A day's immersion in London's elite supercar group
In the heart of London's St John's Wood, Auto Vivendi, the UK's largest supercar club, is redefining the concept of car ownership. The exclusive club, home to a world-class fleet of supercars valued at over £8 million, offers more than just the thrill of driving iconic vehicles. It embodies a luxurious lifestyle centered around passion for exceptional vehicles and exclusive experiences.
Auto Vivendi's collection includes Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, and Aston Martin, with current highlights such as the Ferrari Roma, Aston Martin Vanquish, and the soon-to-be-released Lamborghini Revuelto. The club adds two new vehicles every month, ensuring its members always have access to the latest and greatest supercars.
The Ferrari Roma, despite being a GT, is not a laid-back boulevardier. It maintains the characteristics of a Ferrari, with its 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 620hp and 561lb ft of torque, capable of 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds and 199mph. The Roma's steering is alert and full of detail, and its adaptive Magneride dampers make the car feel taut and tied-down, providing an exhilarating driving experience.
For those new to the club, a driving assessment day is mandatory to ensure safety behind the wheel. Graham Wettone, a semi-retired driving assessor for Auto Vivendi, explains the importance of looking ahead to the 'limit point' - where the left and right sides of the road appear to meet - to gauge speed into corners. On winding roads, backing off the throttle rather than braking can result in smoother progress.
Graham, who worked for the Metropolitan Police for 30 years, including as a pursuit driver in south London and in the Public Order Branch at Scotland Yard, shares his experience of using non-modified Vauxhall Cavaliers, Ford Sierras, and Rover 800s in police pursuits. He emphasizes that 'driving well' is something we can all aspire to, regardless of the vehicle. He encourages using all of the tarmac for better visibility and the ability to carry more speed, as long as there is good visibility ahead. Keeping a supercar on low-profile rubber out of the gutter can prevent falling into a rut or pinching a tyre on a pothole.
Beyond cars, Auto Vivendi curates exceptional and diverse luxury events for its members. These include private track days, supercar driving tours through breathtaking landscapes, private jet and yacht experiences, luxury sporting events like Formula 1, and exclusive high-profile social gatherings. The club’s philosophy is about driving passion forward by creating a world of luxury, exclusivity, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, making it a lifestyle rather than just a car club.
Prices for a Silver membership, which offers 20 days and 1,000 miles of driving, start from £17,950 plus VAT. With such accessibility, Auto Vivendi is not just for the wealthy elite but for those who share a passion for supercars and the luxurious lifestyle they represent.
- Auto Vivendi, the UK's largest supercar club, offers more than just the thrill of driving iconic vehicles; it embodies a luxurious lifestyle centered around passion for exceptional cars and exclusive experiences.
- The Roma's steering is alert and full of detail, making the Ferrari Roma an exhilarating driving experience, despite being a GT.
- For those new to Auto Vivendi, a driving assessment day is mandatory to ensure safety behind the wheel.
- Graham Wettone, a driving assessor for Auto Vivendi, emphasizes that 'driving well' is something we can all aspire to, regardless of the vehicle.
- Beyond cars, Auto Vivendi curates diverse luxury events for its members, including private track days, supercar driving tours through breathtaking landscapes, and exclusive high-profile social gatherings.
- Auto Vivendi's philosophy is about driving passion forward, creating a world of luxury, exclusivity, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, making it a lifestyle rather than just a car club.
- Prices for a Silver membership at Auto Vivendi, which offers 20 days and 1,000 miles of driving, start from £17,950 plus VAT, making it accessible not just for the wealthy elite but for those who share a passion for supercars and the luxurious lifestyle they represent.
