Modern supercars have pushed the envelope of performance so far that they require all sorts of technology to keep the average driver from instantly destroying themselves and the car. Hence all-wheel drive to deliver the power, self-shifting transmissions and, of course, traction and stability control. But to the hardcore driver, all of that stuff just gets in the way. Today, Lamborghini has unveiled a special-edition Gallardo that cuts through to deliver a purer experience - the Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni.
Named after Lamborghini's famed test driver, who has helped shape the brand's cars and performance standard for four decades, the LP550-2 is a RWD-only Gallardo sporting a lightly de-tuned 550hp version of the 5.2L V10 found in the recently launched Gallardo LP560-4 and LP560-4 Spyder.
The transition to RWD was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, however - the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilizers and even the tires. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow, which explains the re-designed front end.
Named after Lamborghini's famed test driver, who has helped shape the brand's cars and performance standard for four decades, the LP550-2 is a RWD-only Gallardo sporting a lightly de-tuned 550hp version of the 5.2L V10 found in the recently launched Gallardo LP560-4 and LP560-4 Spyder.
The transition to RWD was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, however - the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilizers and even the tires. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow, which explains the re-designed front end.
