Car Of The Day: 1996 Zagato Raptor Concept

The Zagato Raptor, designed in collaboration with Lamborghini SpA, was intended as a limited-production model to bridge the gap between the Diablo and its planned successor, the Lamborghini Canto. Unveiled at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, the Raptor garnered significant attention for its lightweight and elegant design compared to the standard Diablo.

This concept car, designed using Zagato’s advanced computer-aided design tools, was among the first vehicles created entirely through digital processes. Chief designer Nori Harada and his team accomplished the remarkable feat of developing the Raptor from scratch in under four months.

Built on a tubular space-frame chassis with a carbon-fiber bodyshell, the Raptor featured a unique design where the entire middle section of the car pivoted forward, eliminating the need for conventional doors. The removable roof incorporated Zagato’s signature ‘double bubble’ design, allowing the car to be used as a coupé or roadster.

Scott Pattenden ©2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

The Raptor borrowed the six-speed manual, all-wheel-drive transmission and the 5.7-liter V12 engine from the Diablo VT. With a kerb weight nearly 300 kg lighter than the Diablo, the Raptor could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds, with a rumored top speed over 200 mph.