Lamborghini Diablo SV
The Diablo SV (Super Veloce) stripped away the Diablo VT's all-wheel-drive system to create a purer, more challenging driving experience. With 510 horsepower sent exclusively to the rear wheels, the SV was Lamborghini's most extreme road car of the 1990s — a machine that demanded respect and rewarded skill.
The 5,707cc V12 engine produced 510 horsepower at 7,100 rpm, a significant increase over the base Diablo's 485 hp. The power increase came from revised camshaft profiles, optimized intake runners, and a less restrictive exhaust system. The engine's character was typically Lamborghini — a thunderous, mechanical V12 roar that rose in intensity as the tachometer swept past 6,000 rpm.
The deletion of the all-wheel-drive system saved approximately 60 kg and fundamentally changed the car's handling character. Without front-axle drive to provide traction insurance, the SV demanded precise throttle control and smooth inputs. In the hands of an expert, the rear-drive layout allowed more adjustability and a more engaged driving experience. In the hands of the inexperienced, it could be genuinely dangerous.
The SV featured a manually adjustable rear wing that could be set to three positions for varying levels of downforce. The wider body accommodated 335-section rear tires on 18-inch OZ Racing wheels. The suspension was stiffened compared to the standard Diablo, and power steering was added to manage the massive front tires.
The interior was typical Diablo — dramatic but functional, with a driver-focused cockpit featuring a full set of gauges and supportive leather seats. The scissor doors, a Lamborghini tradition since the Countach, provided the theatrical entrance that Lamborghini customers expected.
The Diablo SV was produced from 1995 to 1998, with the later SV-R and GT variants extending the model's racing career. Total SV production was approximately 346 units, making it one of the rarer Diablo variants. Today, the SV is increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate its raw character and its status as the last rear-wheel-drive V12 Lamborghini before the Murcielago went all-wheel-drive.
Check engine for oil leaks and verify timing belt service history — failure is catastrophic. The V12 is mechanically robust but expensive to maintain. Verify that the car is a genuine SV and not a standard Diablo with aftermarket modifications. Scissor door mechanisms should work smoothly. Check for panel gap consistency and repaint evidence. Service at a Lamborghini-experienced shop is essential.
Produced at Lamborghini's Sant'Agata Bolognese factory from 1995 to 1998. Approximately 346 SV units were built. The SV was the rear-wheel-drive alternative to the all-wheel-drive Diablo VT.