Gallardo LP550-2 Mk2
The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 features naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 engine producing 550 horsepower (405 kW) at 8,000 rpm with 397 pound-feet (540 Nm) torque at 6,500 rpm through six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability and rear-wheel-drive achieving 3.7-second 0-60 mph acceleration (3.9-second 0-100 km/h) and 198.84 mph (320 km/h) top speed. Engineering specification represents first rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini production model in over decade reversing brand all-wheel-drive tradition established during Diablo VT era, targeting enthusiasts seeking pure driving engagement through power oversteer capability and reduced weight compared to all-wheel-drive LP560-4 variant while maintaining naturally-aspirated V10 character and exotic supercar performance establishing driver-focused alternative within Gallardo range manufactured 2009-2013.
LP550-2 designation honors legendary Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni in initial special edition before becoming permanent Gallardo variant, demonstrating company recognition of enthusiast demand for traditional rear-wheel-drive supercar dynamics prioritizing driver engagement over maximum traction and straight-line performance. Platform showcases refined chassis tuning optimized for rear-wheel-drive configuration where revised suspension geometry, recalibrated stability control, and weight distribution create controllable oversteer characteristics enabling skilled drivers to exploit naturally-aspirated V10 power delivery through driving technique rather than electronic intervention, popular among enthusiasts and collectors for distinctive rear-drive character differentiating LP550-2 from mainstream all-wheel-drive Gallardo variants where reduced complexity and traditional supercar layout establish model as purist choice within baby Lambo range representing final naturally-aspirated V10 rear-drive Lamborghini before Huracán successor adopted primarily all-wheel-drive philosophy.