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.

“Targa Trophy captures the characteristics of yesteryear’s motorsport events with a fresh twist,” explains Jason Overell, owner of Overell, Inc. and founder of the third annual road rally. “This is an unparalleled automotive driving exhibition, infused with excitement, and boasting an extremely impressive spectacle of exotic and specialty sports cars.”

Targa Trophy caters to the West Coast’s sports car aficionados, supplying them with a unique platform to celebrate and exhibit their passion for supreme driving machines. Each event is comprised of 300 miles of adrenaline-pumping rally competition with 100 cars driving in and out of luxury destinations, creating an unparalleled luxury automotive experience for thousands of awe-inspired spectators. A strategic point system challenges the skill of both drivers and navigators to hit a series of check-points in predetermined times. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bugattis, Porsches and more will maneuver the course in each leg of the series with the promise of a visually stimulating experience.

Following the success of the 2008 production that took Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara and West Hollywood by storm, the 2009 series will commence on May 30 in Orange County. Drivers will take off from renowned shopping destination, South Coast Plaza, enjoy a scenic route to Imago Gallery in Palm Springs and, finally, cruise through the finish line in front of a waiting crowd back at South Coast Plaza.

The ralliers travel to San Diego on June 27 where the start and finish festivities will take place at the W San Diego. Drivers will spend their day riding from San Diego to a mid-day check point at Harrah’s Rincon Casino and back to an after party at the W Hotel.

September 19 will be the grand finale for Targa Trophy 2009. Entrants will be sent off from Fred Segal and travel to Big Bear Mountain for a beautiful scenic drive. The highly-anticipated culmination of the series will be held at an undisclosed location in Los Angeles.

In each city, the finish line festivities will be followed by a private award ceremony for rally participants and an after party featuring top music entertainment and lifestyle sponsors that is open to fans and spectators.

To learn more about Targa Trophy 2009, register for any of the upcoming rallies, receive email updates or join our automotive and lifestyle sponsoring brands, visit www.targatrophy.com.

ABOUT OVERELL INC.
Overell Inc. is known for developing and producing a wide cache of exclusive lifestyle events targeting the lifestyle consumer market. Founded by marketing and concept visionary Jason Overell in 2002, Overell Inc. has fast become a beacon in the luxury marketing and event planning industry. Innovative concepts and cutting edge design have brought demand from notable brands and entities ranging in such diverse categories as nightlife and entertainment promotions, hospitality, retail, film production and commercial real estate. Some notable clients include Lamborghini, Bentley, Armani Exchange, Fred Segal, Revlon, Wasatch Yachts, Moet & Chandon Champagne, Grey Goose Premium Vodka, Westfield Malls, Starwood W Hotels, 60 Thompson Hotels, Symbolic Motor Car Company, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Oliver McMillan Commercial Development, San Diego Film Festival, 944 Magazine and Modern Luxury Publications.

With the relaunch of our web presence edo competition is offering improved ease of use: Customers and interested parties get quick and easy access to information about all of edo competition’s product offerings as well as modified cars.

Dynamic page layouts, Flash sequences and downloadable PDFs help turn product features into a sensory experience. A clear visual language, short and informative text, the integration of visualization elements and videos facilitate easy access to information about edo competition.

Challenge and dynamism – These two central elements of the edo competition brand philosophy are incorporated into the website. A web presence teeming with passion and a design full of emotion!

We are looking forward to your visit!
edo-competition

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgZG4MF-Dmo

This LP640 now comes with 700bhp and rear drive only thanks to Edo Competition and the Christian Audigier/Ed Hardy design is just a finishing touch. I drove it, here it is. Bear with us, the camera work will get better in a big hurry and we think you’ll like what’s to come.

Of course, it is also made of high-quality carbon from the autoclave. It consists of an aerodynamically optimised front apron, larger fenders for all four wheel arches and a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Thanks to the corresponding side skirts, the dynamic design is harmoniously brought to perfection.

Thus equipped, even the parked car looks signifi cantly racier and reminds the beholder of the legendary GTV models from the good old days. A body kit whose dynamics convince without exaggeration.

With a unique, matt-luster paint finish in matt blue and all available special equipment options, this Murciélago LP 640 and Gallardo LP 560-4 demonstrate the virtually limitless possibilities and expert craftsmanship presented through the Ad Personam individualization program by the specialists in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

“Ad Personam offers every Lamborghini customer the opportunity to acquire a completely exclusive vehicle from a unique brand – one that is perfectly in tune with their own lifestyle,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “A super sports car from Lamborghini is always a fundamental expression of the buyer’s personality. And that is why the highest levels of exclusivity are possible, right through to absolute one-of-a-kind Lamborghini vehicles.”

“Think the impossible” is the motto of the Lamborghini individualization program. Ad Personam offers a host of possibilities to bring a highly individual style to the exterior and the interior of a Lamborghini – all the way through to a Lamborghini like no other.

A unique color for a unique design

Both super sports cars presented in Detroit are such highly individualized examples–painted in matt blue, an all-new, powerful blue tone with a matt-luster finish. Dressed like this, the Murciélago and the Gallardo are elegant and refined, yet extremely powerful and dynamic. This is a unique color that fits perfectly to the unique design of a Lamborghini.

The super sports car brand from Sant’Agata Bolognese is the only auto maker to have mastered the difficult and complex craftsmanship required to work with the matt-luster paint finish. Alongside the new matt blue three more colors are permanently available in the Ad Personam program: Nero Nemesis is a matt-luster black, while the matt white is called Bianco Canopus; and Marrone Apus refers to the particularly elegant matt brown finish. In addition, Lamborghini Ad Personam offers its customers complete freedom to choose any color imaginable.

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640 is one of the most fascinating super sports cars of all time, and underscores this in Detroit with a purist interior finished in Alcantara ® with diamond stitching. Not only are the sports seats upholstered in Alcantara ®, but also the entire interior, including doors and headliner. The cockpit surround is finished in carbon fiber. The steering wheel features stitched suede and carbon fiber inlays. The high-gloss black of the Murciélago’s wheels – in Hermera design – also delivers the perfect contrast to the matt blue exterior paintwork.

For those wishing to follow in the footsteps of international celebrities, there’s no way around Christian Audigier. With his luxury clothing label he is setting new standards in the fashion world, exemplified by the sparkling skull and pirate themes adorning his designer pieces. However, Christian Audigier’s creativity is not limited to fashion; it also translates to the world of automotive design, as evidenced by this latest cooperative effort.

Thanks to his inexhaustible imaginativeness, the matte black outer skin of the edo LP 710 has been completely restyled. However, it doesn’t end there! The redesigned interior is an impressive sight as well. Carrying the creative theme inside, the seats, door panels and center console have been upgraded using his exquisite designs.

Carrying out the elaborate airbrush work to bring Christian Audigier’s ideas to life is none other than Marcus Pfeil, of Pfeildesign in Austria. It’s only fitting that the work being carried out on these unique vehicles is done exclusively by an artist with a worldwide reputation in the custom painting scene.

All five Haute-Couture Lamborghinis are custom made for each customer. The themes typical of Audigier’s design underline the edo LP 710’s proud pedigree. Every wish of the client can be accommodated during production. Customers have the opportunity to personalize their vehicles by choosing from a wide range of themes, lending an individual touch to Christian Audigier’s work. Thus it is ensured that prospective owners do not just get the world’s fastest Lamborghini, but also a completely unique design. In addition, each vehicle will be personally signed by the US-based star designer!

The base car, a Lamborghini Murciélago LP 640, is completely disassembled. The modifications to the engine, aerodynamics, wheels, tires, exhaust system and interior are made to measure at edo competition within a three month time frame.

Along with the purchase of the vehicle, the customer gets the opportunity to drive his Lamborghini LP 710 at the limit, either at the high speed oval in Papenburg, Germany or at Nardo, Italy. Upon request, our test driver and pro racer Patrick Simon will coach the proud owner at the race track. Undoubtedly a memorable experience at speeds of over 360 km/h (224 mph)!