Lamborghini Countach LP400S

Thanks to Dallara, who worked as a consultant to Lamborghini at the time, a modified LP400 was launched in 1978. The most important change was the adoption of Pirelli's new P7 high performance tyres - 205/50VR15 up front and 345/35VR15 in the rear !! You know, no road car in history had ever used rear tyres as wide as this 345 mm P7, even until today! In addition to the latest low profile technology, grip was increased significantly without hurting ride quality. Now Countach had the right tyres to match with its tremendous power.

To accommodate wider tyres, extended wheel arches made of glass fiber were added, which also enhanced aggressive feeling. Air dam was added under the nose, while a V-shape huge rear wing was listed as a popular option for increasing high speed stability as well as visual aggression. Many people including me like the wing, but its extra drag cost at least 10 mph at top speed.

Even without the wing, LP400S had considerably higher aerodynamic drag than LP400, thanks to the widened wheel arches and tyres. This inevitably deteriorated top speed, especially when the V12 was carried over without the slightest alteration. Acceleration was also worsened because an extra 50 kilograms were added to the kerb weight.

However, judging by handling, the LP400S never let us down - cornering ability was not in doubt anymore. Obviously, Lamborghini knew that an all-time supercar must have handling matching speed.

As mentioned already, the V12 was not changed at all, but a more honest appraisal resulted in 353 hp instead of 375 hp.

Specifications:

Year of production: 1978 - 1982
Number made: 237
Layout: Mid-engined, Rwd
Gearbox: 5-speed manual
Chassis: Steel tubular space frame chassis, aluminium body panels
Engine: V12, dohc, 2v/cyl.
Capacity: 3929 c.c.
Power: 353 hp
Torque: 267 lbft
Weight: 1351 kg
Top Speed: 158 mph (est.)
0-60 mph: 5.9 sec