SANT' AGATA BOLOGNESE, Italy — What becomes a legend most? How about having a limited-edition supercar named after you? Lamborghini has taken that unusual step with the launch of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, named for the company's legendary — and recently retired — test driver.
Priced in the U.S. from $219,800, the Balboni edition will be limited to 250 units. The designation 550-2 designates the power (550 PS, or 542 horsepower) and the fact that power goes only to the rear wheels — the only current production model so configured.
The Balboni edition gets other key modifications, including upgrades to shocks, springs, stabilizer bars, rear axle, transmission, tires and aerodynamics.
The 5.2-liter V10 engine delivers 398 pound-feet of torque and can be coupled with either a six-speed manual gearbox or Lamborghini's optional e-gear sequential automatic with paddle shifters. Carbon ceramic brakes are an extra-cost option.
Performance is up to Lamborghini's usual high standards: claimed acceleration from zero to 60 mph in less than 3.9 seconds and a reported top speed of 199 mph.
The livery leaves a bit to be desired. While the Balboni edition is available in eight colors, every car gets a jarring '70s-era wide white-and-gold stripe down the center of the vehicle. The Italians are also offering to paint the brake calipers black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint scheme.
Continuing the disco theme, the black leather seats get a white accent strip, and the center console is rendered in "polar white" leather. (No, shag carpet is not available, at least not from the factory.) Among the standard features are a transparent engine cover, a rearview camera and a navigation system.
And what of Signore Balboni? According to the official press release, he was hired in 1967 by founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, and from 1973 through 2009, personally tested copies of every single Lambo production model, from the Miura to the Murciélago. Now retired after more than four decades as a test driver, Balboni still serves as a roving ambassador for the brand.
His philosophy: "A Lamborghini must always combine the precision of a racecar with the reliability of a good friend."
Inside Line says: Can we just call it the "Rocky" edition for short? — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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