1982 Lamborghini Countach LP5000S

At the 1982 Geneva Motor Show, the Countach finally got the 5-liter engine it was originally design for. This was the first Countach update in four years, following a stepwise evolution of the model since the production version was introduced in 1974.

The 5000S was initially called the 500S, but this new moniker was somewhat misleading because the new engine only displaced 4754 cc. This increased power over the preceding 4-liter engine by 50 bhp.

Some later cars featured a new rear end with an extended trailing edge that lengthened the car by an inch or so. Over a three year period around 320 cars were produced.

The first 20 cars were fitted with Campagnolo Cast Magnesium wheels but these were replaced by Ozzeta Electron units.

typeSeries Production Car
production years1982 – 1985
released at1982 Geneva Motor Show
built atSanta’Agata Bolognese, Italy
price $$ 118,000
predeccesor1978 Lamborghini Countach LP400S
succeccesor1986 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QV
engine60° V12
positionMid, Longitudinal
aspirationNatural
valvetrainDOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed6 Twin-throat 45 DCOE Weber Carburetors
displacement4754 cc / 290.1 in³
bore85.5 mm / 3.37 in
stroke69.0 mm / 2.72 in
compression9.2:1
power279.6 kw / 375 bhp @ 7000 rpm
specific output78.88 bhp per litre
bhp/weight251.68 bhp per tonne
torque409.5 nm / 302.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
body / frameAluminum Body over Tubular Steel Spaceframe
driven wheelsRWD
wheel typeOzzeta Electron
front tires205/50 VR-15 Pirelli P7
rear tires345/35 VR-15 Pirelli P7
front brakesGirling Ventilated Discs w/Vacuum Assist
rear brakesGirling Ventilated Discs w/Vacuum Assist
front wheelsF 38.1 x 21.6 cm / 15.0 x 8.5 in
rear wheelsR 38.1 x 30.5 cm / 15.0 x 12.0 in
steeringUnassisted Rack & Pinion
f suspensionIndependant w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers
r suspensionIndependant w/Coil Springs, Telescopic Shock Absorbers
curb weight1490 kg / 3285 lbs
wheelbase2450 mm / 96.5 in
front track1492 mm / 58.7 in
rear track1606 mm / 63.2 in
length4140 mm / 163.0 in
width2000 mm / 78.7 in
height1070 mm / 42.1 in
transmission5-Speed Manual
tran clutchSingle dry plate
gear ratios2.256:1, 1.769:1, 1.310:1, 0.990:1, 0.775:1
final drive4.09:1
top speed~300.0 kph / 186.4 mph
0 – 60 mph~5.6 seconds
fuel capacity120 litres