This is the car everybody's calling a Superleggera Spyder, but Inside Line has confirmed that this is actually a Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Spyder prototype. That's right, another rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini, courtesy of the Italian automaker's esteemed test driver, Valentino Balboni, and this time it's a drop top.
Although the all-wheel-drive Gallardo Superleggera and rear-drive Balboni have some similar design details, if you look closely at those gaping lower intakes, you'll see they're in the style of the Balboni hardtop.
Around back, you'll see quad exhaust pipes that protrude beyond the back edge of the bumper. Both the Balboni and Superleggera have these, but as on the Balboni, the rear deck is blissfully wing-less. The superlight coupe, you'll recall, has a big, fixed carbon-fiber piece.
So what's the deal with the prototype's Superleggera-style wheels if this is a Balboni? Well, wheels get swapped on and off during prototype shakedown sessions on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, so we don't put too much stock in this discrepancy. Nor are we too bothered by the lack of a stripe running from nose to tail, given how much tape is on the car. Lamborghini has time to add that before the Balboni Spyder's anticipated debut at the Paris auto show.
First Drive: 2010 Lamborghini LP550-2 Valentino Balboni
benskyliner34 says:
03:12 PM, 06/29/10
If you look close you can see that the car is actually orange and covered in the black tape so the stripe may be there.
ctpax says:
08:23 PM, 06/29/10
booooooooooooring. Come up with something new for a difference Lamborghini.
calspecial68 says:
10:59 PM, 06/29/10
Agreed, ctpax. Lamborghini needs something completely new to come around already. I've already seen one photo of the Jota prototype, (nothing on the photographer)but it would be great to see more and in better focus. Where are the prototypes for the Estoque model?? I'm really looking forward to seeing this new competitor to the Panamera, Rapide, and i guess the 16C Galibier. I know, the 16C is gonna be like 6 times as much in price and 2 times as much in performance, but I think its still a viable competitor. Oh and what happened to the Miura, Lambo?? That could've been your lightweight entry-level model that slots in under the Gallardo.
lostboyz says:
05:13 AM, 06/30/10
same spot that the 599xx picture was taken on the ring, with the penis graffiti in the background. LOL
chochmastergen says:
05:34 AM, 06/30/10
Lostboyz, I noticed that too (Top Gear!), they must have a photo tower there or something that paparazzi can get to.
csubowtie says:
12:46 PM, 06/30/10
Lamborghini Balboni: the "fastest" way to die, and now you can feel the wind in your on the way.
pontneuf2503 says:
01:06 PM, 06/30/10
ctpax, calspecial: you guys are joking right? First of all, the words boring. and Lamborghini are never, ever, under any circumstance, to be placed in the same sentence, under penalty of death by catapult (Source: The Dude's Book to Cars). See, even up there I added a little period mark to avoid looking like a hypocrite.
The LP560-4 is a year old, and since debuting they've already made, including this one, 4 (!!!) iterations of it: LP560-4, Balboni hardtop, Superleggera, and Balboni roadster.
Not to mention the Reventon, the Estoq, the Super Veloce, etc. etc. etc.
Would I like to see all-new Lamborghini models? Of course I would. Will I criticize what is arguably the wildest "mass produced" exotic car maker for making different versions of its existing, and wildly acclaimed, supercars? Never.
breadwagon says:
09:09 AM, 07/ 1/10
I wonder how Balboni feels about this. They asked him for the perfect Lamb, and I doubt a floppy cabrio fits in his mind. But, Lambo is in the money making business and I'm sure they're all pre-sold anyway...