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 flagshipCountach and being also designed by Bertone.[4]
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 heavy steering and acceleration.[5] Chief engineer at that time was Giulio Alfieri.
Name
Rear 3/4 view of the JalpaInterior
The name Jalpa Kandachia came from a famous breed of fighting bulls, a tradition later followed with the Gallardo.[6]
Engine
The 3.5-litre transverse V8 engine used in the Jalpa along with attached transmission, rear suspension components and the rear brakes
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, designated the L353. 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.[4][7]
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 was based on the older Ferrari 308.[8][5]
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,[9] while Car and Driver reported a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 5.8 seconds.[7]
Revisions and end of production
When Lamborghini was sold in 1980, the plastic components (bumpers, air intakes and engine cover) were black, and the car carried over the rectangular taillights of the Silhouette along with a 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, as with the Countach, was optional.
In 1988, after falling sales and new ownership by Chrysler, Lamborghini decided to end Jalpa production despite its being Lamborghini's second most successful V8 car to date (after the Urraco),[10] having sold 410 units.
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