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Seven Tips for Driving a Supercar

11/15/07 - 02:00 PM EST

TM

Annika  Mengisen

Testing a Lamborghini
Race-car legend Didier Theys has this to say to neophytes who drive high-performance cars: "Don't be dazzled by the myth."

Sorry, Didier. Too late.

At a World Class Driving session in Tarrytown, N.Y., I shift my purring Lamborghini Murcielago into second, leaving his sage advice in the dust.

For six thrilling hours, I recently road-tested a collection of six exotic cars that are collectively valued at $1.4 million.

Luckily, Theys' advice kept my fast-lane impulses from going into overdrive.

Here are his seven tips for testing the world's fastest supercars:

1. Performance or Pleasure?

"Choose your car according to your spirit," advises Theys.

The ultra-luxury car market produces two types of drivers: purists and pleasure seekers. When testing a luxury vehicle, make sure it caters to your dominant sensibility.

Purists gravitate toward the performance precision of Ferraris, with their rich racing history. Bentleys and Mercedes -- lovingly referred to as marshmallow cars -- pamper those who crave all the trappings of luxury.

2. It's Not Easy Being Superior

"You might stop quickly but the pickup truck behind you won't," says Theys, emphasizing the importance of driving with the inferior capabilities of vehicles around you in mind.

Jamming your foot on the brakes is not necessary in these cars, a discovery I made in the parking lot, not on the highway. Feel out the car in the beginning, Theys recommends, especially if you're not accustomed to ceramic brakes, which respond to the slightest foot tap.

Want more? Check out TheStreet.com TV video. One Day, Six Exotic Cars
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