehicle at low speeds into a competitive high performer capable of stable cornering and astonishing acceleration and top-end speeds.

As with the earlier Diablos, the source of pride in ownership rests in the secure knowledge that the generous 5.7-liter, 492-horsepower V-12 powerplant sits mid-longitudinally and generates 428 lbs./ft. of torque at 5200 rpm.

The Diablo VT has a recorded top speed of 201.9 mph and 0-60 mph times of 4.09 seconds.

Dramatically improving driver comfort and handling, the Diablo VT incorporates active suspension and powered rack and pinion steering. Fully adjustable, the active suspension when engaged in the automatic mode is governed completely by the vehicle's speed. The damping program is chosen automatically from predetermined maps based on tests involving varying road conditions. In manual mode, the driver can choose one of the damping programs through the console.

Naturally, safety aspects take priority. If the driver selects a "soft ride" program but exceeds acceptable programmed speeds, the computer will automatically adopt a stiffer, more sporty program for the increased performance. This remains inserted until the speed is reduced to more acceptable levels at which point the originally chosen ride is readopted.

Power steering, an infrequent feature in high performance sports cars, also significantly improves driver comfort of the Diablo VT without sacrificing safety. Its action is also speed sensitive so that the steering is "hardened" as speed increases. This offers the driver maximum sensitivity and precise control at higher speeds, yet will allow light and easy maneuverability at lower speeds.

Slight styling modifications inside the all-leather cabin has noticeably improved visibility and ergonomics. The classic polished gate serves as the centerpiece among such luxury appointments as air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo and power windows to increase driver pleasure for everyday driving.

Numerous alternations have been made on quality, many of which can be seen. Other, certainly no less important, remain hidden and relate to improvements to the engine cooling system, timing system to reduce noise, improvements to the dashboard for visibility and ergonomics, improvements to the recirculation of air within the passenger compartment and improvements to the electrical harness which is due to the union of various electrical circuits that are led to a centralized control device that serves as a "body computer."

Ensuring a smooth and safe ride at all speeds, the Diablo VT is equipped with Pirelli P-Zero tires mounted on 17-inch aluminum OZ wheels.

The sleek, curvaceous lines of the Diablo are reminiscent of its Lamborghini predecessor, the highly acclaimed Countach. The slight similarities are no coincidence when one spots the identifying signature plaque of designer Marcello Gandini that adorns each Diablo.

"The Diablo VT is undoubtedly the finest exotic sports car on the market," says Robert A. Braner, president and COO of Automobili Lamborghini USA, who added that in terms of performance, aesthetic qualities and in driver friendliness, the Diablo VT is unparalleled.

The Lamborghini Cala was only ever a project car made by ItalDesign for Lamborghini. The project was now been aborted, due to a bad drive train Layout. So it will never be for sale. It does show us however, what we will be in store for in the looks department for the next lambo, which lets hope will look as good as the cala.