New Reveal : 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni

Valentino Balboni. A man who's been working with Lamborghini since 1967. Balboni got his job at the Italian automaker as Lamborghini's test driver. He was the first man ever to drive the legendary '68 Muira before it went on sale. Balboni, who has reportedly driven 80% of all Lamborghinis ever built, now has his own model bearing his name - the new 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.
The goal that Lamborghini has, is to create the purist and ultimate driving Lambo for Mr. Balboni. So this Gallardo LP 550-2 ditches-out Audi's all-wheel-drive, with a more natural rear-wheel drive. In fact, this is the first rear-drive Lambo since the early Diablo! Other changes concern the re-development of the rear-axle differential, with a 45% limited slip, the recalibration of the transmission and a series of adjustment to the ESP system which now allows greater drift angles.
As it loses all-wheel-drive in favor for the rear-drive, it also lost 30 kg in weight compared to its core LP 560-4 Gallardo. Somehow, it also lost 10 hp, now calling this Gallardo LP 550-2. Nonetheless, a 5.2L V10 that packs 550 hp, delivered to the rear-wheels, via a true 6-speed manual transmission (no e-gear here) is still a lot. The Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni launches to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and onwards to a limited top speed of 199 mph.
On the outside, the Balboni Gallardo features color strip in white and gold running from the front panel all the way back to the rear spoiler, a transparent engine cover and Scorpius alloys in dark grey finish while the brake callipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish.
Inside, the special edition Gallardo comes equipped with a full leather interior with the seats featuring a white color strip. The center dashboard is completely upholstered in a contrasting Polar white leather while a badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

Speaking of production numbers, the LP 550-2 special edition will only be manufactured in 250 units. Suggested price tag is $219,000. That's surely way too expensive, but this is how Lamborghini pays tribute to their legendary man.

Source : [Lamborghini]