Lamborgini Brings Two-Wheel Drive Open-Top Fun to Gallardo

Counting special editions and two-wheel and four-wheel drive models, Lamborghini now makes nine different versions of the Gallardo. It is the most successful model that Lamborghini has ever made with 11,800 produced. The newest on the block is the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder that is essentially an open-top version of the rear-wheel drive Valentino Balboni edition Gallardo. It offers 550hp from its mid-mounted V10.

The LP 550-2 Spyder is as safe to drive as a 550hp, 5.2 liter V10 can be thanks to Electronic Stability Control, and according to Lamborghini, a setup that keeps the rear end in check even during spirited driving. Lamborghini tweaked the dampers to keep the car stable, and it even changed the aerodynamics to account for the change in drive layout.

“With the Gallardo LP 550-2 Spyder, we are expanding the Lamborghini lineup with a purist model that adds yet another dimension of driving fun. This will appeal in particular to a very special group of customers that enjoy a spirited driving style and also like to experience the sheer pleasure of open-air driving, This special model with rear-wheel drive is a logical expansion of our lineup of spyder models with all-wheel drive,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

The Gallardo gives impressive performance thanks to its 1,520kg (3,351 lbs) dry weight, powerful engine and limited-slip differential. It accelerates to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and 319km/h (198mph) top speed. The Gallardo 550-2 Spyder comes with either the automatic e-gear transmission or six-speed manual. It uses13.8l/100km (16mpg) in the EU combined cycle with the e-gear or 14.8/100km (14mpg) with the manual.