1st time driving supercars - any tips?
Discussion
I'm getting very excited at the moment, as next week I will be off to Switzerland to hoon around the mountain passes in a variety of supercars.
Now i've driven a huge number and range of cars over the years, some fast, some slow, but never anything that could be classed as a supercar.
I can't wait, but at the same time just a little nervous - i want to enjoy every second without ending up in a horrible mess sliding down the side of a mountain.
Any tips from those who drive this sort of thing on a regular basis?
I have a massive
on my face just at the thought of it.....
Now i've driven a huge number and range of cars over the years, some fast, some slow, but never anything that could be classed as a supercar.
I can't wait, but at the same time just a little nervous - i want to enjoy every second without ending up in a horrible mess sliding down the side of a mountain.
Any tips from those who drive this sort of thing on a regular basis?
I have a massive
on my face just at the thought of it.....What do you class as a 'supercar'? How many BHP? RWD or 4WD? Front or Mid-Engined?
The main differences between extremely powerful road cars and lesser motors is, clearly, the power. If the car is RWD too then you may need to ease yourself in to the throttle travel, especially around corners. I have been to so many track days where folks who have 'just bought' a very powerful car (usually an M3, GT-R or the like, so not really supercars, but still powerful) have no idea how much throttle and steering to use when going around corners.
Common sense rules - get a feel for the cars before trying to push...otherwise you'll end up facing the other way.
The main differences between extremely powerful road cars and lesser motors is, clearly, the power. If the car is RWD too then you may need to ease yourself in to the throttle travel, especially around corners. I have been to so many track days where folks who have 'just bought' a very powerful car (usually an M3, GT-R or the like, so not really supercars, but still powerful) have no idea how much throttle and steering to use when going around corners.
Common sense rules - get a feel for the cars before trying to push...otherwise you'll end up facing the other way.
bqf said:
What do you class as a 'supercar'? How many BHP? RWD or 4WD? Front or Mid-Engined?
The main differences between extremely powerful road cars and lesser motors is, clearly, the power. If the car is RWD too then you may need to ease yourself in to the throttle travel, especially around corners. I have been to so many track days where folks who have 'just bought' a very powerful car (usually an M3, GT-R or the like, so not really supercars, but still powerful) have no idea how much throttle and steering to use when going around corners.
Common sense rules - get a feel for the cars before trying to push...otherwise you'll end up facing the other way.
Sorry - should have included this - there are 8 of us in total, car each to swap around as we progress. Car list includes:The main differences between extremely powerful road cars and lesser motors is, clearly, the power. If the car is RWD too then you may need to ease yourself in to the throttle travel, especially around corners. I have been to so many track days where folks who have 'just bought' a very powerful car (usually an M3, GT-R or the like, so not really supercars, but still powerful) have no idea how much throttle and steering to use when going around corners.
Common sense rules - get a feel for the cars before trying to push...otherwise you'll end up facing the other way.
458
R8 Spyder
Gallardo
911 GT3
Maserati Gran Sport Cab
Bentley Cont supersport
Aston DB9
Aston Vantage
It may not be the newest or best, but the lambo is a dream car for me and the one I'm looking forward to most
bqf said:
Common sense rules - get a feel for the cars before trying to push...otherwise you'll end up facing the other way.
This is the thing. Don't be overwhelmed by the excitement and fly off the handle, you'll find it far more enjoyable, rewarding and less disastrous to build up your speed gradually. And remember that bigger power = bigger speed approaching corners = brake much earlier!If you can have someone experienced with such cars in the passenger seat, make sure that you do!
And, out of that list, don't drive the 911 or the 458 first
Only mash the throttle on a dry, straight road until you've got a feel for the car.
When you pull out of junctions just coast until you're straight. Do not try and thrash one of those fron a standstill at a juntion, it will end in tears until you know what you're dealing with.
None of those are too full on though so it should be a very enjoyable trip.
When you pull out of junctions just coast until you're straight. Do not try and thrash one of those fron a standstill at a juntion, it will end in tears until you know what you're dealing with.
None of those are too full on though so it should be a very enjoyable trip.
Remember the components of speed, Smoothness, Consistency, Accuracy - it's a cliche because it's true - especially smoothness - no jamming your foot in the carpet, no jumping on the brakes etc etc.
Great list of cars there, I'm sure you will have a riot. Please do be especially careful in the GT3 and the Gallardo though - both of which do not reward novices easily....
Great list of cars there, I'm sure you will have a riot. Please do be especially careful in the GT3 and the Gallardo though - both of which do not reward novices easily....
mattman said:
Sorry - should have included this - there are 8 of us in total, car each to swap around as we progress. Car list includes:
458
R8 Spyder
Gallardo
911 GT3
Maserati Gran Sport Cab
Bentley Cont supersport
Aston DB9
Aston Vantage
It may not be the newest or best, but the lambo is a dream car for me and the one I'm looking forward to most
Lovely list - none are supercars (in my book) but they're all lovely 458
R8 Spyder
Gallardo
911 GT3
Maserati Gran Sport Cab
Bentley Cont supersport
Aston DB9
Aston Vantage
It may not be the newest or best, but the lambo is a dream car for me and the one I'm looking forward to most
olly22n said:
mattman said:
bqf said:
What do you class as a 'supercar'? How many BHP? RWD or 4WD? Front or Mid-Engined?
The main differences between extremely powerful road cars and lesser motors is, clearly, the power. If the car is RWD too then you may need to ease yourself in to the throttle travel, especially around corners. I have been to so many track days where folks who have 'just bought' a very powerful car (usually an M3, GT-R or the like, so not really supercars, but still powerful) have no idea how much throttle and steering to use when going around corners.
Common sense rules - get a feel for the cars before trying to push...otherwise you'll end up facing the other way.
Sorry - should have included this - there are 8 of us in total, car each to swap around as we progress. Car list includes:The main differences between extremely powerful road cars and lesser motors is, clearly, the power. If the car is RWD too then you may need to ease yourself in to the throttle travel, especially around corners. I have been to so many track days where folks who have 'just bought' a very powerful car (usually an M3, GT-R or the like, so not really supercars, but still powerful) have no idea how much throttle and steering to use when going around corners.
Common sense rules - get a feel for the cars before trying to push...otherwise you'll end up facing the other way.
458 (x2)
Gallardo
911 GT3
Maserati Gran Sport Cab
Bentley Cont supersport
Aston DB9
Aston Vantage
my dad isn't exactly helping - keeps showing me the opening credits of the lambo in the original italian job!
Thanks for the advice - I'm sure the boss will be taking the 458 1st, to be honest I don't really care which one i have 1st, they are all awesome!
I appreciate that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will be relishing every last second - taking the camera too so will post some photos on my return.
Thanks for the advice - I'm sure the boss will be taking the 458 1st, to be honest I don't really care which one i have 1st, they are all awesome!
I appreciate that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will be relishing every last second - taking the camera too so will post some photos on my return.
johnpeat said:
Lovely list - none are supercars (in my book) but they're all lovely
Really? The Ferrari 458 isn't, in your view, a 'supercar'??Remember than Zonda, Koenigsegg, Veyron are all classed now officially* as 'Hypercars'.
- See the book 'Supercars vs Hypercars - all the definitions and that' by BQF, 2011.
bqf said:
johnpeat said:
Lovely list - none are supercars (in my book) but they're all lovely
Really? The Ferrari 458 isn't, in your view, a 'supercar'??Remember than Zonda, Koenigsegg, Veyron are all classed now officially* as 'Hypercars'.
- See the book 'Supercars vs Hypercars - all the definitions and that' by BQF, 2011.
I'd agree.Rule 1: don't run out of talent.
Rule 2: don't run out of road.
Rule 3: don't run out of petrol.
Rule 4: practice 'emergency starts' so the first time you do one isn't next to some Golf diesel who will tell all his dull friends that he beat a Maserati/etc away from the line.
bqf said:
Really? The Ferrari 458 isn't, in your view, a 'supercar'??
Remember than Zonda, Koenigsegg, Veyron are all classed now officially* as 'Hypercars'.
Not wanting to leap into "lepton" territory here - or divert a lovely thread - but hypercar is, of course, a "bRemember than Zonda, Koenigsegg, Veyron are all classed now officially* as 'Hypercars'.
- See the book 'Supercars vs Hypercars - all the definitions and that' by BQF, 2011.
ks" term...Supercars need more mental than a 458 has - indeed probably more mental than most cars have these days.
They spit fire, throw you into a hedge, wee petrol on your shoes and then LAUGH at your attempt to control all of that
Slow in, fast out - it's generally easier to add speed in a bend than take it away. Good advice above about leaving more room for braking, and concentrating on smoothness when adding the power back in.
Look where you want the car to go - the further up the road you're looking, the quicker you can drive.
If you're driving in convoy it can be difficult to concentrate on your own drive. Don't get pressured into driving that you're not comfortable with, and take particular care with overtakes - don't just follow the preceding car through.
Look where you want the car to go - the further up the road you're looking, the quicker you can drive.
If you're driving in convoy it can be difficult to concentrate on your own drive. Don't get pressured into driving that you're not comfortable with, and take particular care with overtakes - don't just follow the preceding car through.
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