Production of the definitive LP400 was
not started until 1974, however, since again much development had to be
done. The most significant changes were a change of engine size back to
the Miura's 4-litres and repositioning of the radiators to improve the
cooling. This latter change also necessiatated some extra vents which dictated
some styling changes.
In 1975 Pirelli introduced new tyres designed
specifically for cars such as the Countach. The car was much modified to
accept, and to make the most of, these tyres, with changes to the rear
suspension, front and rear track, bodywork (wheelarch extensions) and brakes
(still larger). The resulting Countach S was built in numbers from 1978.
The next development was to increase the
size of the engine, to 4754cc and 400bhp for the 500S, introduced in 1981.
In 1985 the engine grew again to 5.2-litres and got four valves per cylinder
in the Quattrovalvole.
The
next development of the Miura, the Countach was first shown to the public
as a concept car at the Geneva Motorshow in 1971, called the LP500 (Longitudinale
Posteriore 5-litre). The Miura chassis was largely retained, but the motor
was turned through 90 degrees to be mounted longitudinally and the body
was a radical new design by Gandini (still at Bertone). The engine was
a 5-litre development of the Miura V12, with 440bhp. The gearbox was positioned
in front of the engine with a drive shaft passing through the sump to the
final drive which was at the rear.
The
resulting car used a tubular spaceframe chassis clad in thin aluminium
panels. Special glass, the use of magnesium where possible and otherwise
aluminium and some special competition components were all used to keep
the weight down to a minimum possible.
Production
stopped in 1990 (volumes as below) when the Countach was replaced by the
Diablo.
| Model |
|
| LP500 prototype |
|
| LP400 |
|
| LP400S |
|
| LP500S |
|
| LP500 Quattrovalvole |
|
| LP500 25th Anniversary |
|
 |
 |
Technical Details
| Engine | LP400 & S : 3929cc (82x62mm) 60deg V12 with dohc (per bank) and 375bhp @ 8,000rpm
LP500S : 4754cc (85.8x69mm) with 400bhp @ 7,000rpm QV : 5167cc (85.5x75mm) with 4 valves per cylinder and 455bhp @ 7,000rpm |
| Suspension | front : double wishbone and coil springs plus anti-roll bar
rear : double wishbone and twin coil springs plus anti-roll bar wheelbase : 2443mm track (front/rear) : 1500mm/1520mm (400S & 500S : 1490mm/1605mm) |
| Brakes | ventilated discs all round with servo assistance
mechanical handbrake operating on the rear wheels |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual |
| Steering | rack-and-pinion |
| Kerb weight | LP400 : 1290kg
QV : 1440kg |
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