Welcome to Lamborghini-Talk.com - a website dedicated to all Lamborghinis. We have many features on this website to make your experience here more enjoyable. The first step would be to REGISTER for free so you can take advantage of all the features we have to offer.
Yesterday photos of a new Lamborghini model surfaced on the web and today Lamborghini has confirmed that the new model is indeed the LP550-2. But there is more to the story than that. The new model is officially named the LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, after the former Lamborghini test driver turned brand ambassador.
Balboni was hired by Lamborghini in 1967 by Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. His driving expertise has helped to fine tune cars like the Miura and since 1973 he has driven every prototype the exotic Italian automaker has created.
Balboni's motto is that, "A Lamborghini must always combine the precision of a race car with the reliability of a good friend."
In keeping with Balboni's automotive enthusiasm the LP550-2 makes 550hp at 8000 rpm and 398hp at 6500 rpm. What is truly exciting, however, is that this model, as the "2" in the name suggest, is rear-wheel drive. Even more exciting, it weighs just 3,042 lbs!
Those two factors combine to offer a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph.
Lamborghini completely re-engineered the LP560-4 to come up with this special edition model. With the lighter weight and rear-drive layout new springs, shocks, sway bars and even tires are required. Even the aerodynamics have been changed slightly. Lamborghini also reprogrammed the ECU to work better with the rear rear-drive setup and new limited-slip-differential, allowing for significantly more sideways action in the high-performance CORSA mode.
Other highlights include a clear engine cover, a backup camera, a navigation system, Bluetooth and a hydraulic air suspension for the front axle.
The special edition LP550-2 Valentino Balboni will be offered in eight colors including Bianco Monocerus, Verde Ithaca, Arancio Borealis and Nero Noctis. The wheels will come in dark gray with the brake calipers in either black, orange or yellow.
Lamborghini has just released dozens of stunning new photos of its latest exotic, the LP560-4 Spyder. This drop-top Lambo first launched at last year’s L.A. Auto Show and news of the model has been relatively quiet. The release of these photos, however, comes as customers start to take deliveries and the Italian automaker begins to once again drum up interest in its latest creation - so you're sure to see plenty of LP560-4 reviews over the next few weeks and months.
Lamborghini isn't commenting, but several photos of a new model from the exotic Italian automaker have wound up on the web. These pictures are reportedly of a new rear-drive version of the Gallardo LP560 - and they certainly do look official.
The name of the car also leaked out and is reported to be called the LP550-2 – with the number "2" signifying it is a two-wheel, or rear-drive, machine. As the name also suggest, this car will be slightly less powerful than it's all-wheel drive sibling, with 550hp, as opposed to 560hp.
Performance of the LP550-2 would no doubt be superior, however, as the two-wheel drive version is likely to weigh several hundred pounds less.
In an ambitions new emissions reduction strategy Lamborghini has just unveiled, the Italian exotic car maker says it will look to hybrid powertrains (among other things) to cut vehicle emissions by 30 percent by 2015. The company has already made a significant step in that direction with the launch of the LP560-4. Due to the use of direct-injection, that new vehicle emits 18 percent less CO2.
As for the other engineering initiatives Lamborghini will make to hit its target, the company said in a press release that it will also look at biofuels. This shouldn't be too difficult considering Bentley (which, like Lamborghini, is owned by Volkswagen) has already made significant progress in this field.
Start-stop systems, which turn off the engine when at a light or in traffic, are also a possibility and would no doubt be a part of any hybrid powertrain.
More conventional practices will also be employed, with the company promising to cut the weight of its vehicles while further enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
The company also cites "improved combustion" in its list of green initiatives and we are no doubt likely to see direct-injection on the successor of the Murciélago - if not sooner.
But Lamborghini's green plan isn't just limited to its cars. The company aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent at its factory.
To do this it will transform the roof of its factory in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy, into an energy generator using solar panels. The company says the system will produce 20 percent of the power the factory uses. At the same time, the roof will undergo a massive overhaul with better insulation, lighting and heating that will reduce energy consumption by an additional 10 percent.
"Despite the difficult situation in today's global economy, Lamborghini is committed to its policy of environmental management, since we are well aware of the great opportunities that derive from it," said Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. "We have an objective to reduce CO2 emissions to the greatest possible degree. We have also set compulsory annual goals that are part of an integrated approach both considering the automobile as an element which is more... [Read More]
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
Lamborghini Forum
