Thruxton Driving Experience. Drive Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lotus, Racing cars and Mazda. Official Thruxton Motorsport Centre Website.

Experience Format

About the experience

New for 2010 is 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.

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

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.

Circuit layout – 2.4 miles per lap, 8 corners, fastest circuit in the UK Racing line – Turn in , apex, exit, braking, throttle control

Driving Position – steering and pedal control, gear change, paddle shift Chassis dynamics – weight transfer, oversteer, understeer Overtaking and flag signals

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 - 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.

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.

Ferrari California | £265

Quick links and ideas

Experience Format

Safety Briefing

Mazda3 MPS - Retail Value: £21,500

Porsche Cayman - Retail Value: £38,500

Ferrari California - Cost: £160,000

About the experience

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

Driving Experiences

Thruxton TV

The Cars

Useful links

Our fleet of supercars cars and info about Thruxton

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