1970 Lamborghini Miura "Jota"

Miura "Jota" image

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The Lamborghini Miura "Jota" of 1970 is a rare and special edition of the iconic supercar produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini. Only one original Jota was ever built, and it was created as a prototype racing car to compete in the FIA's Group 5 sports car racing category.

At the heart of the Miura Jota is a modified version of the standard Miura's V12 engine, which has been upgraded to produce an impressive 415 horsepower. This was achieved through a series of modifications that included larger carburetors, a high-lift camshaft, tubular exhaust headers, and a dry-sump lubrication system.

The chassis of the Miura Jota was also extensively modified from the standard Miura, with a number of lightweight materials being used to reduce weight and improve the car's overall performance. The front and rear subframes were replaced with tubular steel units, while the bodywork was made from lightweight aluminum.

Despite being a prototype racing car, the Miura Jota still featured a number of luxurious touches in the interior, including hand-stitched leather seats, a wooden steering wheel, and a state-of-the-art stereo system.

One of the most striking features of the Miura Jota is its aggressive and aerodynamic bodywork. The front of the car features a low, sloping hood with distinctive air intakes, while the rear of the car is dominated by a large wing that helps to provide downforce at high speeds.

Today, the original Miura Jota is a highly sought-after collector's item, with only a small number of replica Jotas having been produced by third-party builders. Despite its rarity, the Jota remains an important part of Lamborghini's history, and its influence can be seen in many of the company's later supercars.

Milestones

- 1967: Lamborghini introduces the Miura, a revolutionary mid-engine supercar that creates a new standard for performance and design. - Early 1970s: Lamborghini engineers start working on a race-spec version of the Miura, dubbed the "Jota," with a target weight of 900 kg and a power output of over 400 hp. - March 1970: Lamborghini unveils the first prototype of the Miura Jota at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring a more aggressive bodywork, a stripped-down interior, and a modified V12 engine with six Weber carburetors. - April 1970: Lamborghini test driver Bob Wallace takes the Miura Jota prototype to the Nürburgring for a shakedown run, setting a lap time of 7 minutes and 27 seconds and proving its potential as a race car. - June 1970: Lamborghini announces plans to produce a limited run of Miura Jota models for private customers, priced at around $100,000 each. - July 1970: Lamborghini creates a second prototype of the Miura Jota, with further weight reduction and engine modifications, and sends it to the Monza circuit for testing with drivers like Jackie Stewart and Nino Vaccarella. - August 1970: Lamborghini cancels the production plan for the Miura Jota, citing safety and reliability concerns, and decides to focus on the development of a new model, the Countach. - October 1970: Lamborghini sells both Miura Jota prototypes to private collectors, one of which survives today in a restored condition and is considered one of the most valuable Lamborghinis ever made.


Technical

- Engine: V12 4.0-liter naturally aspirated - Power: 440 horsepower - Torque: 352 lb-ft - Transmission: 5-speed manual - Top speed: 186 mph - 0-60 mph: 3.3 seconds - Weight: 2,160 lbs - Wheelbase: 98.4 inches - Length: 164.2 inches - Width: 68.9 inches - Height: 41.3 inches - Suspension: Independent with double wishbones and coil springs - Brakes: Discs with four-piston calipers - Tires: Pirelli Cinturato - Body: Aluminum and fiberglass - Production: Only one Jota was officially produced, but some replicas were made

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