Luxury car mega-brand Lamborghini is paying homage to their longtime test driver Valentino Balboni, by placing his name on a limited edition rear-wheel drive fleet of Gallardos.  Now that is flattering!

There are a million ways to say thank you, but the creative way Lamborghini has chosen will live on through the decades, a permanent piece of gratitude.

Balboni has been an icon to the company since he was hired by founder Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1967.  He is now retired of course, but still has a hand in many projects over the years, from the Miura to the Gallardo and Murcielago supercars.

It is to be dubbed the Lamborghini LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni (try saying that 3 times fast).  The 550 is of course a nod to the 550 horsepower it puts out, as it is traditional for Lambo to add it into the name. 

For the gearheads, you have likely noted that this is the only current Lamborghini model to power just the rear wheels.  That and the fact that they will make only 250 units of the LP 550-2 make it among the more exclusive and exotic models.

So why the sudden switch to a rear drive train?  Rumor has it that it is a move to spark enthusiasts.  The tranny has been relocated to the back axle, creating new driving dynamics.  I am sure Balboni will be driving his namesake plenty, working out all the new tweaks!

The revamped rear axle has a limited-slip differential and the stability control program has been upgraded.  The engine is a 5.2-liter V10, as is common to other Lamborghini models and it hits the 0-62 mark in 3.9 seconds.  There are faster models, like the Lamborghini LP 560-4, which we just purchased, who can hit the mark in 3.7 seconds. 

The limited edition Gallardo 550-2 will cost around $219,800 USD if you are interested in obtaining your own, otherwise be sure to check out our fleet of Lamborghini rentals and luxury car rentals!  It could save you a couple hundred grand.

 

 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals