He
has long been revered as one of the many legends surrounding the
world's most uncompromising sports car brand - Valentino Balboni, a
remarkable test driver with his own personal cult status. Automobili
Lamborghini now presents a model in his honour and bearing his name -
the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.
The
latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini's most successful model of
all time - overall, more than 9,000 units of the model range have
already been produced - boasts not only its own distinctive design and
exclusive equipment, but its technology is unique too, as indicated by
the model badge: the 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is
for rear wheel drive.
For
several decades, Valentino Balboni has had a distinct influence on the
character of the super sports car bearing the sign of the bull. With his
fine-tuning and testing work, he has helped to shape many automotive
legends, from the Lamborghini Miura of the 60s through to the current
Gallardo and Murciélago models. Balboni was hired in 1967 by company
founder Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. From early on, it was evident
that the young Balboni had a special feel for cars, that most sensitive
of all instincts that connects to the 'life blood' of an automobile and
defines the soul of a test driver.
"A
Lamborghini must always combine the precision of a race car with the
reliability of a good friend," says Balboni. Since 1973, he has sat at
the wheel of every prototype built by the brand, and even most
production cars have passed through his hands before being delivered to
their customers. This has turned Balboni into one of the most important
representatives of the brand, with an outstanding reputation and status
among the brand's fans and customers worldwide.
Limited to 250 units
After
over 40 years with Lamborghini, Balboni is now officially retired. Yet,
Valentino Balboni continues to travel to many countries around the
world as an ambassador of the brand. The special exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed - it is limited to 250 units.
Light-footed yet extremely safe
With
this latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini is honouring its
long-standing test driver in a very special way. The LP 550-2 Valentino
Balboni was conceived in line with his own thinking, and it meets many
customers' requests for a model with a unique character, which offers a
very special kind of active driving fun. The Balboni model is the only
current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear
wheels alone.
Rear
wheel drive has a special appeal to those sports car drivers who enjoy a
particular driving style. Thanks to the eminently powerful V10
driveline, controlled oversteer is no problem - naturally always to the
extent defined by the driver - because refined road manners and
perfectly tuned assistance systems mean that the Gallardo LP 550-2
Valentino Balboni is an exceptionally safe sports car to drive.
Driving fun with unique character
In
order to shape this unique character that combines driving fun and
safety, the engineers at Sant'Agata Bolognese have incorporated
extensive modifications into the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. It was not
simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, the
vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving
dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilisers and even the
tyres. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change
to the power flow.
The
rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, was also
redeveloped, as was the calibration of the e-gear transmission. One
significant point was the adjustments made to the ESP system. While the
standard program is focused on high stability, the CORSA program permits
greater drift angles, thus enabling drivers to enjoy the dynamics of
the LP 550-2 to their full extent.
Outstanding performance is guaranteed
Adjustments
have also been made to the very heart of the Gallardo, the 5.2 litre
ten-cylinder: the perfect synthesis of hi-revving pleasure, pulling
power, a constantly exuberant temperament and a powerful symphony played
in all keys. In the Valentino Balboni, the compact and lightweight
power unit generates 405 kW (550 hp). At a dry weight of only 1,380
kilograms, this guarantees outstanding performance: the LP 550-2 is
catapulted from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62mph) in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds,
while the top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) guarantees its place among the
ultimate in super sports cars.
Powerful elegance in its distinctive design
The
Valentino Balboni is not only unique in terms of its technology: its
design and equipment reinforce its exclusivity. Its classic sporting
character is emphasised by a colour strip in white and gold running from
the front panel over the roof and parts of the engine cover all the way
to the rear spoiler, with inspiration from the classic sports cars from
the '70s. This colour treatment underscores the powerful elegance of
the Gallardo and emphasises the unique Lamborghini design DNA. The
Special Edition is available in eight colours, from Bianco Monocerus
through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The
Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake callipers
come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint
finish.
Classic sporting look for the interior, too
The
characteristic colour combination is repeated in the interior. The
basic colour of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats,
however, feature the colour strip in white. The centre console is
completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful
accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of
Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.
The
exclusivity of the Valentino Balboni is augmented further by its
extensive equipment. Alongside several new leather features in the
interior, there is also the transparent engine cover, the rear view
camera, the navigation system with Bluetooth and the lifting system for
the front axle that makes it easier to drive over obstacles. In addition
to the extensive standard equipment, a list of further options is
available including e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.
