I’d thought I’d had the automotive-adventure of a lifetime driving exotic cars with World Class Driving in Bellingham, WA this past April, but I was wrong.  Having had so much fun this Spring, I decided to take another go with the folks at World Class Driving for a few reasons: repeat customers get special attention, the weather was much better and most importantly, they had 2 new cars in the collection: an Audi R8 and a Maserati GranTurismo. Although the drive from Portland to Bellingham was uneventful, I did manage to get t-boned by a deer while cruising down State Street in downtown Bellingham. The next morning, however, I was recharged as I headed to the Best Western Inn for breakfast and a briefing before heading out.

My first exotic car test drive experience set the bar high: a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. The Ferrari is one of the most technologically advanced cars in the world, and it doesn’t show, seriously. You don’t notice the fact that sensors in all four corners of the car are constantly adjusting the suspension, which means a smoother ride, yet no sacrificing of performance, when needed. While the car retails in the $350K range, the need to get the car immediately meant World Class Driving paid $150K over list. The benefit to WCD customers is worthwhile, in my mind. I loved the Ferrari 599 GTB  as a benchmark by which all other cars whould be made, but at nearly $500K, it’s simply out of the range of most humans.

My next super-exotic car test drive was  the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, which was not a huge step down, from a performance perspective.  Although feisty, the Lamborghini Superleggera is perhaps one of the most sexy (in a naughty way) of all of the 5 cars in the test drive. Performance statistics only tell a part of the story, and the exhaust notes tell the rest.  When I have a midlife crisis; driving this car is like dating a supermodel, only cheaper and more rewarding.

My third car was my overall favorite: the highly anticipated Audio R8.  While I had high expectations for this car, based solely on looks, I was amazed that it didn’t disappoint. The Audi R8 interior is plush, but understated. The R8 drivability and handling is superb. Even though the V8 engine is arguably under-powered for the price point, I certainly wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I think the Audio R8 powered by the new V10 (when it arrives later this year) may get you in too much trouble. If I had to pick one car out of the stable as a realistic dream car and daily driver, the Audi R8 is it.

Next in line was the Callaway C16 Coupe.  Having driven the Corvette-based supercar in April, I was prepared for the 650 hp supercharged piece of Americana. While I enjoyed the sheer torque and speed of the Callaway C16, the steering and handling was the poor.  In fact, I prefer my BMW 330i any day of the week over this mutant Corvette. It does look good, and it sounds fierce, but it lacks the responsiveness and sexiness of the Italian-bred exotics.

Last but not least, I drove the Maserati GranTurismo.  One of the sexier designs inside & out, the Maserati is designed as a comfortable and attainable grand touring exotic. Having already driven higher performance supercars, the Maserati was comparably subtle yet pleasing. Although the performance statistics are the least impressive of the 5 exotics, I still managed to hit the highest speed of the day with relative ease. If 0-60 isn’t your primary goal in driving a nice car, this is one Italian exotic to consider.

Overall, I had an absolute blast at the Seattle/Bellingham World Class Driving experience. I met great people (co-drivers) and the WCD staff is world class. I was sorry to have to return to Portland, but hope to get another go at some of the new cars in the World Class Driving stable: the Bugatti Veyron, Nissan GT-R, Spyker C8 Spyder SWB and Ferrari F430 Suderia. View my World Class Driving Seattle/Bellingham tour photos and videos on YouTube.