Lamborghini Jalpa
Specs, engines and history
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By Felix Hartmann, Automotive Technology & EV Contributor
- Built
- 1981–1988
- Top power
- 188 kW (256 PS)
The Lamborghini Jalpa is a mid-engined V8 sports car with a targa roof that Lamborghini built in Sant'Agata Bolognese from 1981 to 1988. Positioned below the Countach as the more affordable Lamborghini of its time, it developed the earlier Silhouette and was the company's last V8-engined car for three decades, until the Urus SUV of 2018. 410 were sold.
In short
- Shown at the Geneva motor show in 1981 and built until 1988; 410 cars sold.
- Transverse 3,485 cc V8 with four overhead camshafts and four Weber carburettors: 188 kW (255 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 305 Nm at 4,000 rpm.
- Five-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, removable targa roof, kerb weight 1,510 kg.
- Lamborghini quoted 0–100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 249 km/h. Independent magazine tests produced different acceleration figures.
At a glance: Lamborghini Jalpa
| Specification | Lamborghini Jalpa |
|---|---|
| Production | 1981–1988, Sant'Agata Bolognese (Italy) |
| Cars built | 410 |
| Body | two-door targa |
| Design | Marc Deschamps at Bertone |
| Layout | transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine | L353, 3,485 cc V8, four overhead camshafts |
| Power | 188 kW (255 PS) at 7,000 rpm; US 186 kW (250 hp) |
| Torque | 305 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | five-speed manual |
| Kerb weight | 1,510 kg |
| Predecessor / successor | Silhouette / Gallardo |
The Jalpa sat below the Lamborghini Countach in the range and, many years later, its role passed to the Lamborghini Gallardo. The full range is in the Lamborghini catalogue.
History of the Lamborghini Jalpa
Lamborghini presented the Jalpa at the Geneva motor show in 1981, alongside the LM001 off-road concept. It replaced the Silhouette and used a development of its V8 engine. Chief engineer was Giulio Alfieri, and the body was designed at Bertone, by Marc Deschamps according to Wikipedia.
Like most Lamborghinis, the Jalpa takes its name from the world of bullfighting — here a famous breed of fighting bulls. The plan was to offer a more affordable alternative to the Countach. The Jalpa stayed in production until 1988. By then sales had fallen, and Chrysler, the new owner of Lamborghini, ended production. According to Wikipedia, it was the second most successful V8 Lamborghini after the Urraco.
The Silhouette before it
The Jalpa's direct predecessor was the Lamborghini Silhouette, built from 1976 to 1979. It began as a styling exercise by Marcello Gandini at Bertone and was based on the earlier Urraco, but with a more angular body. The Silhouette was the first Lamborghini with a targa top, a feature the Jalpa kept. Its transverse 2,997 cc V8 produced 198 kW (269 PS) and 275 Nm and drove the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
The Silhouette sold in very small numbers: only 54 were built, 42 with left-hand drive and 12 with right-hand drive, and 31 are known to survive. The Jalpa took the same basic layout, enlarged the engine to 3.5 litres and was far more successful, with 410 cars sold. In Lamborghini's history only the Urraco sold more V8 cars.
| Specification | Silhouette | Jalpa |
|---|---|---|
| Years | 1976–1979 | 1981–1988 |
| Engine | 2,997 cc V8 | 3,485 cc V8 |
| Power | 198 kW (269 PS) | 188 kW (255 PS) European |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Cars built | 54 | 410 |
Design and the 1984 update
The Jalpa is a compact two-seater with a removable targa roof panel. It is 4,330 mm long, 1,880 mm wide and only 1,140 mm high on a 2,451 mm wheelbase. A rear wing, similar to the Countach's, was available as an option.
The first cars had black plastic bumpers, air intakes and engine cover, and rectangular rear lights taken from the Silhouette. The 1984 facelift introduced round rear lights and replaced the black plastic parts with body-coloured ones.
Engine and performance
The engine is the L353, a 3,485 cc V8 with two overhead camshafts per bank, based on the Silhouette's engine. It is mounted transversely behind the cabin and fed by four twin-choke Weber 42 DCNF carburettors. In European form it produces 188 kW (255 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 305 Nm at 4,000 rpm; US cars were rated at 186 kW (250 hp). A five-speed manual gearbox drives the rear wheels.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Power | 188 kW (255 PS) at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 305 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| 0–100 km/h | 6.0 s (Lamborghini) |
| 0–161 km/h | 19.1 s (Lamborghini); 16 s (Classic & Sports Car) |
| Top speed | 249 km/h |
| Kerb weight | 1,510 kg |
Lamborghini's own figures were 0–100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, a standing quarter mile in 15.4 seconds at 148 km/h and a top speed of 249 km/h. Measured figures varied: Classic & Sports Car recorded 0–161 km/h in 16 seconds, much quicker than the factory's 19.1 seconds.
Legacy
The Jalpa was the last Lamborghini with a V8 engine until the Lamborghini Urus of 2018. Wikipedia lists the Gallardo as the Jalpa's successor. The naming of the Jalpa after a breed of fighting bulls was also continued with the Gallardo. The story of the brand is in our history of Lamborghini.
Photo gallery
Lamborghini Jalpa in our rankings
- No. 19 of 59 · Most powerful cars of the 1980s (188 kW · top 33%)
- No. 42 of 79 · Most powerful convertibles and roadsters (188 kW · top 55%)
- No. 499 of 912 · Longest-running car nameplates (7 years · top 60%)
- No. 508 of 859 · Most powerful cars (188 kW · top 60%)
- No. 96 of 127 · Most powerful Italian cars (188 kW · top 76%)
More powerful than 67% of ranked cars of the 1980s in the 1CARS catalog (No. 19 of 59).
FAQ
How many Lamborghini Jalpas were built?
410 cars were sold between 1981 and 1988, when production ended under Chrysler ownership.
What engine does the Jalpa have?
A transverse 3.5-litre V8 with four overhead camshafts and four Weber carburettors, producing 188 kW (255 PS) and 305 Nm. It was developed from the 3.0-litre engine of the Silhouette.
How fast is the Lamborghini Jalpa?
Lamborghini quoted 0–100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 249 km/h. Independent magazine tests produced different acceleration figures.
What replaced the Jalpa?
Wikipedia lists the Gallardo as its successor, although it arrived many years later. The Jalpa was the last V8 Lamborghini until the Urus SUV of 2018, three decades after Jalpa production ended.
What does Jalpa mean?
It is the name of a famous breed of fighting bulls, following the Lamborghini tradition of bull-related names.
Data sources
Data checked by an editor against the sources below.
