2007 Lamborghini Gallardo on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Last Lamborghini Diablo of the 20th century heads to auction

Even among rare sports cars, some examples are simply more special than others because of their place in history, and for Lamborghini fans this 1999 Diablo SV might be something truly exceptional. Silverstone Auctions claims this is the final Diablo SV and arguably the last "true" Lambo before Volkswagen Group's complete takeover. This Diablo SV left the factory on December 21, 1999, which made it the final Lamborghini of the 20th century. At that point, VW Group already had financial control over the Italian sportscar maker, but Silverstone Auctions claims the German company really asserted its power starting in 2000. Whether you want to consider this the final "true" Lamborghini or not, it's still a fantastic looking sports car. This right-hand drive example has covered about 32,200 miles and underwent a chassis and suspension restoration in 2013. Silverstone Auctions believes this is the only Diablo to wear this three-coat Pearl Red/Orange exterior color, and the interior upholstery is a mix of black leather and Alcantara. Silverstone Auctions will sell the Diablo at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show in Birmingham, England, on March 6. The company expects the sportscar to sell for 150,000 to 170,000 pounds ($218,000 to $247,000 at current rates). We're curious to see if the car's place in Lamborghini history has any effect on the sale price. LAST 'TRUE' LAMBORGHINI FOR AUCTION A special 1999 Lamborghini Diablo SV, believed to be the very last Lamborghini to leave the Sant'Agata factory before Volkswagen took full ownership, will be auctioned at Silverstone Auctions' sale at the Practical Classics Restoration and Classic Car Show. An important piece of Lamborghini history, the car is also believed to be the last Diablo imported into the UK as well as the last Diablo SV off the production line. It is estimated at between GBP150,000 and GBP170,000 and will be offered in the sale taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 6th March. 'V12 SVR' left the factory on the 21st of December in 1999 immediately before Lamborghini shut down for the Christmas break and their celebrations to mark the end of the Century. For the previous few months the Volkswagen Group had been in financial control of the company but the end of that year marked a turning point. From the beginning of 2000 Teutonic efficiency began to replace the magic of Italy in terms of the bloodline, style and general madness of the Italian supercars.

Driving instructor killed in Lamborghini crash at Disney racetrack [w/video]

We're saddened to report that a passenger was killed yesterday in a crash at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, FL. The crash reportedly occurred at 3:30 PM on Sunday, when 24-year-old Tavon Watson of Kissimmee, FL, lost control of a Lamborghini he was piloting as part of the Exotic Driving Experience and struck a guardrail. Watson was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, but the instructor riding shotgun – 36-year-old Gary Terry of Davenport, FL – was pronounced dead at the scene. The attraction is operated by Petty Holdings, which released a statement expressing its condolences for the incident: "On behalf of everyone in the organization, it is with a very heavy heart that we extend our deepest sympathies to those involved in today's tragic accident in Orlando." The image above was shot by local news channel WFTV and appears to show a white Lamborghini Gallardo - one of the vehicles offered as part of the program alongside an Audi R8, Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 and a pair of Ferraris. Though it took place on private property, the incident is reportedly under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Just a couple of months ago, we reported that Disney was planning to close the speedway in order to make "transportation improvements" for the adjacent theme park. Though we doubt the facility could be blamed for the crash, we wouldn't be surprised to see Disney accelerate plans for the track's closure in the wake of this most unfortunate incident.

Volkswagen may 'carve out' Lamborghini to list on the stock exchange

FRANKFURT — Volkswagen is drawing up plans to set up Lamborghini as a more independent unit, and is discussing long-term supply deals that could make it easier to list it on the stock exchange, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. "Volkswagen is in the process of carving out Lamborghini, and to organize future supply and technology transfer deals," one of the sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The Italian sportscar brand, which is currently a division of Audi, could be partially listed, with Volkswagen retaining a controlling stake, the first person familiar with the talks said. There is no formal decision to divest Lamborghini, a second source said, adding that the timetable of any deal remained unclear. "This is a first step which gives VW the option to list the unit further down the line," the second source told Reuters. A third source familiar with the discussions said the future of Bugatti, Lamborghini and Ducati was discussed during a supervisory board meeting last Friday. The possibilities for how to electrify the Lamborghini and Bugatti brands through partnerships and investors was discussed, the third source said. Bankers and potential cornerstone investors in an IPO have been approached by the carmaker, the sources said. Volkswagen declined to comment. Volkswagen Group's Chief Executive Herbert Diess on Wednesday said the carmaker will announce "important steps" about the company's future before the close of the year. Volkswagen is reviewing what role its high-performance brands Lamborghini, Bugatti and Ducati will play within the multi-brand carmaker as part of broader quest for more economies of scale, senior executives told Reuters. A global clampdown on combustion-engined vehicles has forced carmakers to accelerate development of low-emission technology for mainstream models, leaving Volkswagen managers struggling to find resources to electrify low volume sportscar models. Related Video: