Based on the smaller Gallardo, the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni is the only Lamborghini in the lineup that’s purely rear-wheel-drive.  The Gallardo, which was designed to be AWD, had to be redesigned in some ways to adapt to rear wheel drive, but Lamborghini promises the LP550-2 delivers a more active, controllable driving experience.

The Audi-derived 5.2L V10 produces a healthy 550 brake horsepower.  Since the 550-2 ditches the front wheel drive, it’s approximately 30kg lighter than the “regular” Gallardo, the LP560-4.  Other changes to balance out the distribution of power include a new limited slip differential with a 45% lock rate, completely revised suspension settings (changes to springs, dampers, as well as stabilizer bars), revised aerodynamics, and a recalibrated ESP system which permits a greater “drift angle.”  Oh dear – Lamborghini’s discussing things like drift angles in their press releases…  Audi influence showing through?

Anyway, the LP550-2 is also treated to a retina-searing orange paint job with (what I think is) a tasteful white and gold stripe running down the center.  There’s also a transparent engine cover (yessssssss!), and some sexy dark grey “Scorpius” alloy wheels.  I think it’s quite stunning, but you know… it’s a Lamborghini.  That’s about as shocking as the relative Catholicism of the Pope.

The white stripe continues inside, with the center console upholstered in white leather (also fantastic), and black and white two-tone leather seats.  Otherwise, it’s a “regular” Gallardo interior.  I guess the point here is, when you’re making a special edition of a car like the Gallardo, it doesn’t have to be all that special.

As far as hard numbers go, well…  The 550-2 Valentino Balboni is lighter, but it’s got 10 less horsepower than the 560-4 and doesn’t have the leech-like AWD grip to rocket off the line.  As a result, it’s actually two-tenths of a second slower to sixty miles an hour.  However, that’s still a 3.9 second 0-60 time, so who really cares?

The LP550-2 comes standard with goodies like Bluetooth integration, reverse camera (important in a Lamborghini), and satnav.  Options include Lamborghini’s controversial e-gear automated manual transmission, and some lovely carbon-ceramic composite brakes, which probably cost the GDP of Morocco.  Now, if you want some of this slightly crazy 2WD Lamborghini, you’re going to need a big bag of money.  There are only 250 being made, and the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni rings in at a shocking $219,800 before options.  But it’s a Lamborghini.  So none of this is really all that surprising.