Diablo Roadster (pre-facelift) & Diablo VT Roadster (1999 facelift)

Based on the Diablo Roadster concept, the Diablo VT Roadster ushered in a new era with its electronically operated carbon fiber targa top, ingeniously stowed above the engine lid when not deployed. Beyond the roof, the roadster’s exterior underwent a series of transformations in comparison to the fixed-top VT model. Notably, the front bumper experienced a revision that involved replacing the quartet of rectangular driving lamps with a combination of two rectangular and two round units. The brake cooling ducts, once positioned outboard of the driving lamps, were shifted inboard and sported a distinct straked design. Meanwhile, the rear cooling ducts adopted the vertically painted layout familiar from the SE30 model.

Significant alterations were made to the engine lid to ensure proper ventilation when the roof panel was in place. A notable tweak came in the form of revised 17-inch wheels that complemented the roadster’s overall design. The roadster’s air intakes, situated on the top and sides, boasted increased dimensions compared to the Diablo coupé. Moving ahead to the 1998 Diablo SV, VT, and VT Roadster, the wheel dimensions were upgraded to 18 inches, allowing room for larger brakes. Additionally, the engine’s potency was elevated to 530 hp (395 kW; 537 PS) through the integration of the variable valve timing system. As a result, the top speed surged to an impressive 335 km/h (208 mph).

The 1999 facelift of the VT coupé and roadster inherited identical cosmetic and mechanical enhancements from the SV model, embracing open headlamps, a revamped interior, a robust 536 PS (394 kW; 529 hp) engine, and ABS. Minimal changes were made compared to the previous generation.