Ever since Audi took over Lamborghini, all of their models instantly became all-wheel drive. Even the Diablo was converted to all-wheel drive before the end of its production. Naturally, the Gallardo was destined to send power to all four wheels, but we all know that a rear wheel drive supercar is always more fun as it keeps the driver on edge of the seat. And since there was a significant market for a two wheel drive Gallardo, that's exactly what Lamborghini gave the world a few times and one of those is the Gallardo LP560-2. The LP560-2 was made to celebrate Lamborghini's 50th birthday and given how big of a milestone that is, the 50th Anniversario Gallardo is the only two wheel drive version to bear the LP560 designation as all others were less powerful LP550 versions. That meant the Gallardo LP560-2 horsepower increased from 543 to 552. Surprisingly the Gallardo LP560-2 price was lower than that of the standard version, and about the same as other two wheel drive iterations like the Valentino Balboni Gallardo. But a higher power output isn't the only thing separating the LP560-2 from other models and this Gallardo LP560-2 review will reveal all of its special features so stick around. On another note, if you are after an LP560-2 or any other Gallardo, you can always find a few examples at Exotic Car Trader so feel free to take our search engine for a test drive.
The Lamborghini Gallardo is arguably the most important model the brand ever made. After decades of financial struggles and multiple bankruptcies, the Murcielago turned a new page for the brand and the Gallardo ensured that the pages kept turning. The baby Lambo was so successful in fact that by the time it went out of production, half of all Lamborghinis ever made were Gallardos. Customers loved its wonderful V10 engine and reliability, as well as its amazing looks both inside and out. It's also not surprising that the Gallardo saw a ton of different special editions with two wheel drive versions being among the most sought after examples. The first two wheel drive Gallardo was the one made as a farewell to Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini's longest running test driver. There was also the LP550-2 Tricolore made to celebrate 150 years since the Italian state was founded. And despite Lamborghini being essentially made by Audi, all cars were built in Lamborghini’s native Sant'Agata factory, just in case you were wondering where the Gallardo LP560-2 was made. And being a special edition Lamborghini, the LP560-2 had a limited production run. So, you are probably wondering just how many Gallardo LP560-2 were made, and the answer is 25. That makes it one of the rarest Gallardos ever made. It's also one of the most special Gallardos ever made as we will explain in the technical part of this Gallardo LP560-2 review.
Removing four wheel drive and the automatic transmission from a 550 horsepower supercar certainly won't make it faster. Even the standard LP560-4 is considerably faster than the LP560-2 when it comes to both acceleration and lap times. Still, the differences are fairly neglectable when we consider what LP560-2 gets you. For example, the Gallardo LP560-2 0-60 time is 3.4 seconds which is 0.2 seconds slower than the LP560-4. Granted, the 0-60 time isn't that important in the real world so it's not that big of a deal. On a positive note, the Gallardo LP560-2 top speed is 202 mph which is the same as the four wheel drive version. But the Gallardo LP560-2 weight is considerably lower thanks to losing the all wheel drive system and it sits at 3,042 lbs which is 268 pounds less (121 kg). The Gallardo LP560-2 horsepower and torque outputs match those of the four wheel drive models with 552hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the LP550-2 Gallardos, that's 9 horsepower more while the torque remains the same. Unfortunately, the LP560-2 being as rare as it is, there are no official lap times we can compare with the LP560-4 but the LP550-2 is around two seconds slower around 1.5 minute race tracks and the LP560-2 shouldn't be too far off with only ten horsepower more. Ultimately, the LP560-2 won't grant you many bragging rights, but it will certainly grant you a hell of a time.
The Gallardo LP560-2 interior isn't much different from the standard LP560-4. The biggest difference is the lack of trim options as the only option in the LP560-2 was carbon fiber. At the same time, everything is covered in alcantara instead of normal leather although we're sure you could have specced out a standard Gallardo in the same way. And when we say everything is covered in alcantara, we mean it. That includes the entire dashboard both top and bottom, the door trim, steering wheel, seats, and the center console. Judging by information available online, every LP560-2 interior is finished in black accent stitching. There were also two options for the seats which included standard, profiled Gallardo seats and one piece buckets. And then of course, there is the silver stick. All but one Gallardo LP560-2 came with a gated manual transmission which absolutely dominates the center console, even to the point where it looks like it doesn't belong there, but in a good way. But apart from that, the Gallardo LP560-2 design is the same as it is in the standard car, and that is perfectly acceptable.
When the first Gallardo Superleggera came out, it was the fastest entry level Lambo ever. It was 100 kg lighter and it had 30 horsepower more. But a less known fact is that the original Superleggera was supposed to be rear wheel drive to save even more weight. That idea was unfortunately scrapped but the LP560-2 obviously took inspiration from it. For example, the multi spoke wheels on the LP560-2 are the same ones found on the original Superleggera while the second generation Superleggera uses double five spokes. The same goes for the rear wing which looks like an exact replica of the original one. Apart from that, the LP560-2 boasts a more aggressive diffuser just like the original, and that's about where the changes end. Ultimately, the LP560-2 resembles the original Superleggera more than any other second generation Gallardo and it looks almost nothing like the Superleggera of the same generation. Overall, the LP560-2 design keeps it simple and to the point making it look timeless and easily recognizable.
The main highlights of a Gallardo ever since it came out were its sophisticated four wheel drive system, an automated manual transmission, and the brand new V10 engine. Well, the LP560-2 keeps only the V10 engine which grew to 5.2 liters and changed its firing order to provide more torque and accommodate Audi sedans a bit better. Still, that doesn't mean the LP560-2 misses any of the technology. The entire point of the LP560-2 is to go back to the analog days and involve the driver as much as possible instead of shaving milliseconds off of lap times. That's the same philosophy the original lightweight supercars had, although they too quickly began neglecting the driver and started chasing headlines. That means the LP560-2 breaks away from the norm which makes it that much more unique in a sea of special edition Gallardos. All in all, the Gallardo LP560-2 technology is all about mechanical engineering instead of software programming.
Although the two wheel drive Gallardos were never meant to enter serial production, that's pretty much what happened and each two wheel drive Gallardo became the entry level model. That means the LP560-2 and the LP550-2 models were considerably cheaper than the standard LP560-4. The LP560-4 started at around $240,000 back when it was new while the two wheel drive models were less than $200,000. So, how much is a Gallardo LP560-2 worth? Well, when it was new the LP560-2 was priced at $198,900 for those with manual transmission, and another $10,000 if you wanted the optional E-Gear automatic. Looking back at it now, it's obvious the LP560-2 was a bargain, especially when we consider its prices today. In the past few years, the LP560-2 went for an average of $250,000. That average is $150,000 higher than that of the LP560-4. But what about the Gallardo LP560-2 trim levels. Well, the only real options you had were the transmissions and the seats. But trim levels didn't really exist and even optional equipment was scarce apart from the seats and the transmission. That makes buying one a lot simpler and if you are looking for a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-2 for sale check if any of them are hidden here at Exotic Car Trader.
At the end of the day, the Gallardo LP560-2 as well as other two wheel drive Gallardos are among the most special Lamborghinis in modern times. The main reason behind that is not the fact that it's two wheel drive since the Huracan has that option as well. But what the Huracan doesn't have is a gated manual transmission. That makes the Gallardo the only rear wheel drive, manual transmission Lamborghini since the Diablo, and likely the last one. Owning a unicorn such as the LP560-2 is a dream no car enthusiast should be ashamed of, but buying such a rare supercar carries a lot of risk. That's why Exotic Car Trader is here to help you with every step of the buying process, minimizing the chances of making an expensive mistake. At the same time, we can help you sell your current supercar or luxury car. Hopefully this Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-2 review managed to communicate just how special the model is, but also how interesting it is by paying a homage to the original Superleggera and being the only LP560 with rear wheel drive.
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