Only a handful of Lamborghini models have ever worn the ‘SV’ nameplate and the Diablo is one of them.
The very first Lamborghini to use the SV name was a special edition variant of the Miura. It only underwent minor exterior modifications but its 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V12 was massaged from the standard 350 hp to 385 hp. The SV name wouldn’t return until the ultimate variant of the Diablo was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1995.
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This particular Diablo SV is a 1997 model and is outfitted with a 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V12 that when new, churned out 510 hp and 428 lb-ft (580 Nm) of torque. To see how much performance this engine has lost, the Italian supercar was strapped to a dyno and put through its paces. Hearing the V12 roar at the top of the rev range is a bonus.
During its best run and while fueled with 95-octane petrol, the Diablo SV returned 492 hp and 428 lb-ft (581 Nm) of torque. Presumably, these figures were recorded at the crank and not as the rear wheels as if they were recorded at the rear wheels, that could mean the car has actually gained some extra ponies over the decades. Unlikely.
Whatever the case may be, it’s pretty clear that this Lamborghini hasn’t lost much power, even though it has over 37,000 km (~23,000 miles) on the odometer.