Monday, March 26, 2012

LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

One of my favorite cars of the past 10 years. I realize I have a bias because of my family, but Rwd Lamborghini..... You can't go wrong with that. 





This is a limited (to 250 units) version named after Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni. The engine was rated at 550 PS (405 kW; 542 hp). The vehicle has dry weight of 1,380 kg (3,000 lb). Unlike the contemporary line-up, this model is rear wheel drive (because the standard all-wheel drive system was removed). It is the first Gallardo ever to use 2 wheel drive.


The CORSA ESP setting allows greater drift angles over regular models.
Other features include re-calibrated optional e-gear transmission, redeveloped 45% limited slip differential, full leather black upholstery with white colour strips, Polar white centre console, a stripe down the centre of the car, and a badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.


The Lamborghini LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni can reach a top speed of 199 mph and reach 0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The vehicle has MSRP of €162,000 (Europe), £137,900 (UK), $219,800 (US).[28]
In 2009, the car was voted Top Gear's car of the year; Richard Hammond deadpanned: "We were impressed with its stripe, its V10 engine, its rear wheel drive, the savagery of its exhaust, and its stripe."