Ever since the beginning of time, Lamborghini has been known as the all-wheel-drive, go hard, supercar. In 2009, the company released the new Gallardo with all-wheel-drive, then later created a ‘Balboni’ limited-edition with rear-wheel drive for those that like power sent to the back (along with Balboni, Lambo’s test driver himself).

According to recent reports, Lamborghini will now offer the same to Gallardo Spyder lovers that desire some rear-wheel-drive fun as well.

The Gallardo Spyder is badged as the LP560-4 so we can expect the rear-wheel-drive version to be called LP550-2 Spyder. With that badging we’re guessing that power from the 5.4 liter V10 will be turned down by 10 horses – however, the model should be slightly lighter than the all-wheel-drive drop top.

Lamborghini’s ‘LP550-2′ should also come with a slightly smaller price tag, dropping about $14,000 off the starting price.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Top Gear

Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera

Lamborghini America has announced a new lease program in partnership with Premier Financial Services that will allow customers access the company’s Gallardo lineup.

Vehicles eligible for the lease program include the 2010 and 2011 Gallardo LP 560-4 Spyders, 2011 Gallardo LP 560-4 Coupe, 2011 LP 570-4 Superleggera and the brand new 2011 Gallardo LP 550-2.

“We have seen an increasing desire from our customers to develop a Lamborghini-specific leasing program as an alternative to traditional ownership,” said Wolfgang Hoffmann, Chief Operating Officer of Automobili Lamborghini America, LLC. “This new program allows enthusiasts access to some of the most extreme Lamborghini vehicles on the road.”

If you’re looking to lease a Lambo you better hurry because the program is only open from Jan. 31 to March 31, 2011. The 27-month lease allows only 3,500 miles a year.

“We have created a custom leasing plan for Lamborghini that will be a beneficial tool for dealers and a great finance option for customers,” said Mitchell Katz, President of Premier Financial Services. “We are pleased to partner with Lamborghini and to play a role in getting enthusiasts into these amazing vehicles.”

- By: Omar Rana

Valentino Balboni, a man who started his journey at Lamborghini as a mechanic apprentice, was personally asked by the founder of the Italian automaker to test drive new Lamborghini models. Balboni, who has reportedly driven 80 percent of all Lamborghinis ever built, now has his own model bearing his name – the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

Ditching the all-wheel-drive system, the new Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 sends 550-hp to the rear wheels. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 3.9 seconds with top speed limited at 199 mph.

To ensure exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni model, Lamborghini will produce a limited 250 units with prices starting at $219,800 in the United States.

Click through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni:

Press Release:

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni – Driving fun with absolute precision

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.

- By: Mo Eladway