2009 Lamborghini Gallardo to receive 2-wheel-drive treatment

The Estoque Concept that unveiled the styling brilliance of Lamborghini isn’t reserved for 2-door vehicles were preceded by rumors of a possible SV (superveloce) version of the Murcielago. A piece of the rumor said that it would be 2-wheel drive, instead of the all-wheel-drive that is standard in Lamborghini. A fresh report has come out that gives credibility to that idea even while it shows it in a different light.

The initial vehicle that will receive the 2-wheel-drive treatment, scheduled late next year, will be the Gallardo, reports AutoTelegraaf after an interview with Lamborghini Boss Stephan Winkelmann. Designated as LP560-2, the new vehicle will also sport the title ‘Superleggera’, or ’superlight’ in Italian. The superleggera variant of the preceding-generation Gallardo was content with AWD, however, so the new vehicle should be even less heavy. Getting rid of the front drive axles and differential thus isn’t about cutting costs, but about weight reduction, and the same philosophy will be applied to the Murcielago that will come later. Continued after the jump!

The Murcielago will also highlight the new identification rule, having an LP640-2 model number. Though the SV nameplate hasn’t yet been officially attached to the fresh Murcielago, it’s an apparent likelihood. Talks that an SV-badged Murcielago may emerge, at least in concept form, in March at the Geneva Motor Show would match with a timeline for becoming available later next year. The SV is also anticipated to shed off as much as 220lb (100kg) in contrast to the regular vehicle, and could most likely be only rear-wheel-drive.