cake

I'm lovin the vanity plate suggestions everyone's making. Any thoughts on one for me? Balloon white with red interior and calipers. Female owner but my husband will drive it too - so I guess it can't be anything TOOOO girly. I was considering OOO YES which went through on the PA web site as available and allowed. I'm having trouble envisioning the conversation with Mr. Officer as he calls in my plate and writes me up (no breaks for a plate like that - I'm certain ) Plus hubby wasn't too thrilled with it (although maybe that's even MORE reason to get it - then he won't want to drive it !) In one of the threads someone referred to the cars as "orgasmic". Was considering MULTPLZ but am not sure it comes across (get it??? ) or MLTIPULZ (I think PLZ might read "please") OK - done with lame attempts at humor. I'm trying to keep the plate reasonably civilized but fun. I'd like it to express how I feel about the car (which is total love in case you haven't gotten that from my posts). Your suggestions are appreciated. PA allows 7 characters plus a hyphen. Thanks in advance

Not gay at all (not that there's anything wrong with that). Just secure in your manhood! Bravo for the courage to post!

1. RomanDad's post - priceless!!! 2. we have Dysons (animal & ball) 3. Women aren't behind ALL of them 4. You guys are hilarious! Yes - this thread sucks. I keep LOL at my computer as I browse the forum.... My husband bought our vacuums, appliances, etc. He loves motors and gadgets and mechanical stuff. My sewing machine (which he also helped choose) is a Husqvarna!!! It'll last forever cause it's built like a tank (and cause I never use it )

Thank for this highly articulate post. I don't have nearly the depth of technical knowledge that many of you guys have, but I feel somewhat vindicated regarding my question on upgrading the brakes. I felt it was a no brainer but was not able to clearly explain why. You and a couple others have done so nicely. And in the process I've learned a lot. I agree - it would be the first thing I'd spend money on, and I'd do it with any significant power upgrade. We tweaked our SL55AMG last summer. I thought it had plenty of HP. I wanted bigger brakes. My husband wanted more power. We did several things ending up with 3 more pounds of boost, approx 100 more HP and 100 more ft-lb of torque. Put high temp brake fluid in, braided brake lines, slotted rotors and ceramic pads. What a HUGE difference in slowing that car! It's certainly not a good track car (heavy) but was tons of fun and happened to be the car I started with at the track. After one season it was apparent we needed something different. I fell in love with a friend's G (he let me drive it several times at track) and the rest is history. Still love the SL - great exhaust note and acceleration, but NOTHING compares to the lambo IMHO. The brakes squealed horribly until really hot, but I loved that sound cause I knew what it meant. Now that it's no longer a track car we put the stock pads back on. It helps my husband enjoy our drives (for me the squealing was okay). Thanks again for the information you shared. I'm learning a lot! Carol

From now on... 1 - Start car. 2 - Press Corsa. Today I took your advice (above). From the moment I pulled out of the driveway I was in corsa. I don't think I'll EVER use another mode. WOW!!! AMAZING!!! FABULOUS!!! SO much more fun!!! That car is AWESOME! I decide to be nice and finally let my husband drive it. BIG MISTAKE. Had to practically drag him out of the car so I could get more laps in. I'm glad he loves it but was sorta hoping he'd love it just a bit less. Oh well. Good problem to have. Had a GREAT day at the track, and also just street driving. If I hadn't read all the posts about the "attention" I would have been shocked, but instead took in stride the number of times someone raced up just to get a photo (it happened OVER & OVER). Took several people for rides at the track (on a side road and one friend for hot laps). They were thrilled - so was I. Nice to share something that's so special (to me, anyway). I'll admit I was a bit nervous about corsa from driving my friend's 07G last year on the track, and more so from riding with him - it was very startling bordering on violent (he's also incredibly aggressive on the throttle). My memory of corsa was exagerated - it was JUST what the doctor ordered. I will never go back. On the track it's just fun, and on the street it's smoother (I assume from the faster shift time). The "hang" time when shifting in sport even seems too long compared to corsa which feels just right. Thanks for coaxing me in to corsa. NEVER GOING BACK I expect my next post may be under the, "Help! I can't stop driving my lambo" thread. I am CERTAIN I'll be one of them Completely addicted (in a good way)

Your red calipers are SPECTACULAR!!!! LOVE THEM!!! Great choice - your car is gorgeous! Congrats

Right - sorry - I'm making an assumption that someone who boosts HP that much is running on the track. With repeated slowing from 170 (or higher speeds) to cornering speeds my experience is that non CCB tend to get too hot and require cool down intervals. I find CCB hold up to frequent high speed/low speed cycles as experienced on a track. I should not assume that all high HP cars are track cars. I know both types of brakes need cool down intervals but the CCB took a lot more laps before needing a cool-down (my experience). I know there are two schools of thought on CCB. I happen to be a fan.

Thank you. Great advice - I'll have to look for a school. When taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation class in their little 250cc cruisers - we were practicing our "ovals" and I really got "into it" and kept leaning it over more and more with each pass. I scraped a peg and it was VERY abrupt - kinda scared me until I realized what it was. Then BIG SMILE! The instructors gave me some applause - husband was very proud! The footboards on my honda are spring loaded so if I go deep and lean it over there's some "give" - unlike the MSF bike. I will definitely pursue the local track day which I know is divided into groups of differing experience levels and they provide expert instruction on the track. I'm sure it'll make me a better rider. I'll be nowhere near knee dragging but everyone starts somewhere, right? Took the lambo to a cars & coffee this morning. I'm getting better at being smooth - not easy in that car unless you're going fast. It does not like slow AT ALL. Tomorrow is the first real track day. I'll probably go 7/10 or 8/10 - I need to learn it and get comfortable with it. Can't wait! I am SO IN LOVE with it!!!! I know I have to share (don't HAVE to but really should) but so far my husband is being really nice and not even asking to drive. WHATTA GUY!!!! Definite keeper! I'm sure he'll drive it at the track.

Thank you! It's still hard to believe: 1. It's here 2. It's ours 3. My husband had never seen it before yesterday (other than pics) The anticipation was intense. Having here is indescribably delicious!

thanks everyone for all the support and encouragement...it helped! And you were so right - pain is forgotten...replaced by Joy (also posted some on new owners thread) here it is......

New owner pics! :icon_syda: :icon_syda:

OOO YES It's here and it's SPECTACULAR!!!! Delivered in excellent condition around 2:15 pm. Got er cleaned up and lots of pics. Then to dealer for inspection and ooohs and aaahs with the gang (they are like family over there). Then filler up. Then to the track!!! Got about 6 laps in and then a couple cool downs. I was horning in on someone's private time and didn't want to overstay my welcome. The guy was running a home made something kinda like a Lotus 7. Something broke so he got off the track and my buddy who runs the instruction said "go have fun" so we did. I wasn't pushing - just wanted to see how it felt. OMG - AMAZING!!!! It sounds SO GREAT!!! I have pics and will post tomorrow. Right now heading down to the garage to have a cigar with my husband (yes - I do that too ) and gaze upon my newest love. My face is sore from smiling so much. And you are right - I don't know about knee dragging till I try - so I will keep an open mind. And I'll sign up for the next track day and go in the beginner group. Wow. Whatta day! Perfect weather. The car is here. Got laps at the track. Didn't do corsa but did WOT down the front straight the last two laps. I've already forgotten the tiny bump in the road from earlier this week. You were SO RIGHT!!!!! And the "OOO YES" was under consideration as a vanity plate but I'm gonna skip it. Don't want that kind of attention, the car speaks for itself. But it's ABSOLUTELY HOW I FEEL!!!!

Sorry to go OT. Back on topic - driver called - tomorrow should be the day unless there are major unforeseen delays. He's now within 200 miles. I'm tempering my enthusiasm and hoping that tomorrow works. If not - Friday will be highly likely. I'll post updates.... Back off topic - it was non-aggressive. Only two cars - sometimes together - sometimes solo. It was about learning. It was highly physical - I was shocked at how sore, bruised and tired I was (and I mean bruised!!!). After each set of laps they'd connect the computer to the car and download our performance in every possible measurement. John Walko Racing was the host, and John Walko and Eliseo Salazar provided coaching. He'd only focus on a couple things. We'd go out and practice and if we did well he'd give new stuff to work on. For me it was quicker throttle/brake/throttle transitions and WOT wherever possible. The sequential shifter was a bear! I didn't have the arm strength of the guys and had trouble downshifting the first hour until I figured out the right rev band. That helped, but my short reach and weaker "girly" arms worked against me. They put some foam padding behind me to push me forward (I'm 5'4") and that helped give more leverage on the shifter and throttle. Then padding behind my head helped, cause my neck was killing me trying to keep my head from being thrown back & to the side especially in the tight corners. I didn't have a proper open wheel helmet and had to crank down so hard on the chin strap that I was practically choking. Somehow once underway I didn't notice the pressure on my throat - I was so focused on not killing myself Re motorcycles - I was adventurous years ago with my dirtbike (Bultaco) but have a healthy respect (even fear) of riding in traffic. Only had my bike a year (Honda DN-01 - you either love it or hate it - I it ). I've heard the track is a great way to learn the bike. I have zero interest in speed/knee dragging at this point. Call me chicken but I'm not THAT adventurous. Kudos to you for having the GUTS . I will take more risks with four wheels but for now I'm getting my bearings on two. With that said - I do lust after a Ducati. Was interested in the Diavel and sat on one a week ago at an unveiling. The tank seems large for the bike but I like the low seat height and the rear tire is extremely wide giving the bike a very aggressive look. I like it but would prefer a monster as a sport bike. Maybe in a few years when I'm more proficient and confident in my 2 wheel skills. Note: the DN01 is the OPPOSITE of a Lambo (or Ducati). Upright riding position, low seat height, contemporary styling and ultra smooth & comfortable are what I love. I do get asked A LOT of questions about the bike (maybe similar to lambo in that regard) cause its very different looking. I luv it (looks & ride) and enjoy the curiosity it provokes. I haven't always been this adventurous (at least not relating to speed). I've met the best people at the track! Made good friends and had a blast. I expect the lambo experience to take it to the next level (social and track). Yes - life is good. It's been crazy and I'd never have predicted the path that led to this point, but it's all good.

With that much power, would you need to do anything with the brakes? I assume CCB would hold up but would standard brakes do the job? Great video, great exhaust notes! Thanks for sharing

Thank you! Then it will make you smile when I tell you last October I drove the Pro Formula Mazda - and I was never more scared or thrilled (at the same time) in my life. There were 10 of us invited to participate - I was honored to be on the list (and was the only woman). When they asked who was ready to go I jumped in one of the two cars cause I knew if I stood around watching the guys I'd get more & more nervous. I didn't want to stall leaving the paddock, and they kept telling me to gun it - don't baby it! (And to make it more interesting - Eliseo Salazar was one of our coaches). So I give it the gas and quickly let out the clutch. Took off like a jackrabbit and made it to the track and took my laps. As we took turns throughout the day everyone got better and pushed harder. I was the slowest but didn't care - my times steadily improved and that's what I wanted. I learned A TON! Those are amazing cars and the faster you go the better they handle (downforce). I was too slow in the beginning and spun a few times cause I didn't have the guts to go WOT. The computer told him I wasn't applying WOT so with great coaching & feedback I gave it WOT and WOW - those things fly and they stick!!! At lunch I told the head instructor I was VERY scared. He smiled and said, "I bet you were". We got a group of 5 together and went back a few weeks later (10 was too many for two cars), and we all improved lap times. I was still slowest but saw big improvement. It was an awesome experience we plan to repeat this year. Side note - my husband was SO PROUD! The guy who jumped in the second car for the first round of laps left just after me and he stalled it 3 times getting out of the paddock. My husband told me when I took off (and sprayed a bit of gravel behind) they all clapped and shouted and called it a "Danica" start. I'm not a huge Danica fan but it was a complement given the context

Thanks for the info on reciprocity. It had been a long time since I checked and WV has since been added in the last few years. We lived in Maryland and they are about as UN-friendly as it gets when it comes to permits. I tried. They told me, after you are the victim of a violent crime you can apply. That's actually what the guy said to me. VA was equally bad, and District of Columbia - forget it! At the time I traveled in DC & VA a lot and wanted a permit that would allow me to use it anywhere I traveled. No way. Even if I could carry legally and make the trip, I always prefer to stay out of a bad situation than go into it thinking I'll be okay defending myself. I'm very confident with a handgun (and shotgun) but believe it's always best to avoid confrontation rather than have to defend. I'm sure that a problem on the trip would be highly unlikely. I like to think that most people are good but... I've had enough encounters to know that's not always the case. If my gut tells me to avoid a situation, I try to avoid it. I would have been uncomfortable driving the car that distance and staying overnight some place on my own. I do plan to take a trip in the next couple weeks (weather permitting). And I'll be on my own - but it's a familiar trip. I know the roads, the gas stations, where I'm staying (relatives with attached garage) and feel it's a better "shake down" cruise than FL to PA. AND...GOOD NEWS! Just spoke to the carrier (I called) and they say I can expect delivery tomorrow afternoon. The driver is supposed to call me tonight to give me an idea of the time. I still expect it may be Friday but I'd be thrilled either way. I hope my next post is tomorrow with great news and some pics!

I thought about flying down & driving back. Here's why I didn't: - didn't want to rack up the miles, wear & tear. - As a female traveling alone I have some concerns about personal security (husband couldn't go & friends not available) - My concealed carry permit is not reciprocated in many states and it's not worth the risk to carry, especially in a "high profile" car - Don't think I could do it in one day, and the thought of parking at a hotel overnight was unnerving (especially after reading posts of what can happen when left unattended). I travel alone all the time, but never having done it in a car this "flashy" I decided to let a carrier take it. I don't think I'm being sexist - just practical based on personal experience. I don't think I'll regret this decision. Other than annoying delays, I believe the car will arrive in great condition, and as so many of you have said... the joy of having it and driving it will wipe out the memories of waiting for it. I am (and continue to be) an optimist. In the grand scheme of life this is one of the absolute best problems to have! With the weather they had to drive through (tx for reminding me RomanDad) things could be worse. At least I'm not dealing with Katrina. I checked into FedexCriticalCustom via their web site. Cost is a little more than 3X for the same trip. I did not choose the least expensive - so the 3X price would be prohibitive (unless you have unlimited resources or don't mind spending THAT much on transport - I don't fall into either category).

YES YES YES I should have flown down and driven it back myself. Just spoke to carrier. Truck has been in NC most of the day. NOW in southern VA heading to White Plains NY, then Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo and THEN Pittsburgh. Estimating Thur/Fri delivery. I know... - back away from the computer... I told the carrier there's an event I'd like to do Thursday if possible - they say they're gonna TRY. (invited to a private track event Thurday evening) They originally told me the car would deliver no later than today, probably sooner. I had said (to myself) at the time, I'll be happy if I get it by the end of this week. Now I really mean it! Is it a bad sign that I'm talking to myself? Thanks everyone for the encouragement and sharing stories (good, bad & ugly) and recommendations for and against some carriers. And also for insight into their business. I am more relaxed now that I know the drill. I'll post some pics and let you know how it turns out. And YES - life is VERY good. I have a lambo on the way!!! Can't complain about that!

LOVE IT!!!!!! thanks!

OK - you reeled me in....I tried to find a live webcam but no luck. Is this a joke? Photoshop? Old track photo? PLEEEEAZZZE tell me you're kidding! The upside to all this - I can cut back on cardio this week cause my heart rate seems permanently elevated

1. trying - having trouble 2. not chauvanistic at all - we don't have kids but got the house ready when we got our dog - does that count? I keep cleaning & rearranging garage (can't overdo) - we're ready!!! 3. see #1 4. great idea 5. I do every day! I'm very lucky and I try never to forget that! : Thanks for the great advice and laughs.

My comfort level was increasing with everyone's comments until checked GPS and saw this: Tracking Number: XXXXX Current as of: 2011-04-05Last location: 1 Minutes ago Location: Metrolina Speedway, Charlotte, NC 28269, USA LOL! I'm sure they were just dropping or picking up but when I saw the OVAL on the map my heart stopped for a moment

Thanks all for the replies/comments/advice. It helps put it in perspective. I developed tremendous patience around this process which started on Feb 1 with my test drive, and then on Feb 24 when I bought the car. There have been a series of delays - some with the dealer (not their fault - parts from Italy took forever) and now the carrier. It feels like a REALLY long time to wait for a car but I completely believe all WILL be forgiven with the first WOT 1-2 shift in Corsa. CAN'T WAIT!!! It's a good thing the weather is horrible or I'd REALLY be going crazy. At least I'm not missing great driving days. As a distraction last night I went onto the MB site and "built" a CL550 4matic in diamond white (a friend has one in platinum black). I think those are gorgeous sexy cars. Had to take the SL55AMG in this morning for service. After dropping at service - walked into the showroom to say hi to the guys. What is sitting there? A CL550 4matic in Diamond White - loaded the way I built it. Took it for a test drive. It's now in the garage for a few days as we decide whether it's a "keeper" (we are thinking about "rationalizing" the fleet - space issues). Thank goodness for distractions!!!

My car was picked up from Lambo Sarasota Friday afternoon. I was given a "code" and website to track GPS location. He proceeds to a few locations south and then heads across Alligator Alley into the wee hours. Next morning still in Allig Alley but I assume GPS isn't updating - maybe weak sat signals in the Everglades. He surfaces on east coast and makes stops in West Palm, Boca & Ft Lauderdale on Saturday. Then checks into Red Carpet hotel for 2 nights till this morning. Remains in Ft Lauderdale most of the day and appears to pick up a car in Deerfield Beach late this afternoon. Now appears to be heading north on I-95 (I'm in Pittsburgh PA). They made some mistakes early on regarding dates but I can see where the confusion happened. But NOW - I was told Thursday pick up and it was Friday. I was told it's a 2 man team meaning once they start they don't have to stop (cause they can alternate and keep driving). I was told Tuesday delivery at latest (meaning today) but likely sooner (never happened). What's up with checking into a hotel for 2 nights? (I called the hotel and confirmed so it's not conjecture). This afternoon I called for an update and was told delivery is looking like Wednesday. I know there are things they can't control - like picking up or delivering and having a client make them wait. I get all that. But at this point anything they tell me seems to be off. I'm not sure how understanding I should be - or when it becomes appropriate to raise hell. From the pics of the car being loaded (enclosed trailer) they seemed to take care to protect it. There could be up to 6 cars on the truck and I don't know where I fall in the delivery schedule. Since this is my first experience I have nothing to compare to. Is this typical? I'm not sure what leverage I have other than not paying - but they have my car. The only upside is the weather is horrible so even when I get it I probably won't drive it until things improve. But I'd rather have it in my garage than in a truck. Any advice is appreciated, and any suggestions on preferred carriers is appreciated. I'll be transporting the car to future events. I did search the forums and came up with a few (select1, NTT and SSC). I don't mind paying for exceptional service as long as I receive it. This company was recommended by a trusted source (so much for that). Off topic - you guys are hilarious! Enjoying the humor! The range of the threads from American Idol opinions to aftermarket mods and everything in between is amazing. thanks!

The ultimate "cougar" paint job....meow