Monday, August 08, 2005

Anyone crashed one before?


What a sad sight? Have any of you ever seen a machine like this crashed or crashed one yourself? Let’s get some stories…

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

Investing in Lamborghini's


In reply to question: "In lue of the current housing boom, should I invest in Lamborghinis?"

As an econ major at Princeton and an avid lamborghini enthusiast I'll venture a reply to the original question. As many have said it is by no way wize to speculate on modern lamborghinis-the exception of course is to pay MSRP for an in demand new model and sell at a premium. Classics like the Miura have presented interesting investing oppurtunities; however, classic car markets are cyclical (ie: a Japanese business man paid almost $20M for a GTO in the early 90's). Since I am a complete neard I have done statistical research on resale values of Ferraris and Lamborghinis ill tell you what i have noticed. Particularly I have looked at depreciating curves using exponential regression fitting. Basically Lamborghinis depreciate to a certain point (i know this is obvious). For example try buying a countach for less that $70K (that won't cost you half that in immediate repairs)- that is about the minimum price you can pay regardless of mileage or age. A nice countach will cost $75K+ while a nice Diablo (1991-1995) can be had for $90K. the age differnce between the two cars may be 5-10 years. Once one purchases a late model diablo (late meaning early manufacturing date) one can drive the car for the difference in years (say ten) and not worry about accumulating miles and assume depreciation no greater than say $10-$20K. Now this may seem like alot of money to some; however, it basically comes to a cost of 3K a year or about $145 dollars a month!

Now the investment part you ask? I think the memories of owning a Lambo for 5 years are far more valuable than a couple of points earned on blue chips over the same time. As for the realestate market, when interest rates go up, home prices are bound to go down simply becuase people will not be able to borrow as much for the same monthly payment. Along with the S&L banks who have over extended themselves using ARM loans and other creative financing tools. In an extreme case in which Greenspan loses his mind and decides to raise rates like watching the tach when you throttle a murcielago's engine, the nation could experience mass defaults on loans which would in-turn shrink the money supply and recreational spending. This would decrease demand for lamborghinis and thus render your speculative investment a loss.

But i think we all agree if you are buying a lamborghini for financial speculation, stick to sold out mercedes. These cars are meant to be driven, not put behind velvet ropes in a garage only to be viewed like your daily portfolio. My favorite Lambo's are the cars with worn driver's seats! After all Ferrociou started Lambo becuase his Ferrari's were not adequate as DRIVER's not investment vehicles!

Monday, August 01, 2005

Diablo GTR


After campaigning the Diablo SV-R for four years in the Diablo Supertrophy Lamborghini launched a completely new
car for the 2000 season. This Diablo GTR is a modified version of the 6 litre GT version of the Diablo launched in
1999. In comparison with the Diablo GT, GTR most important features are a modified chassis frame with integrated
roll bar, improved suspensions, central fixing nut for the rims, race braking system, additional radiators for
transmission oil cooling, very high performance rear wing (directly bolted to the chassis), simplified interiors and
weight reduction. The engine is basically the same V12, 6 litre, of the Diablo GT which thanks to the adoption of a
specially tuned exhaust system, without catalyser, delivers 590 hp (575 in the GT model).

The engine management system is based on the proprietary Lamborghini LIE electronic engine control system tuned
for racing. Fuel injection is sequential multipoint and ignition is static with individual coils. Lamborghini Data
Acquisition System, LDAS, and diagnostic functions are integrated in the engine electronic management system.

For the engine cooling, two water radiators in parallel are side mounted to the engine and an engine oil cooler is
front mounted as in the Diablo GT. Additional coolers for gearbox and differential oil are installed in order to better
match the racing overloads.

The transmission is on the rear wheels through a Lamborghini 5 speed gearbox with one basic gear ratio option and
an alternative option for a shorter 5th gear ratio. The gear box lever is in an asymmetric position on the central
tunnel in order to be closer to the steering wheel, for better control. The steering system is power assisted.

The tubular chassis frame integrates the roll bar and is directly connected to the rear wing. The front suspension is
modified for racing. Shock absorbers and anti-roll bars are adjustable. The rims are lightweight magnesium alloy with
central fixing nut and they accept racing type tyres. A special racing fuel tank with fast filling system has been
installed. The braking system is based on the Diablo GT high performance module. New racing brake calipers have
been adopted to better match the very severe racing conditions.

Most of the body is carbon fibre made, except for the roof, which is made of steel for torsional rigidity, while the
doors are made of aluminium, for safety reasons.

The cockpit fittings are simplified to meet racing requirements. The driver seat has been moved towards the
longitudinal axle of the car, reducing the size of the central tunnel, to ensure a better driving position. Racing
switches for ignition and for other functions have been adopted instead of the series push buttons. The fire
extinguisher system is installed on the right side of the cockpit with activating switch on the tunnel. The driver's
seat is of racing type with a six-point safety belt and the steering wheel is also racing type.

A production run of 30 cars was planned at the launch of the car at the 1999 Bologna Motorshow, but at the end of
the run 40 cars were built.

Special features of the GTR engine, common to the GT, are:

- multi-throttle intake manifold with individual intake system
- variable intake valve timing system
- dynamic air inlet duct upstream of the intake plenum
- titanium connecting rods and lighter crankshaft

Unique specifications of the GTR engine are:

- improved exhaust system designed for racing
- special calibration of the engine management system.

The tubular chassis frame integrates the roll bar and is directly connected to the rear wing.

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Diablo


There is not a single car made during 1999 that was more raw than the Lamborghini Diablo VT. This beast boasted a carbin fibre cacoon and a top speed north of 200mph. The VT stood as a relic of days gone for Lamborghini...when it did not matter if the interior was finished (ie: Murcielago) or if the climate control worked properly. The days of large wings and scissor doors. Any thoughts?

Alternate Gallardo


Although I am a big fan of the Gallardo, I wonder if its angularity will outdate it prematurely. Pictured above is an alternate design to a the Gallardo. Personally I think it is incredibly attractive. Although, I am not sure I am a fan of the front windscreen. Do you think this model would have recieved the same acclaim of the Gallardo? Any thoughts?

30th Anniversary Diablo


Perhaps the most stunning detail of the 30th Anniversary are its ground valences. Those louvred sides get my pulse racing every time. Although I am not particulary fond of the metallic purple, the 30th Anniversary is still the perfection of the original Diablo design debutted in 1991. Does anybody disagree?

Friday, July 01, 2005

Fake or Phantom?


Does anybody know what this is?