2012 Lamborghini GALLARDO LP 550-2 Spyder

Lamborghini unveiled a limited number of rear-wheel-drive Valentino Balboni LP550-2 coupes for 2010, and all 250 sold out quickly. However, those that did not order in time were not completely out of luck; it has quietly allowed customers to special order the LP550-2 without Balboni trim. It must be doing well (or Lamborghini is out of ideas) because it unveiled the 2012 Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder at the 2011 Los Angeles Motor Show. It will appeal to the hands-on drivers that enjoys a spirited-driving style (i.e., on-tap oversteer) and open-air motoring.

The new supercar is similar to the Valentino Balboni design, which was named after Lamborghinis famous test driver. It axes the heavy four-wheel-drive system and replaces it with a two-wheel-drive design, making the car lighter and even more exciting. Stephan Winkelmann, president and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini states that, “this special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical expansion of our lineup of Spyder models with all-wheel drive.”

Breaking down the technical characteristics of the Lamborghini LP550-2 is the model’s designation: LP stands for Longitudinal Posteriori, meaning the mid-engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the rear axle. 550 refers to the power, and 2 stands for the drive to the rear wheels.

This soft-top Gallardo Spyder features a 5.2-liter V-10 engine under the rear hood, which has been detuned for the rear-wheel-drive system. Changing the drive system helped Lamborghini shed 66 pounds, so this lightweight design guarantees phenomenal performance. Weighing about 3,351 pounds dry, the Gallardo Spyder can go 0–62 mph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed of just under 200 mph.

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, stabilizers, and even the tires. 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 (manual is an option). 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 LP550-2 to the full extent.

Best of all, the two-wheel-drive version is cheaper than the four-wheel-drive Spyder with a price tag of $209,000 excluding a $2,995 destination charge and a gas-guzzler tax.

Vehicle Specs Base

Price   $209,000                                                                    
Engine   5.2-liter V-10                                                                    
Horsepower   543 hp @ 8,000 rpm                                                                    
Torque   398 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm                                                                    
Transmission   6-speed manual transmission                                                                    
0–60 mph   4.2 seconds                                                                    
Top Speed   198 mph                                                                    
Weight   3,351 lb (dry)                                                                    
Length   188 inches                                                                    
Tires   Front: 235/35ZR-19 Rear: 295/30ZR-19                                                                    

FOR   Two-wheel-drive design drops top for 2012                                                                    
AGAINST   Loss in acceleration