Lamborghini Reveals Rear-Drive, 550-hp Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

People Who Like This Also Like

• NUMMI Speculation: Toyota to Build Rebadged Prius for GM? 26154500
• 
  Enraging the Bull: Racing 150 MPH in a Gallardo at the Ultimate Lamborghini Experience 26124112
• Chrysler Ends Contract With Cummins For Diesel Ram 26153770
• Thread of the Day: What Are the Best/Worst Aging Vehicles on the Road 26162488
• Citroën's Updated C3 Officially Unveiled, Features Panoramic Windscreen 26136126

In honor of its longtime test driver and evaluator, Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini has rolled out the special-edition Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. The 550-hp car starts at $219,800 and only 250 copies will be made.

As with all current Lamborghinis, the model name tells you a little something about the car itself. As always, LP stands for Longitudinale Posteriore, or Longitudinal Position in Italian, referencing the engine layout. 550 stands for the horsepower, a stout 550 hp that's just a bit less than a standard Gallardo LP 560-4. Of more importance is the '-2,' which indicates that this car is two-wheel drive. Specifically, this car is rear-wheel drive, and is currently the only model in the Lamborghini lineup not to use an AWD system.

Despite the lower traction with two fewer wheels being driven, the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni still rockets to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and the 5.2L V-10 will push the car all the way to a top speed of 199 mph. Having a curb weight of just 3,042 lbs certainly doesn't hurt that performance.

Along with the impressive performance, you also get some special details like the white-and-gold stripe up the middle of the car, which will be present on all 250 copies regardless of which of the eight color options the owner chooses. Dark gray Scorpius wheels will come with every car and hide brake calipers painted in orange, black or yellow, depending on the body color chosen.

Inside, you get an interior wrapped with even more leather than the standard Gallardo and done up in a two-tone scheme with strong white accents, such as the entire center console, on a black cabin. Every car will also come with a badge below the driver's window with Balboni's signature and the car's build number, as well as a host of options like nav and a back-up camera.

If this bull sounds like your kind of ride, you'd better get your order in quick. Even in this economy, all 250 copies are expected to go quick, and $219,800 isn't a bad deal on a supercar.

Source: Lamborghini