The Supercar Platinum Drive and Passenger Day experience

By Lee Taylor TWO Ferraris, an Aston Martin and many more - news.com.au enjoys the ultimate super car experience.

supercars

BEFORE today, the closest I have come to a Ferrari is a free sample of the motor giant's aftershave in a magazine.

But here I am behind the wheel of not one, but two Ferraris, a Lotus, a Lamborghini, an Aston Martin and a Porsche.

Lastminute.com.au’s Supercar Platinum Drive and Passenger Day experience allows Ford Focus drivers like me a taste of automobile bling.

But of all the supercars, which one is my ultimate dream machine?

THE CHALLENGE
Drive some of the world’s fastest and most expensive cars from Sydney to Wollongong and back, without crashing or stealing them.

THE CARS
Aston Martin Vantage Cabriolet
Speed: 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, top speed - 290 km/h
Price: $274,784
Super factor: 7 (out of 10)

It’s bold, beautiful and oh-so Bond. Driving this purring beast across the Anzac Bridge with the roof down, I wasn’t short of envious onlookers.

In automatic mode, the Aston Martin experience is surprisingly disappointing - jerky between gear changes. But with the press of a button you can switch to manual shift on the steering column and that’s when you really have your Bond moment.

Apart from having to be a rocket scientist to get the thing to start (press the key into the centre dash, put your foot on the brake, then hold the key for a few seconds) and a lethargic auto mode, the Aston Martin oozes class ... until I sit in it.

Ferrari California
Speed: 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds, top speed - 310 km/h
Price: $500,000
Super factor: 10

If looks could kill, the Ferrari California would be the world’s most wanted. But unlike the F430, the manufacturer hasn’t compromised on comfort.

I have always considered the traditional Ferrari to be a bit over-the-top and, well, a bit of a show-off’s car. But I find the California still offers that incredible raw power and acceleration but in a subtle, yet, stunning exterior.

If only the same could be said about my behaviour when I told I have to give it back.

Ferrari F430
Speed: 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, top speed - 316 km/h
Price: $390,000
Super factor: 8.5

There’s no getting away from the fact I’m driving one of the world’s monster supercars. Every time I look into the rear-view mirror, a huge engine growls back at me from the boot.

From the copious dashboard dials to seats that literally hold you down, this car belongs on the starting grid, or the Stig’s “I’m just ducking out to the shops, can I get you anything?” car.

The slightest pressure on the accelerator causes a grunt that would send Jeremy Clarkson to his knees and me into the back of the seat.

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Porsche 911 997 Cabrio
Speed: 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds, top speed - 310 km/h
Price: $385,000
Super factor: 5

It’s pretty unfair to sit behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 just after staggering out of the Ferrari F430. It’s like sharing a beer with your Nan after going on a date with Jennifer Hawkins (don’t worry, Nan is slowly cutting down on the grog).

The Porsche is OK, but that’s just it ... it’s only OK.

Unlike the Aston Martin, the steering gear shift follows the wheel around, making it difficult to change gear while going around corners. The interior is mediocre compared to the flashing gadgets and gizmos of the other supercars.

Lotus Elise Club Racer
Speed: 0-100 km/h in 4 seconds, top speed - 207 km/h
Price: $385,000
Super factor: 9.5

At just 850kg, the Lotus Elise is so small you have to climb outside of it to change your mind. But this little, yellow dynamo more than punches above its weight.

Being so low to the ground, I have to keep one eye on the road and one on the speedometer, as it feels as though I’m travelling at twice the speed.

Thrusting through gears using the traditional sports gear stick and nipping around the tight bends of the Royal National Park, it feels more like a fairground ride than a journey.

The Lotus comes out tops for drivability but loses out overall to the California’s supermodel looks and comfort.

Lamborghini Gallardo
Speed: 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, top speed - 309 km/h
Price: $400,000
Super factor: 6

One word best sums up my first and only Lamborghini experience: terrifying!

Let’s get one thing clear, you don’t drive it – it drives you.

Finding the doorhandle is the first challenge, followed by dislocating your neck to fit inside. The clutch is so deep, it feels as though your foot will go all the way to the road below. So I have to pull my seat closer to the steering wheel, so now it’s up under my chin. And it gets a lot worse when I get going.

Pulling up to a traffic light goes something like this: foot down on the huuuuuuuge clutch, brake, handbrake, car automatically revs, I panic, light changes to green, struggle to fit tiny gear stick into tiny gear column, over-rev accelerator, depress handbrake, release tensed leg muscle and the huuuuuuge clutch and let out a demonic laugh.

THE DETAILS
The experience: The Supercar Platinum Drive and Passenger Day experience is hosted by Sports Car World Rentals and can be organised through Lastminute.com.au.

Cost: $1390 and includes one driver and one passenger, and a three-course meal at the Harbour Front restaurant in Wollongong.

The writer was a guest of Lastminute.com.au