The 10 000th Gallardo supercar has rolled off the production line at the company’s Sant’Agata Bolognese plant in Italy, making it by far the most successful Lamborghini model of all time. The record Gallardo model with the number 10 000 is finished in yellow “Midas” and destined for a client in China.

“Production of car number 10 000 is a very important milestone for Lamborghini,” said Lamborghini boss, Stephan Winkelmann. “The Lamborghini brand is extreme, uncompromising and Italian, and the Lamborghini Gallardo has played an exemplary role in defining and delivering our brand reputation into our worldwide markets. Today Lamborghini is represented in 45 countries by over 120 dealers, with the strength and presence of the Gallardo product playing a significant role in the growth and recognition of our brand.”

The V10-powered Gallardo with its permanent four-wheel drive was launched in 2003, with Lamborghini gradually extending the model range with the Spyder and Superleggera models, as well as special editions, such as the Gallardo SE and Nera.

In 2007, the Italian company presented a revised version called the Gallardo LP 560-4 with increased power and updated styling. The coupe was followed in 2008 by the Spyder model, while in 2009, Lamborghini presented the limited edition two-wheel drive LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

At this year’s Geneva Salon, the Italians presented the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera lightweight special, boasting a top speed of 325 km/h.

Adapted from CarScoop

Two weeks ago Lamborghini announced their rear-wheel driven Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. If you missed it, here’s a quick refresher for you:

The Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni ditches the Gallardo’s four-wheel drive system for a rear-drive setup, while power comes from a slightly detuned 5,2-litre V10 engine producing 550 HP or 404 kW. The company’s engineers performed changes on the supercar’s springs, dampers, stabilisers and the tyres, as well as adjusting the aerodynamics to account for the change in the power flow. The LP 550-2 is 30 kg’s lighter than its all-wheel drive equivalent, the 414 kW Gallardo LP560-4. Weighing in at 1 380 kg, the LP 550-2 launches from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, or 0.2 seconds slower than the LP 560-4, while it achieves a top speed of 320 km/h (LP 560-4 reaches 325 km/h).

The Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni will be produced in a limited series of 250 units with suggested retail prices without taxes set at €162 000 for Europe, £137 900 for the UK and $219 800 for the US.

Below are pictures of Valentino Balboni with the new Gallardo at a private unveiling at Lamborghini’s showroom in Paris.

Named after Lamborghini’s best known test driver, Valentino Balboni who retired after 40 years with the company, the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni ditches the Gallardo’s four-wheel drive system for a rear-drive setup, while power comes from a slightly detuned 5,2-litre V10 engine producing 550 HP or 404 kW.

Lamborghini said the conversion from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive only was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, as the vehicle had to be thoroughly adjusted and tuned. The company’s engineers performed changes on the supercar’s springs, dampers, stabilisers and the tyres, as well as adjusting the aerodynamics to account for the change in the power flow.

Other changes concern the redevelopment of the rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, the recalibration of the e-gear transmission and a series of adjustments to the ESP system, which now permits greater drift angles.

Currently the only Lamborghini to deliver its power to the road via its rear wheels alone, is 30 kg’s lighter than its all-wheel drive equivalent, the 414 kW Gallardo LP560-4. Weighing in at 1 380 kg, the LP 550-2 launches from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, or 0.2 seconds slower than the LP 560-4, while it achieves a top speed of 320 km/h (LP 560-4 reaches 325 km/h).

On the outside, the Balboni Gallardo features a strip in white and gold, running from the front panel all the way back to the rear spoiler, a transparent engine cover and Scorpius alloys in dark grey finish. Brake callipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish. Customers can choose from a palette of eight exterior colors.

Inside, the special edition Gallardo is equipped with full leather upholstery in black, with the seats featuring a white color strip. The centre console is completely upholstered in a contrasting Polar white leather, while a badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

The Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni will be produced in a limited series of 250 units with suggested retail prices without taxes set at €162 000 for Europe, £137 900 for the UK and $219 800 for the US.

Adapted from CarScoop