Dream car tour... my experience

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 12:28 AM
  #1  
pokin's Avatar
Thread Starter
07TL-CBP
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Dream car tour... my experience

I drove the following cars over the summer in one of the supercar tours (the NJ/NY one). The tour was very well organized and my experience was great. Highly recommended and will certainly repeat next year. Here are some very brief memorable thoughts (pics are random from the net):






Mercedes McLaren SLR 722: Holy Sh*t was all I could say every time I tapped the gas petal in this Monster. Its looks are very deceiving. Luckily, the organizers gave us plenty of warning about this car. This was the unanimous monster of the pack. I was expecting some finely-tuned tech note purring from the exhaust? Negatory, it is raw power clothed in eye candy - definitely built to sound, look and feel intimidating. Driving this thing gave me a metal workout.





Bentley Continental: Wow, wow... what a huge surprise! This is a very powerful beast disguised as an uber town car.





Aston Martin DB9: Excellent balance of ride, handling and power. This was certainly a pleasure to drive.





Lamborghini Gallardo: Loud and low. It literally drove like a go kart with a monstrous engine strapped to the rear (similar thought as some of the other drivers). Did I say that it was really LOUD?





Maserati Quattroporte: This car seemed and felt the closest to a daily driver. Interior was decent - except for those black rubber (or rubberish) trims on the console. Power is tamed, but definitely present when needed. Exterior styling - not my cup of tea.





Ferrari F430 Spider: The hands-down favorite of most - including me. The sound, the , the handling.... This is the most refined of the bunch.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 12:38 AM
  #2  
Lxcord's Avatar
Penor
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
ok
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 12:40 AM
  #3  
speedemon90's Avatar
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,012
Likes: 439
From: SoCal
luck ass bitch
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 07:46 AM
  #4  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
Originally Posted by Lxcord
ok
This guy is jealous.




Awesome experience man!
how much is the tour?
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 08:04 AM
  #5  
VQPower37's Avatar
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,386
Likes: 84
awesome ... i would love to be part of something like this how much do things like this generally run?
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 08:48 AM
  #6  
SuperTrooper169's Avatar
In the Mid-South meow
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,870
Likes: 2,298
From: Music City
Nice write up, but actually photos of the cars and event would have been more impactful.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 09:13 AM
  #7  
crazyasiantl's Avatar
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 12,594
Likes: 597
From: Clovis CA
nice


i think something like this goes for 1600
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 10:59 AM
  #8  
bigman's Avatar
'Big Daddy Diggler'
 
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 11,016
Likes: 4
From: Yonkers NY
It's funny, I have 4 out of the 6 cars here in the shop.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:02 AM
  #9  
SuperTrooper169's Avatar
In the Mid-South meow
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,870
Likes: 2,298
From: Music City
^ Not funny... but freaking awesome!
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:06 AM
  #10  
Steven Bell's Avatar
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 36,545
Likes: 6,470
From: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Nice...I've wanted to do this for a long time, but I see pricing in the $1,600-$1,800 range. I'm not paying that kind of money for this.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:10 AM
  #11  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
Originally Posted by Steven Bell
Nice...I've wanted to do this for a long time, but I see pricing in the $1,600-$1,800 range. I'm not paying that kind of money for this.
it depends how long the tour is.
you can easily spend this amount on a vacation trip.

But I agree with one poster above, should have taken pictures of the cars, trip, the friends you made, etc.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:28 AM
  #12  
pokin's Avatar
Thread Starter
07TL-CBP
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by VQPower37
awesome ... i would love to be part of something like this how much do things like this generally run?
I did the tour offered by Gotham Dream Car Tours in NJ - it was somewhere between $800 and $900. While checking cost for the different tours, I noticed some that ran as high as $1600 - same drive time but varying cars. For $1600ish, I would not have done it, but for $800 - absolutely worth it IMO. I did the morning session - 8:00am orientation, 9:00 take off, and 2:00pm return.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:30 AM
  #13  
Steven Bell's Avatar
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 36,545
Likes: 6,470
From: Kansas City, MO (Overland Park, KS)
Shoot, even for $800, it seems like it should be longer.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:32 AM
  #14  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
Originally Posted by justnspace
it depends how long the tour is.
you can easily spend this amount on a vacation trip.
Originally Posted by pokin
I did the tour offered by Gotham Dream Car Tours in NJ - it was somewhere between $800 and $900. While checking cost for the different tours, I noticed some that ran as high as $1600 - same drive time but varying cars. For $1600ish, I would not have done it, but for $800 - absolutely worth it IMO. I did the morning session - 8:00am orientation, 9:00 take off, and 2:00pm return.

Ouch, I take that back.
for only a couple of HOURS!????
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 12:47 PM
  #15  
te3point5's Avatar
Drifting
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,474
Likes: 113
From: Seattle, WA
Originally Posted by justnspace
Ouch, I take that back.
for only a couple of HOURS!????
it splits up to be abount 45 min. in each car.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 08:40 PM
  #16  
pokin's Avatar
Thread Starter
07TL-CBP
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by justnspace
...should have taken pictures of the cars, trip, the friends you made, etc.

I will definitely do that next year

Here are some random photos (will need to get a much better camera as well):






















A few intriguing facts:
Replacement cost for SLR bumper = $30,000
Replacement cost for SLR hood = $75,000
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 08:42 PM
  #17  
justnspace's Avatar
Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,293
Likes: 16,291
You're the man!
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 10:09 PM
  #18  
Eoanou's Avatar
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,779
Likes: 7
From: CT
I think it could be fun, $800 isn't that much considering.
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 10:13 PM
  #19  
Aman's Avatar
Your Friendly Canadian
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 17,447
Likes: 1,506
From: Toronto, Ontario
I don't think that's a 722, just a "regular" McLaren. I think the 722 has blackhoused headlights, and "722" on the front fenders. Of course a regular McLaren must still be a helluva car. Nice day
Reply
Old Sep 15, 2010 | 11:08 PM
  #20  
pokin's Avatar
Thread Starter
07TL-CBP
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by Aman
I don't think that's a 722, just a "regular" McLaren. I think the 722 has blackhoused headlights, and "722" on the front fenders. Of course a regular McLaren must still be a helluva car. Nice day
I am not sure why this did not have the red 722 on the fender. However, it was RENNTech-badged = approx. 720hp.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 06:41 AM
  #21  
Pure Adrenaline's Avatar
Dragging knees in
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,434
Likes: 33
From: Seattle Area
Originally Posted by pokin
I am not sure why this did not have the red 722 on the fender. However, it was RENNTech-badged = approx. 720hp.
722 doesn't refer to the horsepower rating. It goes back to the 1955 Mille Miglia race in which Stirling Moss won in a 300 SLR. He started at 7:22 AM.


Nice cars. Would be a fun experience if I ever got around to it. Thanks for sharing.

Do they keep you under tight control in terms of driving style? Or do they let you have fun with it?
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 07:54 AM
  #22  
KaMLuNg's Avatar
Senior Moderator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 15,518
Likes: 1,096
i think it is funny that they are all registered to FL plates... what?! couldn't afford the NJ insurance on those supercars... hah!
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 09:34 AM
  #23  
CarbonGray Earl's Avatar
Safety Car
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,991
Likes: 168
$800? That's a great deal. Sounds like an awesome experience.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 11:09 AM
  #24  
onebadna1nsx's Avatar
Hello Friend
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 10,953
Likes: 219
Damn, I'm jealous.......
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 11:41 AM
  #25  
ghttf's Avatar
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by pokin

Aston Martin DB9: Excellent balance of ride, handling and power. This was certainly a pleasure to drive.
thats a V8 Vantage
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 10:24 PM
  #26  
pokin's Avatar
Thread Starter
07TL-CBP
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by Pure Adrenaline
...Do they keep you under tight control in terms of driving style? Or do they let you have fun with it?
For the most part, yes. Restrictions/cautions were very reasonable - like:

Stay between the pace and tail cars - about 1 to 2 miles apart (we had 2-way radio comm)... don't detour from route... keep eyes peeled for smokey - ticket? you would be on your own!... fun revving fine or moderately spirited driving was fine, but no redlining... gun it if you wish, but no careless or reckless driving... the SLR will smoke rubber at 90mph - so be careful with that pedal. Some of the drivers occasionally slowed on remote stretches, then gunned it for short durations.
Reply
Old Sep 16, 2010 | 10:25 PM
  #27  
pokin's Avatar
Thread Starter
07TL-CBP
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
Originally Posted by MTwEeZi
thats a V8 Vantage
Yep, good eye. We drove the DB9 - I don't have a good photo.

Last edited by pokin; Sep 16, 2010 at 10:28 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2010 | 09:27 AM
  #28  
vas25tl's Avatar
The Box
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,680
Likes: 80
From: Milwaukee
How long do you get to drive each car?
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2010 | 09:46 AM
  #29  
mclarenf3387's Avatar
Suzuka Master
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 8,620
Likes: 7
From: Charlotte
Very cool. I really want to do one of these tours one of these days. Where did they let you drive around? I see the Garden State Parkway in one pic which is no fun to drive on, too many cops. The road in that third pic looks like it would be a great place to go for a drive in those cars.

Originally Posted by justnspace
Ouch, I take that back.
for only a couple of HOURS!????
Look up how much it costs to rent one of those cars for a day before you add in all the fees and its not that bad of a deal.
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2010 | 12:18 PM
  #30  
97BlackAckCL's Avatar
Senior Moderator
Regional Coordinator
(Mid-Atlantic)
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 92,785
Likes: 4,694
From: ShitsBurgh
so jealous
Reply
Old Sep 17, 2010 | 02:36 PM
  #31  
paz840's Avatar
Suzuka Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,083
Likes: 42
From: St. Louis
Looks like fun. Hope I get to do something like this someday.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
peti1212
ILX
22
Jan 5, 2022 05:14 PM
Yumcha
Automotive News
9
Feb 25, 2020 09:57 AM
ptbarnett
3G RLX (2013+)
4
Aug 30, 2015 12:39 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:38 PM.