View source for Lamborghini Jalpa

{{Infobox Automobile
| image = [[Image:Lamborghini Jalpa front.jpg|250px]]
| name = Lamborghini Jalpa
| manufacturer = [[Lamborghini]]
| parent_company = [[Lamborghini]]<br/>[[Chrysler]]
| aka =
| production = 1981-1988<br/>410 produced
| assembly =
| predecessor = [[Lamborghini Urraco]]<br/>[[Lamborghini Silhouette]]
| successor = [[Lamborghini Gallardo]]
| class = [[Sports car]]
| body_style = 2-door [[Targa top|targa]]
| layout = [[RMR layout]]
| platform =
| engine = 3.5 litre [[V8 engine|V8]]
| transmission =
| wheelbase =
| length =
| width =
| height =
| weight =
| fuel_capacity = 20 US Gallons
| electric_range = 
| related = [[Lamborghini Urraco]]<br/>[[Lamborghini Silhouette]]
| designer =
}}
The '''Lamborghini Jalpa''' ({{IPA-es|'xalpa}}) was a [[sport car]] produced by the [[Italy|Italian]] [[automaker]] [[Lamborghini]] from 1981 to 1988. The Jalpa was a development of the earlier [[Lamborghini Silhouette|Silhouette]], but was rather more successful; a total of 420 examples were sold. The Jalpa was intended to fill a role as a more "affordable" Lamborghini, being much cheaper than the [[Lamborghini Countach|Countach]].  Instead of the big car's V12, the Jalpa was fitted with a transversely-mounted 3.5 litre [[V8 engine|V8]]  that developed {{Convert|255|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.  The bodywork was designed and built by [[Bertone]].
[[Image:Lamborghini Jalpa rear.jpg|thumb|left|Rear view of Lamborghini Jalpa]]
The name ''Jalpa'' came from a famous breed of fighting bulls, [[Ferruccio Lamborghini]] having a liking for bulls and being a Taurus he gave most Lamborghini cars bullfighting-related names.

Compared to the Countach, the Jalpa was much easier to drive, having better visibility and being more tractable in heavy traffic and at slow speeds.  At night, however, there were many distracting internal reflections (a common curse of the Italian low-volume car).  

Originally the plastic components (bumpers, air intakes and engine cover) were black, and the car carried over the rectangular taillights of the Silhouette.  In 1984, however, round taillights were fitted.

In 1988, after falling sales, the new owners, Chrysler, decided to end Jalpa production.

The official top speed of the Jalpa was 146 mph (234 km/h) but higher speeds have been claimed.  The weight with all fluids is 3322 lb (1,507 kg).  The Jalpa is {{in to cm|43.9}} tall.

Following the Chrysler takeover Lamborghini product programs general manager Jack Stavana fitted a Jalpa V8 into a [[Dodge Daytona]], linked to an AWD system designed by Carroll Shelby and called it the "Decepzione".  Despite its performance, the project was never followed up due to the car having just {{convert|1.5|in|mm|1}} of ground clearance, necessitated by the comparatively tall engine block.

== External links ==
*[http://www.lambocars.com/jal/jalpa.htm History of the Jalpa]
*[http://www.lambocars.com/jal/jalpa.htm Specifications]
*[http://www.jalpa.ch The unofficial Best Jalpa Site]



{{Lamborghini early timeline}}
{{Lamborghini modern timeline}}
{{Lamborghini}}

[[Category:Lamborghini vehicles|Jalpa]]
[[Category:Sports cars]]
[[Category:Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive vehicles]]
[[Category:1980s automobiles]]