Eccentrica unveils Diablo Restomod at The Quail

One of this year’s highlights during Monterey Car Week was the unveiling of the Eccentrica V12, a modern interpretation of the legendary Lamborghini Diablo, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. The limited-production vehicle combines the Diablo’s classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, and naturally, Sports Car Digest was on the ground to get details on this wild restomod, including an interview with current board member Andrea Colombo. First, some specifications to wet your appetite…

V12 Muscle

Under the hood, the Eccentrica V12 houses a 5.7-liter V12 engine derived from the early ’90s first-generation Diablos, producing an impressive 550 HP and 600 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a new custom-made 6-speed transmission, offering updated gear ratios and a new power steering system for optimal performance, a feature absent in the first series Diablo (1991-1994). New camshafts, an electronic throttle body, and an optimized flywheel elevate Eccentrica’s prowess, achieving an impressive 55 horsepower, with a more progressive delivery over the original engine and a sizeable lO kph increase in maximum speed over the already lightning-fast Diablo to reach an estimated top speed of 335 kph (208mph).

Eccentrica’s Founder, Emanuel Colombini

Emanuel Colombini, founder and president of Eccentrica, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “The Eccentrica V12 is a personal passion project, born from my lifelong admiration for the Lamborghini Diablo. While I have such admiration for the original design, I wanted to enhance the driving experience. What you see here today is the result of our engineering team going to work to deliver a car that transcends the boundaries of what has previously been achievable in technology and performance. It’s a modern hypercar with the heart and soul of a ’90s classic.”

Interview with Andrea Colombo

SCD: What drew you towards becoming involved with Eccentrica?

Andrea: I’m from Monza, Italy, so I’ve always had the sportscar DNA in my blood. When I learned of Emanuel’s vision of building cars rooted in the past, but with modern enhancements as needed. We always want to be respectful of its heritage.

SCD: As I look at the car’s body and interior, it’s obvious you are trying to pay respect to its original era rather than just adorning everything in Carbon Fibre.

Andrea: While the outer panels are carbon fiber, they are painted because we want them to be functional, not aesthetic, to respect the 1990s era.

SCD: Speaking of functionality, tell me about the six-speed transaxle.

Andrea: It was quite a challenge to develop a six-speed transaxle, but the end result was closure ratio shifts. The reverse is electronic. Put the stick in neutral and hit a button.

SCD: Where will this car be eligible for registration?

Andrea: Everywhere. We have incorporated catalytic converters to meet emissions requirements.

SCD: What sort of production numbers are you looking at?

Andrea: Currently, we have 19 units slated for production, with approximately one care produced per month. I think most of them are already sold, and the first delivery is currently scheduled for July 2025.

SCD: Is pricing public?

Andrea: Yes….it’s just under $1.5M in addition to the donor car.

SCD: What is kept from the donor car?

Andrea: We keep the raw chassis and engine, which is completely rebuilt and upgraded.

SCD: Are you already looking at what will follow this car in the future?

Andrea: Yes, we are already looking at another chassis incorporating a V10 engine.

More upgrades

Further technical improvements include reinforcing the chassis components using composite materials and a double-wishbone suspension, upgraded with active dampers by TracTive. This advanced setup enables three different settings and incorporates a front axle lift system, ensuring a smooth and responsive ride for drivers. The vehicle is also equipped with an entire new exhaust system developed by Capristo for a thrilling experience

Museo Automobili Lamborghini continues to wow

Brakes

Regarding braking capabilities, the Eccentrica V12 is equipped with an innovative BREMBO braking system featuring the brand’s first-ever matte-painted calipers. This advanced technology provides superior braking performance, guaranteeing optimal safety on the road. In addition, the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires assure improved road-holding, which means more grip, security, and higher speeds, while the new custom-made 19-inch rims, forged from aluminum alloy, are lighter and larger, providing a firmer driving experience.

Cockpit

The interior of the Eccentrica V12 strikes a balance between classic design and modern innovation. Maintaining the Diablo’s retro-futuristic aesthetic, the cockpit seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology into the steering wheel, dashboard instruments, a new digital infotainment system and rear camera located on the rearview mirror and control surfaces, offering drivers an immersive and state-of the-art driving experience.

Auditory Overload

Adding to the overall sensory experience, the Eccentrica V12 has a fully customized Marantz audio system. Meticulously designed with high-quality materials, speaker positions, and components, this exceptional sound system complements the driving experience, transforming every journey into a memorable and sensory-rich experience.

Limited Production

Only 19 models will be produced, each highly customizable to the owner’s specifications, guaranteeing exclusivity and uniqueness, with first deliveries beginning in the summer of 2025. The unveil at The Quail comes from the company’s recent appointment of industry visionary Maurizio Reggiani as an advisor to Eccentrica. With experience attained over decades with Maserati and Bugatti, as well as former CTO and Vice President of Motorsport at Lamborghini, Reggiani will provide strategic and technical guidance, foster innovation, and offer expert insights during the production phase of the Eccentrica.