--- title: "John Cena Is Selling His BMW-Powered Lamborghini Diablo Replica. Are You the One?" description: "Cena ordered the BMW V12-toting not-Lambo in 2003 and only got it in working order this year. Now it can be yours." date: "2024-10-01" modified: "2024-10-01" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/john-cena-is-selling-his-bmw-powered-lamborghini-diablo-replica-are-you-the-one" categories: - "Lamborghini News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Diablo" - "Lamborghini" - "Supercar" --- # John Cena Is Selling His BMW-Powered Lamborghini Diablo Replica. Are You the One? ![]() John Cena recently admitted on the *Club Shay Shay* podcast that he tried to have a [Lamborghini Diablo replica]() built 20 years ago. The project began disastrously, but Cena never gave up on it. After two decades of changing shops and plans, he finally took delivery of the fake Diablo VT, only to turn around and list it for sale on [Bring a Trailer]() almost immediately. The [aforementioned podcast episode]() aired a month ago and in it, Cena admitted “I just got the keys to that car a week ago." It's unclear when the podcast was recorded, but it would seem Cena hasn't had the finished product in his possession for long. You might think that after two decades and countless headaches, the wrestler and movie star might want to keep the fake Diablo and drive the thing, but instead, it's listed right now on the auction site with no reserve. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Despite it having a fiberglass body, Cena's "Diablo" looks surprisingly accurate for a replica. The lower front lip, rear wing, and rear air ducts seem just a bit off, but I needed to look closely at a real [Diablo]() VT back-to-back with the fake to spot most of the differences. Perhaps Lamborghini aficionados will notice them with the naked eye, but I'd reckon that even most car nerds will be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with it in person. The interior looks accurate enough, even with its proportional quirks and unique switchgear. It does bother me a little that there are still plaques on the doors that read "Disegno [Marcello Gandini]()," but maybe that's just me being petty. What *isn't* close to the real thing, though, is the engine. Rather than the Diablo's incredible-sounding V12, Cena's replica uses a BMW V12 from an 8 Series or '90s 7 Series. The listing for Cena's car [includes a video clip](), in which you can hear its engine and exhaust note. It all sounds good, but lacks the thrill of Lamborghini's. Paired to that engine is a Porsche-sourced, five-speed manual transaxle. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Typically, a replica [Lamborghini]() wouldn't draw a second glance from most car enthusiasts. A replica that was owned by [John Cena](), though, is a bit more interesting—and this example's odd and amusing 20-year backstory doesn't hurt, either. Good thing Cena conveniently told the not-Diablo's origin story on a podcast, so its next owner can truly appreciate it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7sWIXSPYXc *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()