Lamborghini is paying tribute to its longtime test driver

Lamborghini is paying tribute to its longtime test driver, Valentino Balboni, by putting his name on a limited run of rear-wheel-drive Gallardos.

It’s called the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, which denotes the 550-hp rating. It’s the only current Lamborghini that channels power to just the rear wheels. Lamborghini will make just 250 units.

The rear-drive element is sure to stir enthusiasts. The transmission has been moved to the back axle and the entire car is retuned for different driving dynamics. The reworked rear axle gets a limited-slip differential, and Lamborghini engineers recalibrated the stability control program.

Power comes from a 5.2-liter V10. It propels the car to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds.

Balboni is an iconic figure in Lamborghini history, hired by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1967. Balboni is now officially retired, but he has had a hand in many significant Lamborghinis over the years, including the Miura from the 1960s and the current Gallardo and Murciélago cars.

The interior is trimmed in black leather with white accents and the car has a polar white center console

Electronics include Bluetooth, a rearview camera and a navigation system. The options list includes carbon-fiber brakes.

This special Gallardo will carry a sticker price of $219,800 in the United States.

source: autoweek