The Dark Side of the Lamborghini Jota
Mihai Tarus is a 3D automotive artist from Moldova, based in the UK, and these stunning renders are his take on the legendary Lamborghini Miura Jota. Finished in gunmetal grey, the faultless detail of the bodywork with contrasting race tyres give the Jota an aggressive and sinister look. We love it.
In 1970, Lamborghini development driver Bob Wallace created a test mule that would conform to the FIA's Appendix J racing regulations. The car was appropriately named the Miura Jota (the pronunciation of the letter 'J' in Spanish). Wallace made extensive modifications to the standard Miura chassis and engine. Weight reductions included replacing steel chassis components and body panels with lightweight aluminium and replacing side window glass with perspex, with the resulting car weighing approximately 360 kg less than a production Miura. A front spoiler was added and the headlights were replaced with fixed, faired-in units. Wallace substituted two smaller, sill-mounted fuel tanks for the single larger original unit. The suspension was reworked and widened, and lightweight wheels were fitted. The engine was modified to produce up to 440 bhp, with an increased compression ratio, altered cams, electronic ignition, dry-sump lubrication and a less restrictive exhaust system. This single example was eventually sold to a private buyer after extensive testing. In April 1971, the car crashed on the yet-unopened ring road around the city of Brescia, and burned to the ground.
Images © Mihal Tarus / 3DM Automotive