Lamborghini Jalpa
The Lamborghini Jalpa (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈxalpa]) is an entry level sports car produced by the Italian automotive manufacturer Lamborghini from 1981 to 1988. it debuted at the 1981 Geneva Motor Show alongside the Lamborghini LM001 concept off-road vehicle.[1] The Jalpa was the last Lamborghini to use a V8 engine until the Urus.
| Lamborghini Jalpa | |
|---|---|
 Lamborghini Jalpa (with the optional rear wing) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Lamborghini |
| Also called | Lamborghini Jalpa P350 |
| Production | 1981–1988 410 produced |
| Assembly | Italy: Bolognese, Sant'Agata |
| Designer | Giulio Alfieri Carrozzeria Bertone |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2-door targa |
| Layout | Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.5-litre Lamborghini V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed synchromesh manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,451 mm (96.5 in) |
| Length | 4,330 mm (170.5 in) |
| Width | 1,880 mm (74.0 in) |
| Height | 1,140 mm (44.9 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,510 kg (3,329 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Lamborghini Silhouette |
| Successor | Lamborghini Gallardo |
Overview
The Jalpa was a development of the earlier Silhouette intended to fill a role as a more "affordable" Lamborghini, being much less expensive than the flagship Countach and being also designed by Bertone.[2] Compared to the Countach, the Jalpa was much easier to drive, having better visibility and being more tractable in heavy traffic and at slow speeds, although reviewers have noted that it had a heavy steering and accelerator.[3]
Name
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The name Jalpa Kandachia came from a famous breed of fighting bulls, a tradition later followed with the Gallardo.[4]
Engine
The Jalpa was fitted with a 3.5 L (210 cu in) double overhead camshaft version of the V8 engine used in the Silhouette on which it was based. The version used in the Jalpa had a power output of 255 hp (190 kW; 259 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 225 lb⋅ft (305 N⋅m) of torque at 4,000 rpm in European specification. The engine in the US models had a power output of 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS). Fuel flow was managed by four twin-barrel down-draught Weber 42 DCNF carburetors.[2][5]
Performance
Lamborghini claimed the Jalpa could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.0 seconds, to 161 km/h (100 mph) in 19.1 seconds and a 1/4 mile time of 15.4 at 148 km/h (92 mph) with a top speed of 249 km/h (155 mph), Curb weight was 1,510 kg (3,329 lb). The performance of the Jalpa was comparable to the entry-level Ferrari 328 which itself was based on the older Ferrari 308.[6][3]
Classic & Sports Car magazine quoted a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) acceleration time of 6.8 seconds and a 0-161 km/h time of 16 seconds for the Jalpa,[7] while Car & Driver reported a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds.[5]
Revisions and end of production
When the car was sold in 1981, the plastic components (bumpers, air intakes and engine cover) were black, and the car carried over the rectangular taillights of the Silhouette along with the targa top body style. This was changed in 1984 when round taillights were fitted and the black plastic parts were replaced by parts in body colour. A rear wing like on the Countach was optional.
In 1988, after falling sales, the new owners, Chrysler, decided to end Jalpa production despite its being Lamborghini's second most successful V8 car to date (after the Urraco)[8], having sold 410 units.
References
- Tate, James (2015-11-26). "Lamborghini Jalpa Buyer's Guide: What You Need to Know About Values, Problem Areas, and More". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2019-01-04.
- Hall, Jim (December 1982). "Driving Impression: Lamborghini Jalpa". Motor Trend. Petersen Publishing: 59–60. ISSN 0027-2094.
- DeMuro, Doug (2014-12-22). "I Spent A Day With a Lamborghini Jalpa And Here Is What Happened". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2019-01-30.
- Markus, Frank (February 2013). "Sant'Agata Bolognese to Zaragoza, the Heming-Way". Motor Trend. 65 (2): 106.
- Wallace, Nicholas (2015-04-14). "This Incredibly Hot and Rare Lamborghini Jalpa Is For Sale Right Now". Car & Driver. Retrieved 2019-01-30.
- "An '80s Lambo that isn't the Countach: 1987 Jalpa heads to auction". Autoweek. 2019-01-29. Retrieved 2019-01-30.
- Classic & Sports Car February 2010
- http://www.lamborghiniregistry.com/
