While debuting a super-fuel-efficient VW concept may have seemed out of place in Qatar, using an auto show in the land of the oil-rich to unveil a special-edition Gallardo seems just about right. The two-tone Gallardo Bicolore will be offered only with all-wheel drive as an LP560-4 in other markets, but the version that makes it to us will drive just the rear wheels—à la Gallardo Valentino Balboni—and be dubbed LP550-2. (Yes, that means our cars will make 10 fewer horsepower.)
Aside from the welcome fact that it means more rear-wheel-drive Gallardos coming to our shores beyond the sold-out Balbonis, this special edition is basically an appearance package. But what an appearance it is. The blacked-out greenhouse—which starts at the base of the windshield and extends to the area between the taillights—lends a very tailored look to an already svelte-seeming vehicle. It accentuates the flowing line from front fender to rear haunch, quite possibly making it the best-looking Gallardo yet. Gloss black is applied to the front splitter, air intakes, and rear diffuser. The normally optional glass engine cover is standard here, providing an unobstructed view of the 542-hp V-10 that powers the rear wheels.
The not-black part of the car is available in five shades with names—like all Lambo colors—so wonderfully Italian we just have to share them: Giallo Midas (yellow), Arancio Borealis (orange), Grigio Telesto (gray), Bianco Monocerus (white), and Blu Caelum (blue). The interior gets a dark leather treatment set off by contrasting stitching that corresponds to the exterior color on all but the white car (that one, like the gray car, uses gray thread, too).
One important distinction between this and the Balboni: the transmission. Whereas Valentino’s car came with the six-speed manual, offering Lamborghini’s e-gear transmission as a $10K option, the Bicolore comes only with the single-clutch e-gear automatic.
A total of 222 Bicolores will be offered worldwide. The LP550-2 version will be available here in March starting at $194,000, which is well under the price tag for the e-gear–equipped Balboni ($235,795). Oh, and fuel economy? Leave that to the VW.
Thanks to: Car and Driver