2001 Lamborghini diablo
Every so often, a car comes through our service bay that refuses to leave your mind. This particular 2001 Lamborghini Diablo 6.0L, finished in searing Giallo Fly with a dramatic black and yellow leather interior, was exactly that kind of car. It first came to Wistar Motors last year for a round of service—already striking, already rare—but it wasn’t until recently that we had the opportunity to make it our own. And we took it. The moment the keys were in our hands, it became clear: this wasn’t just another addition to the collection. This was something worth driving, sharing, and celebrating.
While the Diablo name needs little introduction, the 6.0L variant holds a unique place in Lamborghini’s history. It marked the final chapter of the Diablo’s decade-long run and, more importantly, the first real imprint of Audi's influence after acquiring Lamborghini in 1998. Unlike the more raw and occasionally unruly earlier Diablos, the 6.0L brought a new level of refinement. Audi’s engineering oversight helped introduce tighter build quality, better fit and finish, and subtle but effective tweaks to the suspension and electronics. It was still wildly dramatic, but no longer temperamental—and that balance is exactly what makes the 6.0 so special.
Under the rear clamshell lies the beating heart of the car: a 6.0-liter V12, evolved from the original Bizzarrini design, producing 550 horsepower and over 440 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the powertrain delivers all the drama you’d expect from a flagship Lamborghini—roaring intake noise, mechanical gearshifts, and that unmistakable V12 wail. Performance figures were no less impressive for its time: 0–60 mph in about 3.9 seconds and a top speed north of 205 mph. But it’s not just the numbers—it’s the sensation. The 6.0L Diablo is alive in a way few modern cars are, and even fewer still manage to look this outrageous while doing it.
Visually, the 6.0L stands apart with reworked front and rear fascias, wider intakes, integrated headlight housings, and subtle carbon fiber elements throughout. Inside, the dashboard was reshaped for better ergonomics, with improved materials and switchgear. But Lamborghini didn’t let practicality take too much of the spotlight—the cabin remains unapologetically dramatic, especially in our example, where bold yellow leather accents wrap the seats, dash, and console in typical early-2000s supercar flair.
As for us, we won’t be keeping this one sealed away in climate-controlled silence. Quite the opposite—this Diablo will be hitting the streets, turning heads, and letting its naturally aspirated V12 sing at every opportunity. We plan to share its journey: from weekend drives to Monterey Car Week. You’ll see it and hear it.