Any advice on how to drive a Lamborghini being a 911 owner?

rlw · 01-05-2011, 05:55 AM

In one week, I am taking my wife on a surprise trip to Las Vegas. A treat for her (me) during the trip is that I rented a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (e-shift) for 6hrs. I plan to go to Red Rock Canyon. Looking on Google maps I notice a very nice curvy mountain road near Red Rock Canyon. I thought, what a great place to have some fun in a Lamborghini. I don't plan on setting any new land speed records or anything like that. I don't plan on visiting the Las Vegas jail or hospital nor add totaled Lamborghini to my resume. I just want to get a taste of what the car can do...safely! The only sports car I have ever driven is my Porsche 911. The 944 has only gone around the block twice for engine tests so it doesn't count. Any advice on driving differences from an older 911 to a newer (06) Lamborghini??? Anything characteristic to this car or mid-engine cars I need to know?
Thanks,
RW

pkracer21j · 01-05-2011, 06:23 AM

drive it like you stole it, you can't really hurt a new gallardo, and it doesn't have any quirks that will bite you like a 911. honestly you may be disappointed with it other then the speed, and it will probably make you love your 911 more!

WIL84911 · WIL84911's Garage

Maybe these can help. Don't ask Paul Tracy..

how to drive a lamborghini gallardo - Yahoo! Video Search

Davewjunior · Davewjunior's Garage

I have a friend with a Gallardo. He uses it as a daily driver during the warmer months. He's never had a bad word to say about it. I've never driven it, but have been for several "spirited" rides. Sticks to the road like it's permanently attached, but, when it does finally let go, there's not much hope for recovery (he found this out on the track). 4 wheel drive helps considerably, in the corners AND off the line. I'd just drive it the same way you drive your Porsche. That being said, don't expect too much out of it. My 27 year old Porsche is still more fun to drive (and provides more road-feel) in the twisties than my Viper or my Ferrari....... and that's saying a LOT.

doug_porsche · 01-05-2011, 07:49 AM

My wife rented me one for my birthday. Ours was a six speed, not the e-shift.
The only complaint I had with the car was I was not use to a gated shifter. You wont have that problem.

The biggest surprise we both commented on after playing with the car, on twisty mountain roads in Colorado, was that it was a wonderful car. It did just what you expected. Turned in good, stopped good, sounded great, comfortable.

Enjoy the ride.

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Just respect the laws of physics and you should be in good shape.

bdisco · 01-05-2011, 08:05 AM

YouTube - Top Gear - Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 vs Porsche 911 GT2

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 vs Porsche 911 GT2

Salespunk · 01-05-2011, 08:06 AM

With AWD there is nothing to worry about. The grip levels are so high that you would have to make a pretty big mistake to get into a four wheel drift.

gregwils · gregwils's Garage

Ahh. Itsa so simple. Youa justa taka you righta foota, and you pressa da really longa pedal all dah way ita can go. Ahn, you graba steering wheel witha boata hans ahn you don'ta hit any ting witha da nica Lambo. Simple.

Seriously, unless you plan on testing the car above 9/10ths, you'll be fine. Have fun.

AlfonsoR · 01-05-2011, 08:20 AM

With all that snow, I would put some mud terrains and snow chains on that bad boy, then as stated above, drive it like you stole it.

PS. Try to hide the ear-to-ear grin when you pick up the car. They might not let you have it if they suspect you're a Hooligan, errr a Pelican.

Per wikipedia:
Hooligan: A hooligan is a person who practices hooliganism

Hooliganism refers to unruly, destructive, aggressive and bullying behaviour. Such behaviour is commonly associated with sports car fans, particularly supporters of association pelicanites.

Ok, ok, I changed the definition up a bit to fit.

Have fun.

gtc · gtc's Garage

Be sure you're wearing the requisite ed hardy shirt and gold chains when you pick it up at the rental agency. A overdone spray tan couldn't hurt, either.

Better safe than sorry.

doug petty · 01-05-2011, 08:29 AM

forget redrock.
go out I-15 to valley of fire & come back around lake mead north shore road.
it's worth 2 to 3 hrs depending on traffic & sight seeing.
you will love it.

gabenheimer · 01-05-2011, 08:30 AM

Red Rock Canyon is beautiful to see, especially in the winter time. Looking out of my office window I can still see a dusting of snow on the higher peaks. I recommend this drive to anyone visiting Las Vegas.

Being a native, let me give you some important advice. The speed limit within Red Rock is like 25 miles an hour. The 14-mile loop road is one way and filled with tourists, locals, runners, bicycles and motorcycles. It's definitely not a place to speed or test the cornering ability of a Lamborghini. Trust me on this.

The road that leads to Red Rock Canyon is also heavily traveled and closely monitored by the rangers and highway patrol. As an added bonus, there are wild burrows running around. A very nice drive, but no place to try spirited driving.

The local Porsche club has many fun drives throughout the year. Depending on when you come out, you are welcome to join us on some back road adventures. We frequently have a variety of car brands on our drives including several members from the Ferrari club (which ironically has a number of Lambos in it.)

Enjoy your trip to Las Vegas and feel free to send me a PM if you're looking for something to do. We have a very active Porsche group here and love to meet new people.

Randy

88911coupe · 01-05-2011, 03:06 PM

Good friend of mine just got one of those a few months ago...keeps trying to get me to drive it but we just have not been able to schedule anything. Says it drives like a dream and at 150 mph not a ruffle.
Stunning car by the way in that super bright orange color...not sure what they call it.

bfunke · bfunke's Garage

After you get to the Valley of Fire take the Lambo down Hwy 169 (East Moapa Hwy) to I-15. Go South and catch Hwy 168 at Moapa to Great Basin Hwy (93) and head North through Parranagut Forest to Crystal Springs. Turn left on the Extraterrestrial Highway (375) and head out to Rachel. You'll be able to open it up on the Extratesticular Highway and see what that Lambo can do on the ET highway. Watch out for flying saucers!

rlw · 01-05-2011, 04:26 PM

Thanks everyone for the advice. The reason I rented the car was to slowly drive my wife around Red Rock Canyon with the top down. I am going to look into going to the Valley of Fire. I only have 75 miles I can go then it is $2.50 per mile over 75 miles. I have already budgeted for 20 more miles. I might have to up the budget! This will probably be the only time I ever get to drive a Lamborghini. I am really a Porsche person but man that car looks nice.
I wish I had time to meet up with other 911 people while I am there but I have jammed packed our itinerary. This trip is designed to be over the top. My wife has been been so tolerant with me and work so I owe her big time.
I will post some pictures when I get back.
RW