Autoblog

The List #0200: Drive 200 MPH

John Neff — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:57:00 EST

We keep track of every idea that you submit for The List. Of the hundreds we get after each episode airs, one is without question at the top of everyone's list: drive 200 miles per hour.

Despite the first production car eclipsing 200 mph back in the mid-'80s, we thankfully aren't yet jaded by the feat. Unlike back then, however, more than a handful of today's cars can beat two bills if given enough runway.

That's exactly where Jessi and Patrick found themselves on the day we asked them to do the deed: the runways of the Mojave Air & Space Port near Mojave, CA. Eagle-eyed Autoblog readers will remember that this is one of the locations used by World Class Driving to conduct their 200MPH Challenge Experience. We should know; we've gone after the elusive two hundred twice now, falling short the first time but succeeding the second at this very location (check out the gallery from that experience below).

We enrolled Jessi and Patrick for a day's worth of double-hundy attempts in vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and new Ferrari 458 Italia. Each took their own shot at 200-mph glory, and one even discovered that reaching 200 mph is the easy part.

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Click here to learn more about our hosts, Jessi and Patrick.

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The List #0200: Drive 200 MPH originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World Class Driving offers pieces to the 200-MPH puzzle. We assemble them

Michael Harley — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari

Autoblog Returns For Another Crack At The 200-MPH Club

World Class Driving 200 MPH Challenge - Click above for high-res image gallery

Driving 200 miles per hour has always been at the top of my bucket list. Unfortunately, accomplishing this dream has always eluded me as it is laden with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. First, the task requires a machine capable of the speed. Second, one needs a very long, straight piece of pavement. Lastly, there is the hurdle of the law - getting tagged at three times the typical legal limit will not only seriously ruin your weekend, but also take a sizable chunk of money (and probably a driver's license) out of your leather wallet.

After decades of frustration, World Class Driving has come to my rescue. The same company that has been touring the nation with its fleet of expensive exotics, offering regular civilians the opportunity to drive on road and track, offers the "200 mph Challenge." In a nutshell, they provide the cars, pavement and amnesty from the law in one turnkey package. It isn't cheap ($4,995 for this program), but successful completion puts participants in a very exclusive group of non-professionals who have driven 200 mph. To put it into perspective, more people have been launched into space.

Participants are an eclectic group. Of the 16 in my class, there are prominent physicians, attorneys, CEOs and wealthy adventurists who do it for sport (you know, the kind who travel to Russia for a supersonic flight in a Mikoyan MiG-29). There is also young 16-year-old Alec Feintuch, attending through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Poignantly, I'm not the only one with the dream of driving 200 mph.

Continue Reading World Class Driving offers pieces to the 200-MPH puzzle. We assemble them...

Gallery: World Class Driving 200 MPH Challenge

Continue reading World Class Driving offers pieces to the 200-MPH puzzle. We assemble them

World Class Driving offers pieces to the 200-MPH puzzle. We assemble them originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car Gifts for Christmas: Ultimate Edition

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Etc.

Our third and final list of car gifts for Christmas is made up of things we sadly can't afford ourselves. These are top-notch gift ideas for those who happen to fall into the very highest tax brackets, and we are officially envious of anyone who receives anything on this list. Too rich for your blood? No problem, check out some less expensive gift ideas here and here.

See the list...

Continue reading Car Gifts for Christmas: Ultimate Edition

Car Gifts for Christmas: Ultimate Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog attacks 200 MPH with World Class Driving

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Lifestyle

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 200 MPH Club

It's 5:15 AM when the second wake-up call arrives, but I've been up for almost an hour. Despite crawling into bed a little after midnight, I don't feel like a Koala after a eucalyptus binge - quite the opposite, actually. I'm wired, electric, ready to run a 26-mile marathon and then tackle the southwest face of El Capitan. It's been a long time since I've felt this kind of energetic surge without the help of everyone's favorite stimulant, and right now, I won't need caffeine, gaurana, taurine or a single B vitamin for the next three months. My bags are packed, my inbox is clean and I'm headed out the door with helmet in hand. Today is the day I break 200 miles-per-hour and I've finally got the tools to do it.

Follow the jump to find out if I succeed.

Gallery: World Class Driving 200 MPH Experience

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Autoblog attacks 200 MPH with World Class Driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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