The renowned sports car brand Automobili Lamborghini has paid homage to Valentino Balboni, a notable test driver with a cult following, in the form of the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni. The Valentino Balboni version of Lamborghini’s highly successful Gallardo model is a masterpiece that combines exclusive equipment, unique technology, and distinctive design.

The 2-door coupe production car features a V10 mid-engine that displaces 5,204 cc and has a horsepower of 550 bhp as well as a 6-speed E-Gear transmission. The latest Gallardo model’s distinctive design can be seen in the white-and-gold color strip that runs from the front panel all the way to the rear spoiler. This design concept is repeated in the interior as well. The full-leather black upholstery has a white color strip, and the center console is wholly upholstered in Polar white leather that serves as a commanding accent. Because Lamborghini has intended the 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni to be as exclusive as possible, the carmaker has limited production of the model to just 250 units.

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Overview

Pagani, the Italian super car that relies on Mercedes Benz’ power plant manufacturing has recently released another brand new roadster Zonda R version. The introduction of the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster to the market is well-received, and similar to its coupe sister, Pagani only produced 5 units and was sold at a 1.3 million Euro price tag ($1.85 million). It is also patterned after the Modenese Atelier.

Performance

This super car, made of carbo-titanium material (carbon fiber weaved with titanium threads), features a hand built super twin engine that are turbocharged AMG v12 machines. This makes up to 678 horsepower of traction. The rocket ship inspired car accelerates to 60 kilometers per hour in only 3.4 seconds. Consequently, it also hits 200 kilometers per hour in less than 10 seconds. Overall, its top speed reaches 217 miles per hour. This coupe version features ceramic-coated exhaust system with a titanium framework. Basically, this is the same aluminum/magnesium that the rims are made of. The car also has maximum side acceleration of 1.45 G already with the road tires.

Its Brembo brakes are self ventilated carbo-ceramic material with hydraulic servo brakes. The down force of the car is at 300 kilometers per hour at 750 kg. Pagani used all weight reduction measures to basically improve the performance, driving pleasure and emission features that many racers have found very convincing in the model of Cinque Roadsters.

Exterior

The car’s chassis is built with carbon titanium finish and was redesigned in order to compensate for its lack of roof. The enhanced features of the Cinque are further emphasized with its roof stored in its front bonnet. The car seats are also made of Pagani leather cum carbon fiber material.

Weight distribution while driving is at 47% in front and 53% at the rear. Horacio Pagani and his mechanics exhibit their mastery of art and engineering in the new Zonda Cinque Roadster. If you choose to drive around with the Cinque, you will discover its ultimate performance and daily drivability very convenient due to its various drive modes resting in the adjustable suspension setup and sequential robotized gearbox.

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It is fascinating to drive a car that weighs 1,210 kilograms in open air roads, knowing that only you and four others are the only ones who are kept in awe with its reliable performance and durability. This limited edition super car packs all the good stuff that one wishes of a dream car. On recent road tests by car professionals, it has been dubbed the best of the Zonda series due to its automated gearbox which cannot be found in other non-Cinque units. It may look racecar low to many drivers but it certainly copes well with an imperfect tarmac. Gear changes have been remarkably better too. With just five manufactured by Pagani, this model will be the swansong for the Zonda lineup. It is certainly worth its price and will never disappoint one’s expectations of a super car.

Specifications

Pagani Zonda Cinque, Zonda F and Porsche 911 GT3 ’09 at an Auto Show

The Swiss are known mainly for the precision and accuracy of their timepieces, but they are also famed for Sportec, the automotive tuner that introduced the ultra-high performance SPR1 range of supercars. The newest addition to this range, the 2009 Sportec SPR1 T80, based on the Porsche 911 Turbo, lives up to the reputation of the elite SPR1s.

The 2009 Sportec SPR1 T80 features a twin-turbo flat-6 rear engine with AWD with an increased horsepower of 858 bhp at 8,200 rpm. As a result, Sportec’s latest supercar model offers a blend of performance and poise. The T80 can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3 seconds and can go up to 186 mph in 18.9 seconds. In Nardo, Italy, the T80 has been recorded to have a top speed of 236 mph.

Other features of the T80 include active suspension, F1-style ceramic brake discs, a flat carbon-fiber under-floor, and titanium connecting rods. The 2009 Sportec SPR1 T80 also boasts of carbon/Kevlar body panels, an integrated safety cage, and forged alloy wheels, which make the T80 safer, lighter, and more dynamic than other supercars.

As though the Scuderia Spider 16M, whose production was limited to just 499 units, weren’t exclusive enough, Ferrari decided to take it a step further. This is where Novitec Rosso, the world’s top refiner of sports cars, comes in.

In the capable hands of Novitec Rosso, Ferrari’s Scuderia Spider 16M was fitted with the trademark Novitec Rosso Race bi-compressor engine with a horsepower of 696 bhp at 8,400 rpm and torque of 503 lb.-ft. at 6,300 rpm. Thus, the 2009 Novitec Scuderia Spider 16M was born. The new engine enables the Scuderia Spider to reach 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and to rocket to a top speed of more than 205 mph.

Because of the high-performing engine, Novitec Rosso specially manufactured a heat-insulated intake manifold that has larger cross-sections to provide the engine with pre-compressed air. Those who would like to further enhance their Spiders can choose from sporty options like sport springs, a lift system for the front axle, 20-inch wheels, and various exterior and interior accessories.

The 2009 Ford Fiesta Pikes Peak Rallycross got its first taste of the rally scene when two-time World Rally Champion Marcus Grönholm drove the race car in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Grönholm clocked in the fifth fastest time overall and placed second in the Unlimited Class. Grönholm could have done better had he not had a mechanical issue with the turbocharger on his 800-horsepower Fiesta rallycross racecar. The mechanical issue resulted in a power reduction during Grönholm’s crucial final ascent.

Like Marcus Grönholm, Andreas Eriksson experienced a disappointing turn in Pikes Peak when two of his Fiesta’s tires slipped off their rims and caused the car to go off course and clip a tree. However, Eriksson stated that the car has fantastic handling, and based on all the mishaps that the car has experienced, the Fiesta can be prepped in time for the X Games in LA and hopefully go home with a victory.

While far from being perfect, the 2009 Ford Fiesta Pikes Peak Rallycross shows a lot of potential. The 3-door hatchback, production-based racecar features a turbocharged inline-4 front engine that displaces 2,000 cc. with 800 bhp.

Marcus Gronholm storms up the Pikes Peak