Discussion
Blimey! So this is what supercars are all about - insane performance, massive presence and sufficient forward planning to ensure it will fit/circumnavigate speed humps/be able to park.
A weekend to remember then with Ecurie25's very, very green Murcielago.
I thought that the Gallardo attracted attention but this beast is off the scale, albeit universally positive: waves, flashing lights, tooting horns, dropped jaws and more photos than you can shake a stick at mean it is not for the shy and retiring. If you have problems striking up conversation with strangers, I have the answer for you. 
I'll take it as a given that everyone can imagine the performance that S'ant Agata's best serves up: it is truly mind-bending, and means that you can end up travelling far too fast, far too quickly if care isn't taken. All this accompanied by a deep throated gargling that rises to a joyful mechanical cacophony of big capacity whirring multivalve trains as the red line approaches, overlain with an induction noise that makes the hairs the back of your neck tingle (and nothing to do with the proximity of said induction to the neck). The four wheel drive traction through huge gumball tyres is unsurprisingly more than a match for the immense power, and corners are dispatched in an instant - I doubt the traction control would ever get a sniff of action on dry public highways.
The driving experience communicates that you have a task on your hands: a hefty helm and positive shoves through the metal gated 'box are needed, but all other controls are no heavier than any other cars. The driving position is pretty good, but probably designed around Italian men slightly shorter in the leg than me (and quite possibly with a derriere more resistant to numbness in what were fairly uncomfortable seats). The fully adjustable steering wheel overcomes most of this, but without anywhere to rest my clutch foot my knee was able to act as a self canceller for the indicators when turning left.
The width and limited rear visibility also make themselves plainly evident, especially when trying to manoeuvre. And yes, of course I had the scissor door open and sat on the sill to reverse.
So, undoubtedly one of the truly great petrolhead experiences, but I was surprised at how stressful if was piloting the Murcielago at times. I'm sure this is partly due to the attention it attracts (you are in the spotlight all of the time), partly due to it's physical size (will it fit through that gap, can I find somewhere to park, can I get over that traffic calming?) and partly due to fairly the crowded roads which were the only ones I had the opportunity to use it on. I'm sure further familiarity would ease these worries, but I have to say that for the moment being able to have the use of the Green Meanie for a short time is a much more attractive proposition than outright ownership.
Brilliant photos, and sounds like an interesting expierence.
For once it seems like ownerhip of such an amazing car would be frustrating as I frequently have to pass over traffic calming measures, and I reckon the attention may get tiresome at times.
Which car that you've tested with Ecurie would you most like to actually own?
For once it seems like ownerhip of such an amazing car would be frustrating as I frequently have to pass over traffic calming measures, and I reckon the attention may get tiresome at times.
Which car that you've tested with Ecurie would you most like to actually own?
but the Gallardo proved to be a surprisingly practical proposition. 
CUE99T said:
try getting air in the rear ones, total nightmare, as it's recessed so deep normal air pumps can't get to it.
dunno if there is an adapter or not but I just get the garage to check them when it's in for it's monthly checkup.
dunno if there is an adapter or not but I just get the garage to check them when it's in for it's monthly checkup.
when it's in for it's monthly checkup
your car has a monthly check up at the garage???
miyagi said:
CUE99T said:
try getting air in the rear ones, total nightmare, as it's recessed so deep normal air pumps can't get to it.
dunno if there is an adapter or not but I just get the garage to check them when it's in for it's monthly checkup.
dunno if there is an adapter or not but I just get the garage to check them when it's in for it's monthly checkup.
when it's in for it's monthly checkup
your car has a monthly check up at the garage???
Thats what I was thinking!
dazren said:
I assume the F430 is the next car?
Probably, unless I sneak a day with the Lotus Exige in beforehand .... 
dazren said:
Have you got slots in the M5 or 997TT booked yet? I'd be interested in your feedback.
Not yet, I've got my eyes on the upcoming R8 and V8 Vantage Roadster ahead of the Pork & Beemer. Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff