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Driving the Col de Turini
On new car launches, journalists are always provided with a set test route on which to try out the manufacturer’s new wheels which can be handy of you find yourself in the bum end of nowhere. But yesterday when Lexus very kindly flew myself and a group of other journos to Nice to try out its new IS 250C, the road book was tossed out of the open roof: there was only one place I was heading with my four hours in the sun– the Col de Turini.
Where is it?
What's so special about the Col de Turini?
You might have heard of the mountain pass between Nice and Monaco before– it’s the most famous stage on the Mote Carlo Rally. At 1607 meters above sea level and with a torturous cocktail of“don’t look down” sheer drops and endless hairpin bends this is one of the most epic roads in Europe. And if you don’t believe me check out this video:
The views
What Sebastien Loeb didn’t have time to do was pull over, stretch his legs and check out the unbelievable views. On one side the Cote d’Azure, on the other the craggy peaks and valleys of the Parc National du Mercantour and the snowy peaks of the Italian and French Alps. This is just one big, beautiful playground. (Click to enlarge the pics)
The car 
The Lexus IS 250C might have designed to be cruising 1600m below on the boulevards of Nice rather than the switchbacks of these Alpine roads but it was surprisingly good fun.
Ok so the 2.5-litre engine struggled as the air got thinner (it struggled at sea level too, to be honest) but, credit where it’s due this is one very composed car. Having the sun and the clear air on the Alps all around you helps too.
Read the full Lexus IS 250C Car Review here>>>
And finally...
Two very random vehicles spotted on the Col. The first was the badly crumpled Fiat Panda (aboce) which brought home the fact that while beautiful this is also a very dangerous place. I really hope that nobody was inside at the time.
There was also this black cab right at the top. Must have been some fare...
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