Lamborghini reaches the next level

Sometimes we just get the urge to find out what is at the peak of the auto industry - which vehicles that each and every driver wish they had.

There was a small shortlist, but how could we go past the brand-new 2001 Lamborghini Diablo VT 6.0?

We couldn't.

In a state of indulgence, let us uncover what is unofficially the most wanted car brand in the world. On top of that, the latest Diablo out of Lamborghini's northern Italian garage is certainly something else, both in terms of power and aesthetics.

As far as exotic cars go - the latest Diablo is definitely up there. Whether from the front, top-down or even a profile view, the long, low and very sleek new Diablo 6.0 is designed for speed.

The aerodynamically contructed chassis is ideal at cutting through the air. Not only this, the car was developed so that the faster it went, the better it gripped.

This sort of downforce is a necessity, particularly when taking the Diablo 6.0 to its top speed of about 340km/h.

This phenomenal top speed isn't just a result of horsepower, however. The chassis is an important factor, as is the mid-mounted positioning of the engine and weight-saving procedures.

These include the use of copious amount of carbon fibre - across the entire car, save for the doors and roof.

Even so, a dry weight of 1625kg is nothing to shout about. But then, this isn't a 2-litre Japanese car.

With 48 valves, 12 cylinders and two huge, centrally-mounted exhaust pipes, the Diablo VT 6.0 can sprint from 0-100km/h in under four seconds - 3.95 seconds, to be exact.

A large displacement is needed for such intense power, hence the 6.0-litre V12.

This massive powerplant can churn out an astonishing 620Nm of torque at 5500rpm. Peak power of 405kW occurs at a screaming 7100rpm so, in essence, this 6.0-litre road-legal weapon has a power-band between 5000 and 7000rpm. Not bad for a V12.

Drivers will be treated to a five-speed manual, four-wheel drive transmission. The four-wheel drive aspect helps the Diablo achieve quicker take-offs, though one wonders whether the car need go much faster.

Large 355mm ventilated discs, accompanied by Brembo calipers, are shrouded by giant 18" rims crafted from ultra-light magnesium. This huge expanse of rubber helps the next-generation Diablo put power to the ground without too much trouble (aka wheelspin).

Inside the razor-sharp VT is plenty of carbon-fibre, which not only looks cool, it helps keep the weight down, too. With hints of aluminiun and lots of leather, the VT looks amazing, especially with its vertically hinging doors wide open.

Sporting ABS, airbags for driver and passenger and a suspension package that includes anti-roll bars, telescopic dampers and even electronically controlled shock absorbers, it is obvious that Lamborghini had a little room left in the chassis after squeezing that huge engine in.

Has Automobili Lamborghini done it again? It may not be the world's fastest production car - however, those honours are held by another of the marque's models - the Diablo GTR.

At around $542,000, the Diablo VT 6.0 doesn't come cheap. But considering they only plan to make 260 of them for 2001, you know that it will be a rarity. Just don't ask how much the insurance is...