Maserati GranTurismo MC debut

A decidedly satisfying sum-up for the new Maserati GranTurismo MC in its first weekend of races. After yesterday’s magnificent second spot at the podium, the car driven by the Sbirrazzuoli-Casè duo got a good sixth place in the second race of the weekend held Saturday morning at 9.00.
The race was run under grey skies that cleared only towards the end, on a practically dry track.

After losing one position at the start-off, Lorenzo Casè managed to gain two positions, moving to sixth place before giving up the wheel to his mate Cèdric Sbirrazzuoli. The young Monte Carlo driver defended the position in the second part of the race, holding it until the checkered flag was waved. In this eighth round of the series the GranTurismo MC favorably surprised everyone with its lap times that matched the best of the bunch.

This debut weekend’s results therefore confirm the car's excellent potential: "it’s a new car that hasn’t had a glitch the whole weekend", remarked the drivers. The GranTurismo MC has shown great reliability, optimum overall behavior, and an excellent balance, giving the team great expectations for the future.
The Maserati Trofeo’s performance, closing at eleventh place with Andrea Perlini, was satisfying.

Rounds nine and ten of the GT4 European Cup are set for 23 August at the Zolder track in Belgium.
Amato Ferrari: “A second and sixth place as the overall result for the first racing weekend is positive. The car has proven it is highly reliable. Now we have to find a more favorable balance from the organizers because it is evident that we are perfectly in line with our opponents’ performance. The car’s potential is certainly good and we hope this will mean the start of a long series of victories just like the ones we experienced with the debut of the MC12 in 2004.”

Lorenzo Casé: “The overall result this first weekend is absolutely positive. In the first race yesterday our starting position was harder. Cédric (Sbirrazzuoli, editor’s note) started out very well, he did an excellent job during the first part of the race and he handed over the car in a more favorable position. I felt immediately at home with the car and I was able to move up to podium position, a great debuting result. Today we passed the checkered flag in sixth position, which is nevertheless a good result despite being less satisfying than yesterday in terms of ranking. But what’s most important is that the car’s overall behavior was excellent, extremely reliable. Despite it being its debut, it gave absolutely no problems the entire weekend.”

Basso and Rossetti at Madeira Rally, Alén and Räikkönen at Rally Finland

Image via Wikipedia

Two works Grande Punto Abarth S2000s will participate in Madeira Rally, the seventh round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge which will take place from Thursday 30 July to Saturday 1 August on the Portuguese Island in the Atlantic. The cars will be entrusted to the crews composed of Giandomenico Basso/Mitia Dotta and Luca Rossetti/Matteo Chiarcossi.

Simultaneously, young Finn Anton Alén and co-driver Timo Alanne will enter Rally Finland, a round of the World Rally Championship scheduled at the same dates, in a Grande Punto Abarth S2000. Ferrari pilot Kimi Räikkönen will drive a similar car. Being a big fan of rally, the Finn couldn't resist the attraction of the most important competition in his native country. His co-driver will be Kaj Lindström.

Alfa Romeo Brera “Italia Independent”

Porto Cervo (Olbia) provided a stunning backdrop for the unveiling of the Alfa Romeo Brera “Italia Independent”, a new Limited Edition version of 900 that is due to go on sale first in Europe and then in Japan and Australia. It will be available to order from September in Italy, with a list price starting at € 32,200 euro (on-the-road price) for the 2.2 JTS Selespeed version.

The world can catch a first glimpse of the Alfa Romeo Brera “Italia Independent” throughout the summer at “YOU”, a new sushi restaurant and lounge bar overlooking the square in Porto Cervo and the lovely old harbour.

This original Limited Edition of the Brera came about as a joint venture between Alfa Romeo and Italia Independent, a brand that operates within several goods sectors to package Italian style and innovation for a global vision. For Italia Independent, “innovation” also means the use of new materials, such as Kevlar, DuPont’s Cordura, Gore-Tex or carbon, teamed with fine fabrics and materials such as linen, Loro Piana cashmere or cellulose acetate to obtain new slants on classic products.

In the same way, Alfa Rome designs and builds cars with state-of-the-art mechanics and engineering, featuring contemporary lines and shapes, that embody the concept of design in motion and emphasise the qualities of comfort, sportiness, elegance and power intrinsic to the Brand. This industrial philosophy is underpinned by Alfa Romeo's extraordinary legacy of cars, designers, races, engines, style and innovation; a constant presence throughout the technological progress and sporting events of the twentieth century.

It must be emphasised that the Alfa Romeo Brera “Italia Independent” is the first standard-production car to offer opaque paintwork (Titanium) over its entire body. This exterior feature is further enhanced by new 18" alloy wheels with an opaque black turbine pattern and some aluminium features, including the fuel cap, red-painted brake calipers and new "Italia Independent" logo on the car's rear.

The same attention to detail is evident inside, as is borne out by carbon fibre inserts (on both the dashboard and sporty steering wheel in black leather with red top-stitching) and brushed aluminium plates, personalised with an “Italia Independent” logo on the front seat head restraints. Still in a quest for maximum sportiness, the instrument panel of this original car features round red frames plus an aluminium pedal unit and foot-rest. In the same way, the seat trim and door panels are in the deepest black. Poltrona Frau black leather upholstery with red top-stitching is available as an option.

The Alfa Romeo Brera “Italia Independent” can be selected with 185 HP 2.2 JTS or 260 HP 3.2 V6 engines, both combined with 6-speed gearboxes (according to the engine, these may be manual, Selespeed or automatic Q-Tronic). The new version can also come with sophisticated Q4 four-wheel drive, which is exclusive to the 3.2 V6 version.

The Alfa Romeo Brera “Italia Independent” also offers a wealth of standard equipment: VDC with 7 airbags, automatic dual zone climate control system, CD/MP3, cruise control and fog lights. Customers can naturally personalise their car from the numerous options available, including xenon headlights, parking sensors, Bose Hi-Fi system, Blue&Me, Blue&Me Nav and the new Instant Nav navigation system with a map of Europe on a SD card and compatibility with Blue&Me.

Fiat Panda exceeds production target of 1,500,000

Image by Timo_Beil via Flickr

Another historical milestone for the Panda and for the Fiat Auto Poland plant in Tychy, where it is produced. The 1,500,000th Fiat Panda has just rolled off the Polish production line: it was a 1.3 Multijet with an Emotion outfit, magnetic blue in colour and destined for an Italian customer.

Production of the Fiat Panda at Tychy began in 2003 and has grown steadily over the years. This year, a record number of 285,000 will be produced. The car has also gained a growing number of admirers throughout all the major European markets. This success has been borne out by its numerous awards, including the prestigious title of Car of the Year 2004. The Panda is a veritable market phenomenon by any standards: it has remained the biggest-selling segment A car in Europe without a break since 2003, and demand has stayed at record levels over the years. To illustrate its success, no fewer than 93.3 percent of the Panda cars produced in Tychy have been exported to 74 countries, including states such as Japan, South Africa and Mexico (as well as Italy, France and Germany, the car's major markets).

The Fiat Panda is marketed with four types of engine, including three petrol units (54 HP 1.1, 60 HP 1.2 and 100 HP 1.4) and a diesel (the 70 HP 1.3 Multijet), with low environmental impact and ultra-low fuel consumption. Not to mention the four wheel drive 4x4 versions, special series (such as Mamy, Glam and Adventure) and the eco-friendly methane and LPG Natural Power versions, testaments to Fiat's respect for the environment. The Fiat Panda can also be equipped with a manual gearbox or Dualogic automatic transmission.

The Tychy plant where the Fiat Panda is produced is part of an automotive industry world élite, as recently confirmed by the award of a Silver Level following a 'Word Class Manufacturing' international audit for the use of the best and most effective production process management methods. All this has a direct impact on the quality of cars produced: for example, the Fiat Panda achieved first place in the city car category – segments A and B - in a reliability league table published by ADAC (German Automobile Club).

The Fiat Auto Poland plant in Tychy employs nearly 6,000 people and one car rolls off its lines every 35 seconds. It is forecast that the plant will produce a total of nearly 600,000 cars this year.

“eco:Drive” system wins public plaudits and international prizes

Image by titlap via Flickr

After its recent success at the 56th Cannes International Advertising Festival, the innovative “eco:Drive” is still a hit with users. Available for Fiat 500, Grande Punto, Bravo – and now also Qubo and Croma – the software uses the potential of the Blue&Me platform to give drivers a better perception of how their driving style influences fuel consumption and polluting emissions. During the first eight months following the launch, more than 50,000 people have downloaded it free of charge from the site www.fiat.com/ecodrive.

More than 20,000 people also use it all the time to monitor their driving style, taking part in a lively exchange of views on “eco:Ville”, an online community where you can share your commitment to eco-responsible driving. A great public success but also a specific commitment: “eco:Drive” tips have made it possible to save more than 1,500 tons of CO₂ in Europe - enough energy to light up the streets of a city the size of Geneva for 16 months.

The “eco:Drive” was featured at the 56^th Cannes International Advertising Festival, where it won the most prestigious prize: the “Grand Prix” in the Cyber category, partly through the efforts of the AKQA agency in London.

How does it work? As you drive, “eco:Drive” collects information on how you handle the vehicle and its efficiency. All data are sent through the Blue&Me infotainment system USB port to a standard USB drive where they can be read on a computer. Users can then take a careful look at their fuel consumption and emissions for each trip (essentially creating their own eco-Index) and get tips on how to achieve a more eco-friendly driving style. They can actually improve their score by progressing through a series of tutorials: motorists who are more concerned about becoming eco-responsible drivers can expect a 15% improvement in their driving style, which means cutting CO₂ emissions by 15% and an annual fuel saving of EUR 120 to 200.

The system will also be constantly updated with contributions from its users to make it even more useful. Last but not least, the “eco:Drive” system is based on Blue&Me technology, the platform developed by FIAT Group Automobiles in partnership with Microsoft. The system has already received various international awards, with 800,000 units fitted to various Group models over the last two years.

Fiat Sedici is the official car of the Juventus training camp

Image via Wikipedia

The new Fiat Sedici is the official car for the Juventus Football Club training camp set to run from 9^th to 21^st July 2009 in Pinzolo, Trentino. Distinguished by customised Juventus colours, the cars supplied will be ferrying Juventus players and their new coach, Ciro Ferrara, during their transfers on their busy training days.

In addition, Fiat Sedici will also be playing the starring role at an important charity initiative in favour of the non-profit foundation “Crescere Insieme al Sant’Anna” (Growing Together at the Sant’Anna). A charity dinner will be held on Monday 13^th July at the Fiat Chalet in Madonna di Campiglio, featuring guests such as Ciro Ferrara and a generous amount of the winning team’s players. The proceeds will go to the Foundation itself, which has been engaged for years in building the extension of the Neonatal Unit at Sant'Anna Hospital in Turin, in the aim of expanding it and bringing it to the cutting edge of technology. A unique occasion, open to the public, which will allow Juventus fans to meet their favourite players up close and at the same time do some good and enjoy the unique atmosphere of one of the finest and most stylish refuges in this ski resort.

Featuring a renovated exterior and interiors, perfectly in synch with the Fiat family feeling, the new Fiat Sedici is the ideal car for customers in search of a compact SUV, with a strong aesthetic appeal, and capable of standing out both off the road as well as for city use, just as the advertising claim states: “Fiat Sedici. The wild side of the city”. All under the banner of maximum safety and environmentally-friendliness. In this field Fiat Sedici remains unrivalled: in fact, the two new Euro 5 engines (1.6 16v 120 hp petrol and 2.0 16v Multijet 135 hp diesel) rank it at the top of its category in terms of CO₂ emissions. That’s not all: when equipped with the 2.0 135 hp (4x2 drive), which registers a mere 129 grams/km of CO₂, Fiat Sedici also affords government incentives.

Fiat Panda 4x4 Adventure

Image via Wikipedia

The Fiat Panda 4x4 Adventure, a brand new special series that brings new meaning to the famous slogan "The car that does what you think", has today been launched in Italy and will subsequently arrive in the rest of Europe. The original version is for those at one with nature, with a love of outdoor activities, but also for professionals in the agricultural and forestry sectors.

Robust and with plenty of storage, the new version has echos of the Panda 4X4 Sisley, the famous compact off-roader that became synonymous with practicality and durability during the 1990s. With four-wheel drive and a choice of 1.2 60 HP and 1.3 Multijet16V 70 HP engines, the Fiat Panda 4x4 Adventure is available in Italy for € 14,100 and € 16,000 respectively (on the road).

From the outside, the adventurous spirit of the new Panda 4x4 is apparent from its original green bodywork, which emphasises the car's bond with nature and Fiat's eternal special attention to the environment and sustainable transport. The same colour is used for the front and rear bumpers, enhanced by the grey of the central badges, while the lights are bronzed and the windows are tinted.

In the spirit of off-roaders, a matt black was chosen for the pillars, the roof bars, the side bars and the mudguard arches. The 14" wheels (painted in dark grey) with 165/70 M+S tyres and the black framing of the rear lights complete the off-road look of this new version. The inside of the car gives the same impression of robustness and practicality with its black, washable, anti-tear technical fabric and the scratch-resistant washable floor mats. Two great features for those using the car for outdoor activities, hobbies and semi-professional purposes.

In addition, the new 4x4 version has reinforced suspension and a maximum load of 445 kg. The vehicle can be ordered with just the front seats, giving a vast rear compartment configured for loads up to 1,000 dm³.

As well as its strong off-road character, the new Panda 4x4 Adventure also offers the performance levels of a small SUV. In fact, no challenge is too great for its automatic four-wheel drive system with a new electrohydraulic joint. Moreover this new version can go anywhere with its compact measurements: 357 cm long, 160 cm wide, 163 cm high (with roof bars) and a wheelbase of 230 cm.

This all proves that the Panda is not merely a super-compact city car, but a real platform upon which Fiat Automobiles is building a whole family of cars with advanced technology and high attention to detail. The Panda 4x4 Adventure is the latest incarnation of an extraordinarily successful model: since its launch in 1980, the Panda has sold more than 5.8 million units across all configurations, including the 4x4 versions.

Europe celebrates the Fiat 500's birthday

The new Fiat 500 was launched in unforgettable style on 4 July 2007. Since then, the second generation of the model that has symbolised the history of Italian cars has quickly conquered everyone's hearts. On July 4, alongside the launch of the Fiat 500C, the model will mark its second birthday with a series of events, running until July 7, which will involve the major European cities and five customised Fiat locations up and down Italy.

In Italy, the celebrations get under way tomorrow through a unique initiative in partnership with Rai. The Rai Uno, Rai Due and Rai Tre channels will simultaneously and frequently broadcast a special collection of short films, old clips and sketches dedicated to the Fiat 500. The television event will end during prime time on Rai Uno with a special edition of "Porta a Porta", entitled "50 years of a winning Italy". The show will cover half a century of Italian style, of which the Fiat 500 is certainly among the most loved and established symbols in the world.

Hosted by Bruno Vespa and Milly Carlucci, and broadcasting live from Rome, L'Aquila and Turin, this one-off programme will have one unique feature: the guests will not come on stage through the show's famous door, but will instead arrive at the studio in a Fiat 500. Among the many prestigious guests representing Italian creativity will be Luca Cordero di Montezemolo and John Elkann, chairman and vice-chairman respectively of the Fiat Group, while the CEO of Fiat Automobiles, Lorenzo Sistino, will discuss via a live link to the Lingotto rooftop test track in Turin the journey from the glorious history of the Fiat 500 to the arrival of the new 500C.

Also tomorrow, in Naples, the Voga Club will unveil the Fiat Open Lounge, which will host the brand new 500C throughout the long Neapolitan summer. The Lounge will open just in time to toast the second birthday of the new Fiat 500 at the stroke of midnight. In Rome's Sofia, a new nightclub located near the Foro Italico sports complex, the Fiat 500 will be celebrated in the new Fiat Open Lounge on the night of July 3. In addition, from Saturday 4 July, the 500C will be a permanent guest at the club and sponsor all the events scheduled at the striking location throughout the summer.

On July 4 at Milan's modern and trendy Fiat Open Lounge, there will be an exclusive party in the presence of the 500C allowing revellers to celebrate by dancing to renowned DJs from the Italian club scene. Also, on the evening of July 4 the Fiat Playa at Punta Marana, in Sardinia, will host the Oscar del Calcio football awards in the presence of some of the sport's leading lights. During the reception for this event, the guests will celebrate the second birthday of the new Fiat 500 (as well as the new 500C) by cutting a special cake. Finally, on July 5 at the Fiat Chalet in Madonna di Campiglio, one of the most stylish and well-kept ski resorts in north-east Italy, there will be an exclusive party for 500 guests. Obviously, the 500C will be among their number.

The party for the 500 will also take place in Paris, where from July 2-7 a 17-metre-long, 6-metre-tall model of the car can be seen at La Défense, one of the most enchanting and modern parts of the French capital. Inside this huge 500, whose interior has been built to scale, you can admire a dramatic starry sky created by clever special effects; on the outside, a huge lawn will welcome the new 500Cs that will themselves become part of the show with events such as the "Smile & Win" competition, with the prize of a fabulous weekend in a 500C for the best smile captured on board the new car. The events in Paris will be the first of three stages that will also take the huge” 500one” to London at the end of August and Berlin at the end of September.

Abarth 500 Selenia – European Trophy

Emanuele Moncini, from Brescia, won both the two races of the third round of the Abarth 500 Selenia–European Trophy on the Portuguese circuit of Oporto. The Italian driver won Race1 ahead of Portuguese Pedro Marreiros and Race2 ahead of Jorge Rodrigues, another national of Portugal. Thanks to his third place in Race1 and to his seventh place in Race2, Italiano Manuel Villa remains in command in the Abarth 500 Selenia-European Trophy standings with a 33 points lead over Frenchman Benoît Perret.

The street circuit of Oporto proved very spectacular for the high flyer Abarth 500 Assetto Corse.

In the first race, Moncini has built his victory right since the start, overtaking brilliantly the pole-setter, Portuguese Patrick Cunha. Moncini then kept a commanding lead over his rivals, a lead he gradually increased up to five seconds. Hot on his heels, a group of pursuers immediately formed. Patrick Cunha and Pedro Marreiros fought a fiercely contested battle for second place, threatened by Manuel Villa towards the end of the race. In the fifth lap, Cunha was overtaken by Marreiros and Villa, before he was forced into retirement. The last laps were marked by the fruitless attempt from Villa to overtake Marreiros.

In Race2, Moncini made again a good start from the second row of the grid to jump in the lead immediately, with Rodrigues second and Marreiros third, those two fighting together ahead of their fellow countryman Leite.
Meanwhile, further back down the field, Patrick Cunha and Manuel Martins were fighting for fifth position, giving rise to the most action-packed duel in this second race. In lap seven, Martins managed to overtake his opponent. His satisfaction was short-lived as he braked too late for a corner in the very last lap, dropping his position.

Also to be pointed out is the steady and valuable learning curve of Simone and Erika Monforte, the very young brothers from Pordenone. Thanks to a string of good placings, Simone is lying fourth in the standings of the Abarth 500 Selenia–European Trophy, of which the next round is scheduled on 18 and 19 July at the English circuit of Brands Hatch.

Race1 classification: 1. Emanuele Moncini (I), 10 laps in 24min33.906s; 2. Pedro Marreiros (P), + 3.356s; 3. Manuel Villa (I), + 5.767s; 4. Joao Ramos (P), +12.472s; 5. Jorge Rodrigues (P), + 19.615s; 6. Manuel Martins (P), + 34.255s; 7. Simone Monforte (I), + 1min05.502s; 8. Erika Monforte (I), + 1min41.312s.
Fastest lap by Jorge Rodrigues in 2min25.790s - average speed 117.78 kph.

Race 2 classification: 1. Emanuele Moncini (I), 10 laps in 24min31.180s; 2. Jorge Rodrigues (P), + 4.232s; 3. Pedro Marreiros (P), + 5.987s; 4. Pedro Leite (P), + 25.574s; 5. Patrick Cunha (P), + 41.452s; 6. Manuel Martins (P), + 1min01.125s; 7. Manuel Villa (I), 2min29.604s; 8. Benoît Perret (F), + 2 laps.
Fastest lap by Emanuele Moncini in 2min26.017s - average speed 117.60 kph.

Abarth 500 Selenia - European Trophy provisional standings: 1. Manuel Villa (I), 85 points; 2. Benoît Perret (F), 52; 3. Jorge Rodrigues (P), 51; 4. Simone Monforte (I), 44; 5. Lucas Guerrero (E) and Emanuele Moncini (I), 43; 7. Peter Fulin (CZ), 38; 8. Enrico Fulgenzi (I), 37; 9. Pedro Marreiros (P), 34; 10. Michael Vorba (CZ), 30.

Fiat Group Automobiles triumphs at the 56th Cannes Advertising Festival

Fiat Group Automobiles triumphed at the fifty-sixth edition of the Cannes International Advertising Festival winning, for the first time in its history, four of the sought-after prizes (a Grand Prix, two Gold Lions and a Bronze Lion), which are awarded to the best advertising and communication campaigns put out during the year. The Cannes Festival is the most important event of its kind in the world and brings together companies and advertising agents to choose the best TV adverts and designs, subdivided into various categories:

The two Gold Lions (Film and Outdoor categories) were won by the Fiat Brand with the campaign (TV and poster) devoted to the 500. The campaign was designed in France and effectively reflects the positioning of a manufacturer that is concerned with safety and the environment, with the most environmentally-friendly product range in Europe. In order to convey this twofold message, creative staff from the Marcel Paris dreamed up an original and amusing TV and poster campaign depicting some animals – representing endangered species – aboard a Fiat 500 during crash tests, all passed in complete safety due to the vehicle's qualities. A short text commented "designed to reduce impact on the environment" with the double meaning of eco-friendly/safety, demonstrating that safeguarding the environment and saving human lives are not mutually exclusive goals. When awarding the prizes, the festival panel recognised the originality of the campaign and the open way this topic was dealt with: the brand does not deny the impact of the motoring world on the environment but is doing all it can to minimise it.

The Fiat brand also won the prestigious “Grand Prix” in the Cyber category (for a campaign designed by the AKQA agency in London), awarded to the Eco:Drive project, which showed Fiat putting into practice the idea that a car manufacturer's environmental responsibility also extends to the way people drive their cars. For this purpose, the owners of cars equipped with Blue&Me can download a specially-created software application (from the address www.fiat.com/ecodrive) to check their driving style. Eco:Drive gathers all necessary information on a car's efficiency through the USB port of the Blue&Me system onto a pen drive. Once entered onto a computer, the system displays the car's detailed environmental performance, including its CO₂ emission levels for each trip. It also analyses the driving style and gives tips on how to change your driving style to achieve a lower level of CO₂, thus encouraging drivers to improve their environmental impact.

Worldwide, Fiat is one of the automotive companies offering the best response in the battle to beat the environmental impact of transport. To achieve this significant goal, Fiat offers specific products that make it the European leader in the production of compact vehicles, which are by definition the most eco-friendly. Two years ahead of time, the Fiat 500 and Fiat Bravo have introduced their Euro 5 power units; the numerous methane models make it possible to minimise atmospheric emissions and Fiat has continued to stay abreast of the international scenario with its LPG range on the Panda, Grande Punto and Bravo and its new Pur-O₂ range specific to 500, Croma and Bravo models. All this has allowed the Fiat brand to record the lowest average CO₂levels in its cars sold both in 2007 (137.3 g/km) and in 2008 (133.7 g/km): the record was acknowledged by the company JATO, world leader in automotive consultancy and research. The most recent Fiat models have also been awarded a five star EuroNCAP ranking, making them among the very safest cars.

Lancia also won a Bronze Lion in the Oudoor category with a campaign created and distributed in France on the Delta and its Autoparking System: in a typical Parisian setting, the driver and passenger are both able to read a newspaper unconcernedly while the car parks itself unaided.

This campaign also shows that Fiat Group Automobiles has invested a lot in innovation, not merely in its products but also in its way of communicating, making it more responsible and at the same time more appealing.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni

Image via Wikipedia

He has long been revered as one of the many legends surrounding the world’s most uncompromising sports car brand – Valentino Balboni, a remarkable test driver with his own personal cult status. Automobili Lamborghini now presents a model in his honour and bearing his name – the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni.

The latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini’s most successful model of all time - overall, more than 9,000 units of the model range have already been produced - boasts not only its own distinctive design and exclusive equipment, but its technology is unique too, as indicated by the model badge: the 550 stands for the power output in hp and the 2 is for rear wheel drive.

For several decades, Valentino Balboni has had a distinct influence on the character of the super sports car bearing the sign of the bull. With his fine-tuning and testing work, he has helped to shape many automotive legends, from the Lamborghini Miura of the 60s through to the current Gallardo and Murciélago models. Balboni was hired in 1967 by company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini himself. From early on, it was evident that the young Balboni had a special feel for cars, that most sensitive of all instincts that connects to the ‘life blood’ of an automobile and defines the soul of a test driver.

“A Lamborghini must always combine the precision of a race car with the reliability of a good friend,” says Balboni. Since 1973, he has sat at the wheel of every prototype built by the brand, and even most production cars have passed through his hands before being delivered to their customers. This has turned Balboni into one of the most important representatives of the brand, with an outstanding reputation and status among the brand’s fans and customers worldwide.

Limited to 250 units

After over 40 years with Lamborghini, Balboni is now officially retired. Yet, Valentino Balboni continues to travel to many countries around the world as an ambassador of the brand.
The special exclusivity of the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is guaranteed – it is limited to 250 units.

Light-footed yet extremely safe

With this latest version of the Gallardo, Lamborghini is honouring its long-standing test driver in a very special way. The LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni was conceived in line with his own thinking, and it meets many customers’ requests for a model with a unique character, which offers a very special kind of active driving fun. The Balboni model is the only current Lamborghini that delivers its power to the road via its rear wheels alone.

Rear wheel drive has a special appeal to those sports car drivers who enjoy a particular driving style. Thanks to the eminently powerful V10 driveline, controlled oversteer is no problem – naturally always to the extent defined by the driver - because refined road manners and perfectly tuned assistance systems mean that the Gallardo LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni is an exceptionally safe sports car to drive.

Driving fun with unique character

In order to shape this unique character that combines driving fun and safety, the engineers at Sant’Agata Bolognese have incorporated extensive modifications into the LP 550-2 Valentino Balboni. It was not simply a question of moving the transmission to the rear axle, the vehicle had to be adjusted and tuned in every element of its driving dynamics. This includes springs, dampers, stabilisers and even the tyres. The aerodynamics were also adjusted to take account of the change to the power flow.

The rear axle differential, with a 45 percent limited slip, was also redeveloped, as was the calibration of the e-gear transmission. One significant point was the adjustments made to the ESP system. While the standard program is focused on high stability, the CORSA program permits greater drift angles, thus enabling drivers to enjoy the dynamics of the LP 550-2 to their full extent.

Outstanding performance is guaranteed

Adjustments have also been made to the very heart of the Gallardo, the 5.2 litre ten-cylinder: the perfect synthesis of hi-revving pleasure, pulling power, a constantly exuberant temperament and a powerful symphony played in all keys. In the Valentino Balboni, the compact and lightweight power unit generates 405 kW (550 hp). At a dry weight of only 1,380 kilograms, this guarantees outstanding performance: the LP 550-2 is catapulted from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62mph) in a breathtaking 3.9 seconds, while the top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph) guarantees its place among the ultimate in super sports cars.

Powerful elegance in its distinctive design

The Valentino Balboni is not only unique in terms of its technology: its design and equipment reinforce its exclusivity. Its classic sporting character is emphasised by a colour strip in white and gold running from the front panel over the roof and parts of the engine cover all the way to the rear spoiler, with inspiration from the classic sports cars from the ‘70s. This colour treatment underscores the powerful elegance of the Gallardo and emphasises the unique Lamborghini design DNA. The Special Edition is available in eight colours, from Bianco Monocerus through to Verde Ithaca, or Arancio Borealis to Nero Noctis. The Scorpius wheels retain their dark grey finish, while the brake callipers come in black, orange or yellow, depending on the exterior paint finish.

Classic sporting look for the interior, too

The characteristic colour combination is repeated in the interior. The basic colour of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the colour strip in white. The centre console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

The exclusivity of the Valentino Balboni is augmented further by its extensive equipment. Alongside several new leather features in the interior, there is also the transparent engine cover, the rear view camera, the navigation system with Bluetooth and the lifting system for the front axle that makes it easier to drive over obstacles. In addition to the extensive standard equipment, a list of further options is available including e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

Suggested retail price – without taxes
Europe:
162.000 €

UK:
137.900 £

USA:
219.800 $