Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Balboni Valentino Balboni Edition

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Balboni Valentino Balboni Edition

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni, introduced in 2009, was a special limited edition honoring Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini's chief test driver who had been with the company since 1968, working on every model from the Miura to the Murcielago. Limited to 250 units, the Balboni was notable for being the first rear-wheel-drive Gallardo, fundamentally changing the car's character.

By deleting the front-wheel-drive system and its associated hardware, Lamborghini saved approximately 30 kilograms while simultaneously transforming the driving experience. The Balboni sent all 550 horsepower from its 5.2-liter V10 exclusively to the rear wheels through a revised differential with a 45% limited-slip ratio. The result was a Gallardo that communicated more intimately with the driver, offering greater adjustability, more predictable handling transitions, and a more traditional rear-drive sports car feel.

The visual identifier was the dramatic diagonal stripe running from the left front fender across the roof to the right rear quarter, echoing Valentino Balboni's trademark testing stripe used to identify development prototypes. This stripe was available in white, gold, or grey and became an instantly recognizable feature. The rest of the body wore exclusive Balboni-specific paint options.

Mechanically, beyond the RWD conversion, the car used the LP 560-4's 5204cc V10 engine detuned slightly to 550 horsepower, with revised torque delivery better suited to rear-wheel-drive application. The suspension was recalibrated for the different weight distribution and handling characteristics, with slightly softer rear springs and revised damper settings.

Inside, the Balboni received a special plaque signed by Valentino himself, along with unique color combinations and trim specific to the edition. Both the E-gear semi-automatic and traditional six-speed manual gearbox were available, though the manual version is naturally the more desirable specification today.

The Balboni is significant in Lamborghini's history because it reintroduced rear-wheel drive to the Gallardo lineup and proved there was strong demand for a purer, less electronically managed Lamborghini. This led directly to the LP 550-2 becoming a permanent part of the range and influenced the development of rear-drive variants for the subsequent Huracan.