Yes, it’s not all plain sailing. The collaboration between Pirelli and Lamborghini began at the birth of the Sant’Agata Bolognese manufacturer in 1963. Since then, all Lamborghinis have been fitted with Pirelli tyres. Did they forget to celebrate 50 years last year? We don’t know, but it’s in 2014, for the 51st anniversary (and even 52 years, since production only starts next year), that the VW Group-owned company is unveiling this special model called the Pirelli Edition. This special series based on the Aventador will be available as both a coupé and a roadster in early summer 2015. This model takes all the technical features of the LP700-4 (700hp V12, 4-wheel drive) and adds exclusive equipment designed by the Centro Stile.

In a blue livery that suits it perfectly, we can see the design with and without roof of the Italian supercar. For the roof, Lamborghini has opted for a Targa roof that separates into two pieces and can be removed in just a few seconds, according to the transalpine firm. The roof can be stowed in the luggage compartment at the front of the car. The other body evolution for this Aventador Roadster is the change of silhouette for the rear bonnet. This convertible version of the supercar also allows Lamborghini to unveil new Dione 10-spoke 20-inch and 21-inch wheels. Although this roadster version adds a few kilos – around fifty according to the Italian manufacturer – the weight gain has been contained thanks to the use of carbon fibre for many parts.

Fans of manly machines, meet the Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 SV! The most extreme and powerful Lamborghini ever built. Pure power for the hardcore! As its name suggests, the Aventador’s 6.5-litre V12 engine has been boosted to 750bhp! It now exhales via a special 4-outlet exhaust for a sound as deep as it is powerful. It’s got promise! Thus armed, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds. The 4-wheel drive and robotised gearbox are still in place, making the driver’s task a little easier. Finally, on the cosmetic side, this Lambo adds a layer with its fixed rear spoiler, front blade and carbon-fibre inserts. A rather virile girl, then, all the more so since, in addition to the carbon doors, the Lambo is not fitted with a multimedia system! That’s a saving of around 50 kg.

Among the legendary cars of the 70s, the Lamborghini Countach is a veritable sacred myth. The successor to the remarkable Miura in 1974, the Countach sent shockwaves through the motoring world as soon as it was unveiled in 1971. Just imagine, on the eve of the first oil crisis, what kind of passion this UFO car aroused, equipped with the Miura’s V12 engine (but in a longitudinal position), producing over 350 bhp and capable of reaching speeds in excess of 250 km/h… Designed by Bertone, this first model will go down as one of the purest of its kind. It should be noted that 7 examples were produced with a retractable roof.

The engine continues to swell with 5.2 displacement and 4 valves per cylinder (hence the QuattroValvole). The carburettors have been moved to the sides towards the top of the engine for better breathing, unfortunately this has created a hump on the engine deck, reducing the already poor rear visibility to almost nothing. Some body panels have also been replaced with Kevlar. For the US market, the carburettors (455 bhp) have been replaced by injectors (420 bhp).

In September 1988, to celebrate in style the 25th anniversary of the brand’s foundation as a car manufacturer, Lamborghini launched a very special version of the Countach. The Countach “Anniversario” (as it came to be known) included around 500 changes and improvements over the super-powerful “QuattroValvole” then in production. The ‘nose’ was modified by the adoption of a newly designed bumper, and the lower spoiler now incorporated side air intakes that cooled the front brakes directly. The rear bumper was also redesigned. The rear air intakes were also redesigned, with a striking intake grille featuring parallel claws that contribute to the original, provocative look of the Anniversario. Less visible but even more important were the changes to the chassis to improve handling. The interior and equipment were also improved. The style of the door panels was slightly revised with the introduction of electric window controls. The more comfortable seats were fitted with electric seat back recline controls, which considerably improved driving position and comfort – one of the Countach’s areas for improvement. A new steering wheel has been designed, and improved sound insulation makes the 25th much more pleasant to drive. A more powerful air conditioning system has also been developed. In short, not just a Special Edition, but a new car!

Sometimes referred to as the 5000 S, the LP 500 S continues to evolve: roadholding, which had been perfectible despite the new tyre mountings adopted on the LP 400 S, has improved still further thanks to the spoiler that has become standard on this version. The new version also gets a new 4.8-litre block. As the oil crisis drew to a close, sales of the Countach finally began to take off…

The tyres quickly admitted their limitations and proved to be undersized for the power of the V12. On the LP400 S, low-profile Pirelli P7 tyres greatly improved the Countach’s handling. The adoption of these tyres led to numerous changes to the geometry of the suspension, while the brake discs were significantly enlarged. They also led to the addition of some really crude fender flares designed by Walter Wolf. Despite its advanced age, the Countach remains one of the most powerful cars in the world. Its low weight combined with its powerful mid-mounted V12 gave it first-rate performance and devilishly efficient roadholding. Agile, well-balanced and almost easy to control at medium speeds, the Lamborghini Countach is one of the few supercars that can also be used on the road. It should be noted that in order to comply with American anti-pollution standards (the brand’s main customer), power has been reduced on this 2nd evolution.

Succeeding the legendary Countach, which appeared in 1974 (after a 26-year career!), the Diablo was made official in 1990. From the outset, the Diablo relaunched the small manufacturer as a leader in the ‘Supercar’ market, to combat its main rival: Ferrari… All the driving references are instantly revisited at the wheel of the Lamborghini Diablo. As wide as a lorry and as low as a go-kart, it takes just a few seconds to swallow up anyone who gets in its way. Even when you think there’s no time to overtake, the Diablo is more than happy to do so. Beastly, gigantic, demonic, terribly powerful and seductive, the Diablo is a true supercar with no concessions…

Once again aimed at the US market, this special edition has no other special features (apart from its specific colour) than an Alpine CVA-1005 multimedia station with an integrated navigation system, a DVD player and an Alpine 6-CD changer with low and high-frequency speakers. It also has 18″ chrome JAs and, of course, an engraved plaque on the dashboard…