Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 rumored

The LP550-2 loses a pair of ponies and a pair of driving wheels.

(Credit: Lamborghini)

When I was flying around the California Speedway in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 at 140 mph, I wasn't thinking, "This would be so much better with two fewer horsepower and two fewer driving wheels." However, if the rumors circulating the Web of an LP550-2 model are true, that may just be what's next from the bull-badged supercar manufacturer.

Lambo Gallardo LP550-2 leak?

The Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 is believed to be powered by a 550 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 sending power to the rear-wheels only, rather than through an all-wheel drive system. Dropping the hardware required to drive the front wheels helps save about 30 kilograms of mass and allows the slightly less powerful LP550-2 hit 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.9 seconds, which is only 0.2 seconds slower than its more powerful and more grippy brother.

Less power and a less complex drivetrain mean that the LP550-2 is also less expensive than the LP560-4. Ten percent less expensive to be exact--well, as exact as internet rumors can be. Unfortunately, 10 percent off of $200k is still a bit outside of my pay grade.

Check out the leaked photos of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2.

(Via Autoblog and Net Car Show)

Update: Lamborghini has officially confirmed the accuracy of the facts above. The vehicle will be called the Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni, named after one of its best known test drivers. The LP550-2 will retail for $219,800 in the U.S.