I attended the Lamborghini Esperienza today at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. It was such a blast, I thought I'd write up a review.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the event, it is essentially a one-day driving school. The cost is $850. Anyone can sign up on the website - I found out about it on a CNN news story. All the cars are provided by Lamborghini. The cars included a Gallardo Super Performante, Gallardo LP 550 2, Superleggera, Gallardo LP 560-4, 2 Aventador LP 700-4s, An Aventador Spyder and some others.
The event was very professionally run. Check-in started at 8:30. We were greated by the instructors and led to a nice air conditioned tent (it got to be over 100 on the track in Fontucky). In the tent we were provided with persoanlized badges and amazing breakfast spread including fresh fruit, pastries, fresh juices and of course, an espresso bar with a barista who would make anything you wanted.
After a quick briefing from the instructors around 9:30, we were split into 4 groups of 8-9 and went off to begin our track events. Each event started with a shotgun ride along with the instructor - my main instructor, Nicolo, was directly from Italy. At each event station there was a shade tent and an abundance of water, drinks and snacks which was much appreciated in the heat. The ONLY rule of the day, don't turn off stability control. Other than that, you could drive in Auto, Sport, or Corsa. They didn't care.
The first event my group participated in was the lane change/obstacle avoidance event. Starting from the line, you went about 75% throttle up to 70/75 MPH. Then at the cones it was off gas and hard left to avoid the obstacle 38 feet away and then back hard ride. It was amazing when the ESP (similar to DSC) kicked in to keep you on track. The instructors really pushed each of us. We each took 3 runs in the Super Performante and 2 runs in the LP-550-2. This was the perfect way to start the day.
Next up for my group was dynamic braking. We were shuttled down the track in an air conditioned van.
This event involved flooring it down the straight away, breaking hard and turning in for a right then out for a quick left. We drove the Superleggera in the pictures below. We made 5 passes each. Admittedly, I pussy footed it on my first run. On the next pass, the instrutor told me to go WOT and then slam the brakes. The Brakes on this thing were unbelievable. It wasn't until then that I really learned what these things can do.
From here it was on to the autocross/slalom event. The tires on the LP 560 were shot, so they brought the Superleggera over from the other event. I almost lost my breakfast on the ride along with our instructor. He hammered the car so hard and tight it was amazing. The course started left and then hard right, a left right slalom, a short straight and then a left, right, left, right, slalom to a full u-turn and back to start. We each got 3 passes. One run to learn the course and the next two were timed. Most times were in the mid 30 seconds with the fastest guys in the low 30s. The leaders in each group won a prize at the end of the day.
Next it was back to the welcome tent for lunch. The people at Lamborghini love their food! Lunch consisted of a tri-colore salad, a gourmet beet and goat cheese salad, cous cous, chicken mirabella, steak, asapargus and cookies. Of course the espresso was flowing. I'm glad my group did the slalom before lunch...
After lunch we were shuttled to the cornering event. Here is where we got to exclusively drive the Aventador. Holy S**T Batman. This thing can fly and handle. After one run with the instructor it was time to get into the car. As side from the hotlap, this was the only event where the instructor did not ride with you. Essentially, they trusted you with the gorgeous piece of machinery. The event consisted of two Aventador's following the instructor WOT down a short straight, then braking into a wider u-turn back to WOT down a long straight followed by a right left chicane into a very short straight, hard right, then hard left back to the initial straight. We each got 3 runs in middle position and 3 runs in the rear position. The instructor was in the lead given directions via a walkie. It was amazing in CORSA! This thing is a BEAST!!!
Now it was "Snack time" in the welcome tent where we were treated to more 3 tapenades, marinated artichokes, peppers, fruit and of course, espresso.
Finally, it was time for hot laps. I have no words to describe this. We were put in groups of six. Each person got 3 laps in the Gallardo and 3 laps in the Aventador. We followed the instructor who again communicated to us via walkie. WOT down the straights which they doubled in length from the cornering event. These things were screaming.
Everyone was finished around 5:30. We were brought back into the welcome tent. Awards were given to the fastest slalom guys. We all receive gift bags with Lamborghini hats, a key chain and a Lambo note pad.
I must say, this event was truly amazing. Everyone involved was friendly and informative. I learned a lot, and as you can tell, ate very, very, well.
I had a spirited drive home in the M.
Pictures are below.
