German Car Zone

Merc1 · 06-13-2008, 03:27 AM

Learn how to drive your Lambo...somewhere other than Rodeo Drive.

As I strapped on my helmet, two things became abundantly clear when I was told I'd be getting two laps around Fontana's road course (check that: Auto Club Speedway) in a gray Lamborghini Gallardo: the first was that I obviously wasn't going to get the twenty minute driving session I'd been promised prior to the event. The second was that I forgot to air out my helmet after my last race. Gross.

By now you're no doubt wondering, what is the Ultimate Lamborghini Experience? We can tell you it's the first-ever event of its kind put on by Lamborghini of Beverly Hills and Al & Ed's Autosound. For $1495, Lamborghini owners get to experience what it's like to drive their car at speed around a road course, with an instructor at their side to make sure they don't accidentally wad up a $200,000-plus Italian exotic. And those who didn't bring their Lamborghini, such as yours truly? Three demo Lambos were available to drive, though laps were more limited than for the 40 or so who brought their own.

And no, Mr. Cynical, all Lamborghini owners do not fit the typical Lambo stereotype, that of gold chains, flashy designer clothes and sunglasses, Lamborghini jackets and a custom-built trophy wife/girlfriend. Okay, a bunch of them did. But in general Lamborghini owners are simply different than you and me because, well, they have a lot more money.

The involvement of Al & Ed's Autosound (Car Audio Systems - Car Speakers, Subwoofers, Amps, HD Radio, Satellite Radio, GPS Navigation Systems and more Car Stereo Equipment) only seems odd if you don't understand the company. Founded in southern California in 1954 by Al Brotzky and Ed Zionts, these two men helped form an industry — that of aftermarket mobile audio. But while Al & Ed's Autosound remain on the cutting edge of everything car audio-related, what you might not realize is they are capable of customizing all aspects of cars and SUVs. Whether it's huge wheels, an exhaust system, custom paint, a fully re-stitched leather interior (or a grille for barbecuing in the back of a Chevy SSR!), these guys can help you achieve your desires for a unique car. And, of course, any of the 24 independently owned and operated stores (all located in California) can also install an earth-shaking sound system.

Which is part of the reason Al & Ed's Autosound was involved with this event — because they figure if you have $200,000-$400,000 to spend on a Lamborghini, you might have another few thousand to spend on a custom stereo, or maybe an exhaust. The customized cars they had at Auto Club Speedway — including a Range Rover, a Chevy SSR, several Smart Fortwos and a BMW 6 Series — displayed impressive workmanship, and innovation in terms of installation.

But back to the event: The $1495 included breakfast and lunch, in-depth classroom instruction as well as on-track driving instruction, plus each paying customer could bring a guest. The event was focused to give these Lambo owners two things: the opportunity to drive their cars fast in a safe environment, and to teach them how to drive their cars fast. And to have fun (guess that's three), which it sure appeared everyone was having.

Anyone who took a few laps will tell you what a thrill it is to drive such a high-speed car around a track — especially those doing this for the first time in their life. Ripping down the front straight in a Gallardo, hard on the brakes while banging down gears before a chicane and then cracking back up through the gears as you arc onto the banking, that V-10 wailing away behind you — it truly is "an experience." And unlike some sponsored track events, the instructors were actually pretty good about letting you drive fast if you showed you knew what you were doing. Sure, there were some spins — to be expected when people start pushing their (and the cars') limits. But more than anything there were grins.

I just need to buy a Lamborghini between now and the next event so I can get more than two laps!

ROADandTRACK.com -- New Car Search - The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience (6/2006)

M

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German Car Zone

Road and Track - The Ultimate Lamborghini Experience