The good folks over at Autoblog (who must have their hands full today on
the New York auto show) sent me a link to a new park concept coming out of Las Vegas. General Motors (who has been
struggling lately) is opening
a new outdoor "autotainment" park called "The Drive," in sunny, slimy Las Vegas. The driving
experience is opened at the Sahara Hotel & Casino on April 10, and promises the opportunity to drive two separate
driving courses on the 11-acre site. Speedsters can take on the high-performance loop, and the more adventuresome who
like a good bump in the road can try the off-road adventure.
Autoblog quotes Steve Tihanyi, GM’s director of
marketing and entertainment alliances, as saying that "‘The Drive’ represents a significant marketing
opportunity for General Motors, allowing us to showcase our products in a unique fashion that will provide a fun-filled
time for the millions of people who live in or visit Las Vegas." Yes, I can see this having very wide appeal. But I
would hope that they offer a breathalyzer test before you drive…free drinks, Vegas and vigorous driving don’t really
mix well. Oh, and if you’re curious about which cars you get to drive, autoblog lists them: Chevy Corvette coupe
and convertible, Pontiac GTO, Cadillac CTS-V, Pontiac Solstice roadster, Cadillac STS-V, Saab 9-3 convertible, and
Chevy SSR on the performance track, or the HUMMER H2, HUMMER H2 SUT, mid-size HUMMER H3, 2007 Cadillac Escalade, 2006
Chevy Silverado Diesel and the 2007 Chevy Tahoe on one of the two dirt tracks.
I confess, I’d do this.