Its interesting to see some pictures turning up in the Countach thread now it has been brought up. Some questions that I can think of on the Evoluzione for answers The engine Number an where did it go? The supposed 490BHP if correct what did they do to achieve this? (cams? carb jets?) The proof of crash testing. Some performance figures or test notes. I have seen one UK QV with composite front bonnet 86-87 car if I recall. Why was composite not used in more parts from 88 on yes the engine hood was Kevlar why not more items. OK we understand the costs which was more the main front tub. why did they not make the 490BHP standard from 88 on. A good starting point.
In 1988 Sandro Munari wrote a short piece for Pasini's book entitled: "How to Drive the Anniversario". The former World Champion's http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandro_Munari words are reproduced in excerpt form here: " The Anniversario, as you know, is the latest jewel from Lamborghini.... developed by the Lamborghini technical staff under the direction of Luigi Marmirolli ... The result is increased penetration and significant increase in top speed. The suspension system was retouched, with a retuning of springs & dampers ... the geometry also underwent some modifications ... The work was completed with the adoption of the new Pirelli P Zero tires. These improvements have brought great improvements in road-holding and thus in safety. The Anniversario is now pleasurable to drive, because it is better balanced and sincere, so its behavior & reactions are easier to anticipate. The car was purposely left with a slight under-steer, the ideal condition for exploiting the Anniversario's high performance on fast curves. on the slow, tight curves, however, the attack is a bit more difficult, but if you anticipate the maneuver just slightly, you will obtain the desired trajectory. If you prefer a "tighter" driving style, then you can utilize the famous "pendolino". If you already know how, you can handle it yourself; if not, you would be better advised not to learn, because you could run into some unpleasant surprises. Have fun driving your Anniversario!" Image Unavailable, Please Login
Considering his past, perhaps to him nothing could be safer than driving on normal roads in dry conditions. Loose gravel, solid trees, that photographer is insane. One of my favorite automotive pics featuring the ex-Lamborghini development engineer/PR man Image Unavailable, Please Login
A couple more (apologies, I couldn't resist), from when he won the Targa Florio (1972) with Arturo Merzario in the Ferrari 312 PB. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Back on topic, 12449 in the USA, another early production car, steering wheel signed by Valentino. Note window rubber weather-strip. Image Unavailable, Please Login
No idea where the engine went, but 490 bhp is just a rumour told many times, since they even had the smog pump attached, nobody wanting to achieve more power would do this... Anyhow I have it mentioned on my overview as well since no other numbers are known: http://www.countach.ch/History/index.html I never saw pictures of the crashed car. Performance figures I found some but nothing official, again typical italian rumours, believe half of them and you're on the right track, even with the weight I would be very careful, since whenever you take something off your car you will remark that the real weight bringers are the engine and gearbox unit, even removing the complete AC will not bring more than about 20Kg reduction. Compare a valve cover with one of the Gallardo, the Countach piece is at least 5mm dick, weights about 7 Kilos, the Gallardo is a special Aluminium-Magnesium alloy only 2mm dick and weights less than one kilo. My QV has a Kevlar front bonnet and engine lid.
Hi Joe, long time no see. Do you know anyone who makes those "winglets" my 5000s never had any but I've seen some of my MY that do. It's annoying driving fast but not so fast and having the wiper rattle around.
Raymond, do you know the weight difference in the standard aluminium and the kevlar? It would seem that a few have Kevlar front bonnets, is this Lamborghini using up stock of the Kevlar left over from the Evoluzione build.. As they did not keep producing them which you would have thought a natural progression to the cars development. Money may be the other factor or no weight gain the other. which would explain the use of the Kevlar bonnets on some cars which were left overs. The other point which would also put pay to the BHP increase if they did, it where that simple to up it to 490 surely it would have filtered through to the 25th. So would question that 490 engine ever happened. Could the lack of funding and desire to go the composite route mark or be ppart of why Horacio pagani left just 2 -3 years later. questions and thought.
Are you speaking of the larger trapezoidal shaped unit on the main wiper arm? Image Unavailable, Please Login
The 2 smaller winglets are what I was speaking of, and I have never seen those on anything beyond 1980 (LP400S S2). But anything's possible. No idea who made those, or if they were done in-house at Sant Agata and tack-welded or 'pressed' on. But they would not be too difficult to have fabricated. This is LP400 1120106's unit. PS - Can't be too far off-topic on the 25th Anniversario thread because the owner of this car Richard E had an Anniversario built in orange to match and complete his First & Last of Series collection. He still has both. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Not sure if these are pure Kevlar on the 25th for both Euro/ROW and USA, but certainly composite material. Front hoods on the USA cars are not composite. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Sorry, it was the larger one in the middle. I've seen some with and some without. I wish I had a template of one so I could have it fabricated. The small ones would also be nice.
I agree with both points, because they are typical characteristics of Automobili Lamborghini of that era. Over-supply was always used up and in the day when the cars were new nobody questioned anything. Lamborghini lost a few good people who left when they realized that there wasnt the funding to allow them to fulfill their potential: the first was Dallara during the Miura's era, and Pagani was the one you speak of. And what careers they went on to foster! Meanwhile, here is an aerial shot of 12879 in all its glory. Enjoy... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Come to think about it. I still haven't figured out why my washer wont work when I turn it on. Fuses OK connections OK motor OK but no juice to the motor. Joe is there a relay I'm missing? Thanks as always.
On Rockingham Motor Speedway in the UK Rockingham Motor Speedway - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hmm. Fluid in the bottle? I wish I could help. Your best getting someone qualified to diagnose all your electric gremlins at once, I think.
RHD UK car. Emilio will appreciate the steering wheel... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Light entertainment re-posted featuring a few members of Club Countach [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcenYJZY0K4&feature=player_embedded]??????????????????????????? - YouTube[/ame]
Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversario Gaining Respect A little attention on a neat site. They remind us we could buy them for $70,000...
I'm afraid I can't help there. I gave up publicly referring people to do work on Lamborghinis. Investigations show that there are too many people tall on talk and short on results are involved with the cars. Meanwhile on a brighter note, in Australia this much-driven Nero 25th always looks good, and the Ferrari seems to be envious. Image Unavailable, Please Login
