Balboni going solo in NZ

Lamborghini LP550-2. Photo / Supplied

Lambirghini has announced a two-wheel-drive Gallardo, and it will come to New Zealand.

The Gallardo LP550-2 has been named the Valentino Balboni to honour the company's long-term test driver. But there's more to this car than its name. Extensive alterations were required to change from four-wheel to rear drive. Different springs and dampers, stabilisers and tyres were fitted, and the aerodynamics had to change to accommodate alterations in power flow.

The rear axle diff was redeveloped, while the six-speed robotised e-gear auto transmission also needed retuning.

Naturally, the stability control system is more important and allows two settings: standard, or Corsa, for owners who wish to drift their cars. The Gallardo gets the 5.2-litre, 405kW/540Nm V10 engine that revs to 8000rpm and is capable of pushing the 30kg lighter car from zero to 100km/h in 3.9s.

And Balboni? Officially, he's retired. But after 40 years of driving Lamborghinis, including work on everything from the Miura to the Murcielago, who would want to retire? Balboni may no longer help develop the cars, or inspect them prior to customer delivery, but he'll continue as an ambassador to the brand.

Meanwhile, Lamborghini says only 250 of the Balboni cars will ever be sold, and all will feature a white and gold colour strip from the front panel to the roof, with a white strip slashing the black leather seats, and a white leather centre console.

A numbered plate signed by Balboni will mark each car, and all will get a rear-view camera and front axle-lifting system to ease passage over everyday obstacles. General manager of distributor Independent Prestige, Lee Small, confirms one of the 250 cars will arrive in New Zealand at $539,800 including e-gear.