A lap of Highlands on board one of the most incredible cars in the world
Despite its GT3 spec, its incredible form and technology, and — gulp — that price tag, the Vulcan was a surprisingly tame and restrained car to ride in.
In the two laps I was lucky enough to receive it was undoubtedly quick, equally so in the straight bits and the twisty bits, but ironically felt more like a road car than any other 'race car' I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
That's not meant as a criticism, merely as an observation. I'm tempted to put it down to the sheer heft of technology underneath it making it a less trying and dramatic thing to sit in. Its ability to achieve speed and hit apexes with smooth inputs from Tony Quinn's capable hands — even with a less than ideal set of tyres underneath us.
If anything, it was experiencing the Highlands circuit that wowed me even more. I've walked around it a number of times, but witnessing it from the driver's eye for the first time was somewhat of a revelation. In many cases the road appears to disappear into the scenery and flat surfaces.
This was a very literal truth when we arrived upon the infamous 'Whoops'; an inverted dogleg dip that is normally not used for racing.If you crane your hearing utensils you'll be able to catch a brief giggle from the video taker. Whether that giggle was one of enjoyment or terror is classified information.
Either way, it's a remarkable car placed in a remarkable location, and I'm exceptionally glad that the next time I'll get to see it, it'll be in my own back yard at Hampton Downs.
Read more and see more on the new Highlands Vulcan in tomorrow's Driven, in the NZ Herald.