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550 Reindeer-Power: Lamborghini celebrates Christmas early with Balboni baubles

Noah Joseph — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Lamborghini, Toys/Games, Design/Style

2010 Lamborghini Christmas Collection - Click above to view in high resolution

With households across America still decking their halls with jack-o-lanters and all manner of goolish decorations, it may be a tad soon to start thinking about the winter holiday season. But for Lamborghini, Christmas arrives early this year with the launch of the hardcore Balboni edition Gallardo. And to commemorate, Lambo's putting the Santa in Sant'Agata Bolognese with a new collection of holiday ornaments and stocking-stuffers.

Just as it has in years past, Lamborghini has released a new set of tree ornaments, decorative candles, calendars and other paraphernalia, this year carrying the Balboni theme in honor of its legendary test driver and the driver-focused LP550-2 that bears his name. Along with the latest collection of Raging Bull-emblazoned sportswear, the holiday wares are available directly from the Lamborghini Store, with details enumerated in the press release after the jump like so many maids a-milking and swans a-swimming (while you're enjoying that, Jonny and I will be waiting for the release of the Reventon dreidel.)

[Source: Lamborghini]

Continue reading 550 Reindeer-Power: Lamborghini celebrates Christmas early with Balboni baubles

550 Reindeer-Power: Lamborghini celebrates Christmas early with Balboni baubles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Valentino Balboni introduces his namesake Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

Jonny Lieberman — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:04:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Lamborghini

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you've spent any time behind the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, the notion of a more sporting version is pretty close to absurd. Of course, we're not Valentino Balboni, the man who's logged more miles behind the wheel of more Lamborghinis than any other human being in the history of Earth. While we'd be thrilled to one day break his record, we probably won't. Balboni has served as Lambo's test driver since 1967, and in 1973 began sitting behind the wheel of all the prototypes, including the Diablo, Murcielago and Gallardo. Few cars have left Sant'Agata without Balboni's stamp of approval, so when a new bull appears, "conceived in line with [Balboni's] own thinking," you can be assured it will be special. How special was up for debate -- until we watched the video of Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-2 Valentino Balboni in action. Not to give anything away, but wow. And while on some level we know it's just slick corporate propaganda, on another, Balboni really does seem honored by the fast car with his name on the left window. Also, be sure not to miss the Estoque Easter egg. Lambo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni video is embedded after the jump. Go there now.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Zurich unveil

[Source: Automotive Addicts]

Continue reading VIDEO: Valentino Balboni introduces his namesake Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2

VIDEO: Valentino Balboni introduces his namesake Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Lamborghini, Specialty

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Few names resonate more with the Lamborghini faithful than Valentino Balboni, Lambo's long-term test driver who's honed every model to roll off the line since 1973. In an ultimate tribute to Balboni, the Italian supercar manufacturer has created this: the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

As its name would imply, the Gallardo ditches the standard model's all-wheel drive system and sends power to the rear wheels, and according to the automaker, the 550-2 "was conceived in line with [Balboni's] 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 5.2-liter V10 has been tweaked to put out 550 hp and coupled with a the Gallardo's reduced curb weight (3,042 pounds), the LP 550-2 can sprint to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and top out at 199 mph.

As we saw yesterday, the exterior receives a new set of Scorpious wheels (hiding a revised suspension) and a white and gold stripe running the length of the Lambo, with the theme carrying over inside in the form of a white leather center console and seats. Eight exterior shades are available, along with black, orange or yellow brake calipers, depending on the chosen hue, and in addition to the standard transparent engine cover, rear-view camera, navigation system and Bluetooth integration, buyers can option up for the e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

This purest of Gallardos will be limited to 250 units, each bearing a serial number and Balboni's signature on the left side window, with US pricing starting at $219,800. Make the jump for the official release.

Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Continue reading Officially Official: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Officially Official: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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