Do you find that the standard Lamborghini Gallardo LP-560-4 has too short a name? Or too many driven wheels? Is it too common? Does it not have enough Balboni?
Well friend, has your ship ever come in! Lamborghini just announced a special-edition Gallardo, called the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. Let's break that down for you.
The "550" stands for the horsepower output of the 'boni's 5.2-liter V10 engine. Yes, that's 10 fewer than the Gallardo LP 560-4.
The "2" means that unlike other Gallardos, this Balboni edition has but two driven wheels (that would be the rear ones, if you were wondering). Lamborghini says, "...controlled oversteer is no problem." Indeed, it's typically the other variety of oversteer that concerns us.
The "Valentino Balboni" stands for Valentino Balboni. Balboni is the legendary Lamborghini test driver that's been with the company since old man Lamborghini hired him in 1967. (He's the one on the left in the picture above.)
What else do you want to know? The suspension was modified for duty in the Balboni. There will be only 250 constructed. The suggested retail price in the U.S. is $219,800. All Balboni's come with the white-and-gold stripes as seen here, regardless of which of the eight body colors one chooses. The interior has more leather than a standard Gallardo and with the white stripes in the seats looks a bit like a 2010 Mustang GT. We presume that was unintentional.
hondacura4 says:
03:42 PM, 06/30/09
Id like to see an acceleration comparison of the above Lambo LP-550-2 and the ZR1 as the heavier AWD LP-540-4 trapped around 128 which is pretty close to the ZR1 129-130 trap. The more powerful lighter weight RWD LP-550-2 should have decent advantage over its brother.
mrbacon says:
06:23 PM, 06/30/09
This is awesome.
I've always favored Lamborghini over Ferrari, and this is just one more indication that my choice is the right one.
Screw Ferrari and their paddle shifters.
LONG LIVE LAMBO AND THE CLUTCH PEDAL!
mmichael says:
09:31 PM, 06/30/09
DROOOOOOOOL!!!!
what a machine!!
M Michael
http://easyclicks.wordpress.com/
audisport says:
05:57 AM, 07/ 1/09
Sweet looking wheels and stipes. I wonder how she'll perform as a RWD machine now.
wolverine85 says:
08:26 AM, 07/ 1/09
@mrbacon
Despite the photo showing a stick - the vast majority of Lambos are sold with e-gear. I believe the take rate for the Gallardo with a stick is in the singe digits - similar to the F430.