1999 Lamborghini Diablo Vt Rare And Beautiful Titanium on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lamborghini previews the Aventador's hybrid, 1,001-hp successor

Lamborghini is nearly ready to introduce the Aventador's long-awaited successor. Referred to as the LB744, the company's next flagship model adopts a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain that's built around a new, naturally-aspirated V12 and rated at about 1,000 horsepower. We'll need to be patient to discover the model's exterior design, but Lamborghini provided us with a very good idea of what the specifications sheet looks like. The system's centerpiece is a mid-mounted, 6.5-liter V12 that eschews forced induction — the company has previously made it clear that it wants to keep the naturally-aspirated 12-cylinder alive for as long as possible. While the Aventador was V12-powered as well, it sounds like the mechanical similarities between the two cars end there. In the upcoming LB744, the engine is bolted to an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission that's mounted transversely behind the engine instead of longitudinally directly in front of it. The company will need to find a new name for the transmission tunnel: it now houses a 3.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The electricity stored in it zaps three electric motors: one is integrated into the transmission, while the other two are each assigned to one of the front wheels. This layout delivers through-the-road all-wheel-drive, so there's no mechanical connection between the axles, and it allows the LB744 to drive on electricity alone for short distances. The configuration also provides a torque vectoring function for sharper cornering. Lamborghini pegs the system's total output at 1,015 metric horsepower, which represents approximately 1,001 horsepower measured in U.S. terms. The bulk of the cavalry comes from the V12; it's billed as the lightest and most powerful 12-cylinder that Lamborghini has ever made and it develops about 813 horsepower at a screaming 9,250 rpm (that's 250 rpm short of its redline). Maximum torque checks in at 535 pound-feet. We haven't heard the new engine yet, but Lamborghini stresses that it went to great lengths to give it an exhaust note worthy of a supercar. More details about the LB744 will emerge in the not-too-distant future. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Lamborghini SC18 Alston is a ferocious first from Squadra Corse

Lamborghini has worked up a number of limited-editions and one-offs over the past decade, from the run-of-20 Veneno to the one-of-one Egoista and Aventador J. The standard production-car division worked up those previous efforts. Now, Lamborghini's racing division, Squadra Corse, has dreamed up a one-off for the first time as a commission for a client. Called the SC18 Alston, the Aventador-based coupe starts at the marker laid down by the SVJ and takes a few barbarous steps beyond. The point, apparently, was a road-going car with maximum track performance. Squadra Corse designers, working with the customer and Lamborghini Centro Stile, penned an aero package that borrows elements from Huracan race cars. The front hood air intakes were derived from the Huracan GT3 EVO, while the side and rear fenders, the fins and the scoops take inspiration from the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO. The three-stanchion wing hearkens to the Veneno, the rear taillight pattern and valance curve reference the Centenario, and the way the rear wing endplates rise from the fenders suggests the Bugatti Vision GT. The power unit comes untouched from the Aventador SVJ, meaning a 6.5-liter V12 with 759 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, shifting through the seven-speed ISR gearbox. An engine cover with 12 vents, also derived from the racing programs, keeps the fury cool, and a new exhaust design produces a new sound. Lighter carbon fiber bodywork drenched in Grigio Daytona hides the internals and reduces weight. Screenprinted red accents on the body panels coordinate with accents on the center-lock wheels — 20 inches in front, 20 in back — and specially developed Pirelli P Zero tires. The cabin's been dressed in Nero Ade Alcantara with red cross-stitching, and a pair of carbon fiber buckets. There's nothing not to like here, and we suspect this won't be the last unique effort we see from the Squadra Corse brand. Related Video:

Valentino Balboni launches Lamborghini parts company

After 40 years of helping Lamborghini develop some of the greatest supercars on the road, former test driver Valentino Balboni is going back to work. Balboni recently unveiled his own company, aptly named VB, which will specialize in aftermarket components for Lamborghinis. VB's first matter of business is to give Lamborghini's most hardcore supercar a better sound. Set to launch at the Concorso Italiano during this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance week, VB's first aftermarket part is a titanium exhaust system for the Lamborghini Aventador LP-750 SV. The titanium exhaust system weighs in at 13.8 pounds and is a bolt-on part that uses OEM mounts. Each exhaust system takes over 350 hours to make and will be limited to a production run of 30 units. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Pricing for the exhaust system hasn't been announced, but drivers with the means to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for an Aventador SV should be able to afford some aftermarket goodies. Balboni has an extensive history with Lamborghini. After starting as a mechanic's apprentice, Balboni went on to become a test driver at Ferruccio Lamborghini's request. Before retiring in 2009, Balboni was said to have driven roughly 80 percent of the automaker's entire production. Lamborghini even named a supercar after him, the 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, as a way of saying thank you. It looks like Balboni isn't done with Lamborghini, yet, and VB's titanium exhaust system for the Aventador SV should be an aural delight. Related Video: Featured Gallery VB Lamborghini Aventador SV Exhaust System Related Gallery Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce: Geneva 2015 View 21 Photos News Source: Facebook, Valentino BalboniImage Credit: Valentino Balboni Auto News Aftermarket Lamborghini Performance exhaust system valentino balboni lamborghini aventador sv lamborghini aventador lp 750-4 superveloce