| When's the last time you drove a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera? How about a Mercedes McLaren SLR? For most of us, that never happens. The lucky few who can, however, either have enough money to buy one, have a rich friend or relative, or paid an exorbitant amount of money to rent one. Now though, a company called World Class Driving has done all the heavy lifting for you. They tour the country with five supercars at their disposal, charging customers $1495 to drive each one for about 30 minutes a piece. There's probably a stop close to you, so check out the tour schedule and see what cars will be there. We had a chance to attend a World Class Driving (WCD) event in Charlotte, NC last month. Was it worth the $1500 price tag? Keep reading to find out…
We showed up at the Hampton Inn Southpark hotel in Charlotte at Noon - just in time for the briefing and lunch. After signing the insurance waivers and the necessary agreements (no unnecessary revving of the engines, no burnouts, no turning off traction control, etc) we went over the basics of handling a supercar vs. a regular car. We didn't actually get out of there until around 1:30, as it seems someone in the group before us crashed one of the cars. More on that later. As we headed outside, there sat our supercars - a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Mercedes McLaren SLR, Audi R8, and a Maserati GranTurismo. Oh, the beauty. Passers-by all stopped and gawked, taking pictures and asking about the cars. This leads to my main complaint about WCD: while these cars are great, they were not the cars that I expected to be there. In fact, the list of cars changed multiple times. When we registered for World Class Driving, the list of cars were as follows: Ferrari 599 Fiorano Mercedes SLR McLaren Ferrari F430 Audi R8 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Callaway C16 When I checked a couple months before the event, they changed again: Ferrari 599 Fiorano or Mercedes SLR McLaren Ferrari 430 Scuderia Lamborghini LP560-4 Callaway C16 Maserati GranTurismo Spare After being assured that the list would not be changed again, I checked the list right before the event, and it was as follows: Ferrari 430 Scuderia or Mercedes McLaren SLR Lamborghini LP560-4 Nissan GT-R Audi R8 Maserati GranTurismo Callaway C16 And here's the list of what was actually there: Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Audi R8 Mercedes SLR McLaren Maserati GranTurismo This is frustrating - if you registered because you were looking forward to a specific car (like the Lamborghini LP560-4 for example,) the list changed and you won't be able to drive that car anymore.
But there were supposed to be five cars, not four. Turns out the Ferrari 430 Scuderia was the car that was wrecked, and was still on the side of road. Another frustrating thing was that WCD said they always have a spare car in case something happens to one of them, but apparently didn't have a backup this time. They promised all of the drivers that once they come back into the area (May 2009,) we can come back to drive the Ferrari. After we got done taking pictures and getting briefed on our specific starting cars (we were in the Audi R8 first,) we took off from the hotel. I've been in love with the Audi R8 since it was unveiled, so at this point I was in heaven. Incredibly smooth, awesome engine noise, plenty of interior room, and very quick. The first half of the first drive was through traffic. Starting and stopping at stoplights, working through traffic, etc. This was rather unpleasant, since we only got the last half of the first car drive on open roads. After about 20 minutes (felt like 10,) we got out and went on to the second rotation. The format of the drive was as follows: a lead car driven by our instructor led the way. The rest of us followed behind him, not allowed to pass him or any of the other cars. This naturally led to all of the cars falling way behind the lead car so we could step on it, catching up very quickly, then slowing down again to repeat the process. Our second car was the Maserati GranTurismo. Very smooth and comfortable, great interior look and feel. The acceleration of the Maserati was not as responsive as the Audi, but was more of a swelling speed. An excellent touring car in every way.
Next up was the Mercedes SLR McLaren. Christine drove the SLR (as you can see above.) She commented on the SLR being very fast, but not having much of a personality. "It's really fast, but it's just another Mercedes" she remarked. An incredibly fast car, but there was something missing. Talking with the other drivers of the day, they felt the same way. Last up was the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. Now this is a supercar, and arguably the coolest car of the bunch. The bright orange finish with the "Superleggera" stripe, carbon fiber everything, and gunmetal wheels drew lots of attention, and had the best engine note of them all. A 520 horsepower V10 and active exhaust served as the radio in this Lambo. Opening the door reveals a nearly flat bare carbon fiber door panel inside. No door handle to close it, just a cloth strap to pull. All of this saves a lot of weight of course, making this Gallardo track-ready and super fun to drive. Without question my favorite car to fall back in - slowing down, cruising at 35, downshifting to 2nd gear, and flooring the throttle rewarded us with explosive acceleration, a screaming Lamborghini V10 behind us…next thing we know the car in front of us is coming up fast as the speedo reads 120 mph. Carbon-ceramic brakes slowed us down very quickly. After the drive, we went back to the hotel and collected our gift bags, which consisted of a folder containing two photos they took before the drive, and a certificate of completion. Also in the bag was a WCD hat, some literature on World Class Driving, and a very cool laser-etched glass Ferrari 599 Fiorano model. We talked with some of the other drivers, traded business cards, thanked the WCD staff, and were on our way back home. So let's get what we didn't like out of the way first. I didn't like that they switched around the cars so much prior to the drive. I completely understand and encourage the practice of keeping the rotation fresh and offer customers the latest and greatest cars. However, when the list changes at least four times, chances are some of the customers were there for at least one specific car. If that car isn't there anymore, they're going to be disappointed. I was extremely disappointed when the list changed and the Audi R8 was omitted; thankfully it changed again and the R8 came back. I was also looking forward to the Nissan GT-R and Lamborghini LP560-4, which weren't there.
Second, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia accident was bad for two reasons: mainly we didn't get to drive it, and they didn't have a backup car for us to drive. Also it seemed like the staff was more distracted with the Ferrari than they were with focusing on the customers having a good time. Yes it sucks the Ferrari got wrecked, but that's what insurance is for. Lastly, I didn't like having to spend the first half of the first car driving through city traffic. I kind of feel robbed out of part of my time with the R8, since it was the open roads that were the fun parts of driving. Additionally, I wish there was more time with each car. It felt like we were kind of in a hurry to get back before the sun fell since we took off late. So, despite the few complaints about the event, it was a great time. I look forward to returning in May to drive the Ferrari, and I hope all of the other drivers worked something out as well. For $1500, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us, and a great gift for any car lover. Some of the other drivers there were repeat customers, and most said they would go again. I just hope they keep the freshest new cars coming in (hint: Audi R8 V10,) and with a few tweaks to their process (longer drive times, keep a backup car, etc) would be a perfect experience. Based on our time there and reactions from other drivers, I highly recommend trying out World Class Driving or giving it as a gift to any car lover. Check out WorldClassDriving.com to view schedules, check out the cars, and book your experience. Thanks to the WCD crew for a great time, and I hope to see you at another event soon. Check out the photos below, or click here for the full gallery:
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Wednesday, December 17, 2008
World Class Driving Review - One Day, Five Supercars
Want a Ferrari for Christmas? You Can Have One for $40
| Have you finished your Christmas shopping for this year? If not, it is still time to pick up your very own Ferrari for about $40. The Ferrari we are referring too is the Ferrari Perfume and Ferrari Cologne. You didn't think we were talking about the Ferrari vehicle did you? Maybe a Ferrari model car! Ever seen the Ferrari Fragrances on the shelves of your local mall perfume counter? You too can feel fresh-and-so-clean in your very own Ferrari… fragrance while driving your Ford focus. Either way you would have purchased an authentic Ferrari product and still have money to buy your significant-other something special. It does not stop at just purchasing any old fragrance but a Ferrari fragrance with several color (scent) options just like the actual car. I guess Ferrari wants to give everyone that same buying experience but without sacrificing an arm leg and first born. You can purchase your very own Ferrari in Ferrari Black, Ferrari Red, Ferrari Yellow, Ferrari Racing, Ferrari Extreme and even Ferrari Passion… OHHH! So if you can't foot the bill on a Ferrari car, you can settle for the authentic Ferrari Perfume and be just as cool. That is if people actually recognize the distinctive scent of Ferrari Perfumes or Colognes otherwise you're just another smelly guy or gal in a Ford Focus. And NO… it does not smell like the exhaust fumes of a Ferrari so don't even ask! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! |
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Bi-Kompressor kits for Ferrari 599
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Ferrari F50 entirely made out of wood
| Livio De Marchi is a Venetian who has worked ornamental sculptures in wood since he was little. In 2000 he presented the full size of a Ferrari F50, entirely made out of ten types of wood. This F50 even had a working engine, which helped the Italian to navigate through the narrow canals in Venice (yes, the car also floated). Now the car is kept at the Venetian resort in Las Vegas and for $185,000 can be all yours. Just look at the interior details. Wouldn't you like to drive this on the public roads?
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Roadster Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M debuted in Bologna!
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Afterwards behind presentation of new sport car Scuderia Spider 16M, which have taken place on a racing line Mudzhello in the north of Italy in the beginning of November, Italians on a motor show in Bologna have spent public display of this car from Ferrari. Model Scuderia Spider 16M which will be born in the limited quantity, is in essence the roadster-version of a compartment 430 Scuderia, received similar a running gear and mechanical details. From a technical aspect, pure weight Scuderia Spider 16M makes 1340 kg (on 80 kg easier, than "standard" F430 Spider). The car is equipped by the modified version of the V-shaped 8-cylinder engine from Spider capacity of 510 h.p. Being allocated with a capacity parity to the weight, equal 2,6 kg/h.p., model Scuderia Spider 16M accelerates momentum from 0 to 100 km/hour of all for 3,7 sec, and its maximum speed makes 315 km/hour. The car will be let out in two versions: The base configuration will be painted in black and grey colours, and at will of the customer the car can be got with three-coloured colouring from Carrozzeria Scaglietti Personalisation Programme. Exclusive features of a new stallion from Ferrari concern a tubular skeleton with the external case from carbon fiber a special audiosystem of new generation which can be interfaced with demountable personalised Ferrari Ipod Touch 16 Gb, connected through dock-station in the instrument panel. |
Delphi technologies keep new Ferrari California cool, wired and smooth
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Monday, December 15, 2008
2009 Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M
| (from Ferrari press release) Special series Scuderia Spider 16M unveiled at World Finals in Mugello to celebrate Prancing Horse's 16th F1 Constructor's title
Ferrari has chosen to unveil the new Scuderia Spider 16M at the World Finals in Mugello in celebration of its recent victory in the Formula 1 Constructor's World Championship 2008. This new high performance sports car features the very best of Ferrari's latest mid-rear-engined 8-cylinder technology. In fact, the Scuderia Spider 16M is faster round the Fiorano circuit than any other Prancing Horse open-top road car yet built. This truly evocative special series model, of which just 499 unique examples will be produced, is aimed at the most passionate clients, drivers who demand both exclusivity and superb driving pleasure. |
