Ferrari California PLUS experience | £305

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Ferrari California Experience

Driving Experience Format

briefing

Safety Briefing

Our unique driving experience briefing details the important information you need to know before getting behind the wheel and heading out on track.
breifing screens
Circuit layout – 2.4 miles per lap, 8 corners, fastest circuit in the UK 
Racing line – Turn in , apex, exit, braking, throttle control
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Driving Position – steering and pedal control, gear change, paddle shift
Chassis dynamics – weight transfer, oversteer, understeer
Overtaking and flag signals
Mazda 3

Mazda3 MPS - Retail Value: £21,500

Technical Spec
Front-engine
Front wheel drive
2.3-litre turbo 4cyl
6-speed manual
Power 256bhp
Speed 155mph
0-60 6.1sec
Initial laps driven by the instructor in a Mazda3 MPS


Driving on a race circuit is very different to normal road driving. To make the most of the cars you’ll be driving on track you need to learn the ‘racing line’ and braking points.

We use the brilliant Mazda3 MPS for these initial laps. One of the most powerful front-wheel drive hatchbacks on the market.

Our ARDS qualified race instructors will demonstrate the racing lines and braking points plus other hints and tips to help you get the most from your driving experience.

Out on track it may seem quite unfamiliar with no road marks or signs and no cars coming in the other direction, but after 3 laps watching and listening to your race instructor you’ll have built up a good idea of the circuit layout and be confident when you first get behind the wheel and head out on track.

Porsche Cayman

Porsche Cayman - Retail Value: £38,500

Technical Spec
Mid-engine
Rear wheel drive
2.9-litre flat 6
6-speed manual
Power 261bhp
Speed 163mph
0-60mph 5.8sec
4 laps pupil drives the Porsche Cayman

The latest Porsche Cayman is a genuine junior supercar.  Similar in looks to the 911 but with a mid-engine layout, this new model has the larger 2.9-litre engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Out on track the car gives incredible feedback, allowing the driver to build in confidence and enjoy the increased power and incredible grip that the car generates.

Nowhere else in the UK will you drive such an expensive and new car as your introduction to a driving experience.

With 4 laps behind the wheel you’ll not only have a huge smile on your face but be ready to take on the next car, no doubt feeling like the next Lewis Hamilton.
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Racing car

Ferrari California - Cost: £160,000

Technical Spec
Font-engine
Rear wheel drive
4.3-litre V8
7-speed Duel clutch paddleshift gearbox
Power 453bhp
Top speed 193mph
0-60mph 3.9sec
Description
Has to be driven to be believed sums up the new Ferrari California. Launched in 2009 the California has ventured onto new roads for Ferrari. Their first front engined V8 model, their first model with a folding metal roof and their first to debut the twin-clutch 7-speed gearbox. Even though this is new ground for Ferrari, they've hit the mark, its a stunning car to look at and to drive is mesmerising.

Sliding into the driving seat you'll appreciate the 'Daytona' seats - comfortable yet supremely supportive. The interior shows off Ferrari's leather craftsmanship which works flawlessly with the ultra modern carbon fibre surrounds. At the push of the starter button the V8 bangs into life. Out on track the twin-clutch gearbox not only works brilliantly but provides satisfying 'pops' from the engine as the next instalment of acceleration is engaged. The Ferrari California is exclusive to Thruxton and wont be found at any other driving experience venue.
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Racing car

Formula Renault Racing Car - Cost: £50,000

Technical Spec
Mid-engine
Rear wheel drive
1.7-litre 4cyl
Non-syncro manual
Weight 420kg
Power 130bhp
Speed 140mph
0-60mph 4.5sec
5 laps driving the Formula Renault Racing Car

Watching Formula 1 will never be the same again after you've experienced driving a proper single seat racing car on a proper race circuit.

We use the Formula Renault race car which is firmly placed on the ladder to F1. Many of the current crop of F1 drivers have raced in this formula with Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton both winning the UK series.

Once seated with the racing straps fitted around you the engine bursts into life you'll feel like a Grand Prix is about to start.

Once up to speed, everything clicks into place as you and the car become one, getting quicker every lap, the car responding instantly. A truely unique experience and one you'll remember forever.
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Durations
Ferrari California

About the Ferrari California PLUS driving experience

***Please note that this experience will not run in 2011, we do have space on our remaining driving days in 2010, call our office on 01264 882222 for up to date availability and to book***

Ferrari's latest model and one full of firsts for Ferrari. Their first ever front-engined V8 supercar. The first model to have Ferrari's new dual-clutch gearbox giving instantaneous shifts and Ferrari's first model with a folding metal roof.

With the roof up the car looks mean and muscular but with the roof down the car takes on an even more purposeful look. The engine note backs up the cars looks, even at tick over it sounds angry but once out on track it attacks your senses with a deep rumble at low revs to a quick fire rasp as the revs increase.

The gearbox works brilliantly, you'll barely notice the change except for the pop from the engine and the burst of power from the wheels as the V8 delivers its next bout of horsepower. This car is simply stunning and has to be driven to be fully appreciated.

Before the Ferrari California is some time with an instructor in the brilliant Mazda3 MPS and then some laps driving the new 2.9L Porsche Cayman.

After the California it time to feel like an F1 driver as you drive the Formula Renault single seat racing car. The is a car like no other. Instant reactions to all your inputs, proper downforce and slick tyres.


Gift Pack optionsDVD Gift Box

DVD Gift Box - £4.50: Gift pack will include a Thruxton branded gift box. Inside the box is a presentation card of their driving experience - showing the exact driving experience the recipient will be attending, complete with image of the main car in the driving experience taken by ace automotive photographer Pete Gibson. Also included is our unique driving experience DVD which comes in its own personalised case with the recipients name, experience they're been given and space for a gift message plus our full colour brochure and list of dates to attend.

Our exclusive driving experience DVD is narrated by Tiff Needell and includes specific information on the driving experience they'll be attending, information on Thruxton circuit, in-car filming plus much more.

 

Standard option - free: Gift pack will include our 2010 brochure, list of dates to attend and a personalised card for the recipient with their name and a personalised message.


Need to know

This experience operates from Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire

Drivers must hold a full licence | On the day drivers must wear clothes that cover their arms and legs | Helmets, race boots and gloves are provided

Spectators are welcome - free of charge

 

Price

£315

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