Inside the SHEdrives a Lambo Experience: Lamborghini’s Daring Dream Drive & Glamorous Girls’ Getaway

Every great dream begins with a little inspiration, and all it takes is one memorable moment to set into motion a destiny-in-the-making that is far more exciting than we could imagine.

That’s how this story began… over 15 years ago, to be specific.

How Lamborghini Turned My Dream Into Reality

Nearly two decades ago, I found myself trackside at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California, cohosting a large community event for young professionals, where Skip Barber Racing School happened to be one of the sponsors.

The moment I buckled into the passenger seat for hot laps around the world-famous corkscrew (with a professional racecar driver zooming us around the track at over 100 mph), something catalyzed within me. Between the adrenaline, the driver’s impressive control, and the exhilarating speed, the experience was electrifying to say the least.

Right after that moment, I had a clear and distinct vision – that one day, I’d return to a racetrack, but this time, I’d be behind the wheel of a Lamborghini (one of my favorite supercars since childhood). I could imagine the engine roaring, the feeling of my heart racing, the grip of the steering wheel, and even envisioned a cinematic montage capturing it all.

That pivotal day marked the beginning of my passion for motorsports.

For years, I replayed this thrilling vision so many times that my subconscious started to believe it was a memory. But I could never have predicted how it all would unfold in reality (as this was long before I had even launched my lifestyle blog, Inspirations & Celebrations, covered Monterey Car Week as a journalist, or contributed to major media platforms).

SHEdrives a Lambo – An Epic Experience for Bold, Daring Women

As timing would have it (unbeknownst to me), three years ago, Lamborghini launched the SHEdrives a Lambo annual event (as part of their Esperienza Lamborghini programming).

This event idea was conceptualized and championed by Paulina Burns (Lamborghini’s Area Marketing Manager, East, pictured below), who was passionate about educating and empowering Lamborghini’s female customers.

Their team got on board to bring it to life, as their executives wanted to encourage more daring women to embrace the world of supercars and feel confident behind the wheel by hosting exclusive events that catered specifically to them.

Paulina realized that to help women overcome any trepidation about powerful supercars, they needed to create an environment offering both instructional guidance and encouraging support, principles that have become the foundation of the SHEdrives atmosphere.

“Dedicated to the bold women of today and tomorrow”, these events are not only held in dream destinations, but they also create a fun and inviting setting that fosters camaraderie, exploration, and adventure.

When the invitation to cover SHEdrives a Lambo (a four-day experience in Palm Springs dedicated to design, performance, and the women who drive Lamborghini) landed in my inbox, I was overcome with emotion.

My hands literally shook as a rush of feelings washed over me – everything from excitement, gratitude, and disbelief, to fear, intimidation, and joy.

I couldn’t believe this dream was finally happening in real life… but now I realized I had to actually overcome the fear of driving a Lamborghini Revuelto, the brand’s first High Performance Electrified Vehicle.

To help me prepare for the experience, I watched a few demo videos (learning everything from how to open the scissor doors and turn on the car to switching the drive modes), in addition to figuring out which outfits I was going to wear on this epic excursion.

Day One: Arrival & The Gene Autry Villa Welcome Dinner

The weekend began at the iconic Parker Palm Springs, a gorgeous desert hideaway where mid-century modern design is flanked by 13 acres of lush, tropical gardens.

The vibrant resort feels like an enclave of its own with sunlight filtering through blooming bougainvillea, palm trees swaying over the aqua-colored swimming pools, winding paths leading to croquet lawns and swaying hammocks, and eclectic interiors that blend retro cool with whimsical sophistication.

Irene Hong-Schwartz, Head of Experiential and Partnerships, ensured every detail of the trip (from the elegant décor at the glamorous dinners to the seamless itinerary and driving excursions) reflected Lamborghini’s signature blend of artistry and excellence.

Upon arrival one sunny afternoon, I met Lamborghini Squadra Corse Instructor Corey Lewis (Rolex 24 Winner, 4x Lamborghini Super Trofeo Champion, and 2015 World Champion) outside the hotel to guide me through the Lamborghini Revuelto, which is the brand’s first hybrid super sports car and an incredible evolution of the iconic V12 lineage.

His calming energy and encouraging words immediately put me at ease as he explained the hybrid system, drive modes, and onboard technology. After a brief demo, we took a short drive around the neighborhood, and in just ten minutes, everything changed.

To my surprise, I was at ease driving this beast of a car; if anything, it felt intuitive (like I had been driving the Revuelto for years). While the thunderous sound of the engine (in Strada or Sport mode) definitely gets your heart pumping, the car is actually quite easy to maneuver. Even the infotainment system felt natural to navigate.

Now that I had a basic handle on how it worked, I was geared up for the road ahead.

As the sun set over the mountains that evening, the entire group of attendees gathered at the historic Gene Autry Villa for cocktails and an al fresco dinner under the stars.

To welcome everyone, Paulina (pictured below, left) chatted with attendees and opened the event with a heartfelt speech highlighting the greater purpose of the weekend: empowerment and community.

During the cocktail reception, I spoke with several people, including Cedric Davy (VP of Marketing and Communications for Lamborghini Americas), who shared insights about the evolution of the brand’s female customer base, which has grown from 1% to 10% over the past decade, and continues to accelerate.

As I’ve learned, one of the major benefits of buying a Lamborghini is the fact that you gain access to an exclusive world of first-class events that are hosted in desirable destinations around the globe, and SHEdrives is one of many memorable experiences they offer.

Throughout the evening, conversations with their team revealed how passionately Lamborghini believes in inclusivity and connection. It’s at the core of the brand’s ethos, and it reflects who they genuinely are.

As the night came to an end, we left feeling like we were all about to embark on something extraordinary.

Day Two: The Rally Through Palm Springs, Idyllwild & Temecula Valley

The next morning began with a group breakfast and a driver’s briefing led by Richard Antinucci, another member of Lamborghini’s elite Squadra Corse instructor team.

He guided us through the day’s route (winding desert roads, mountain curves, and open highways) and made us feel like we were going to be supported throughout the entire experience (which put my mind at ease, especially since I’d be driving the Revuelto alone).

Many of the attendees brought their own cars (shipped in from across the country), creating a spectacular assemblage of supercars that spanned Lamborghini’s most iconic models, reflecting each woman’s unique personality and distinctive aesthetic.

As the kaleidoscopic parade of Revueltos, Urus, and Huracán STOs rolled out from The Parker, I felt my nerves subside, and a sense of exhilaration took over.

After leaving the hotel in Città mode (which is the quiet electric mode that the car starts in), the Revuelto’s Strada mode offered a smooth, balanced drive (perfect for the scenic roads of Palm Springs and the climb through the San Jacinto Mountains).

To set the mood, I turned on the Sonus faber sound system to full blast, as our colorful stampede rolled through the glamorous palm-tree-lined streets of Palm Springs, turning heads and garnering waves from passersby.

From ’80s pop hits to modern-day techno beats, the sound of music reverberated through my body, like being front row at a live concert. Between the music and the growl of our engines, our eye-catching convoy epitomized the running of the bulls: wild, powerful, and completely mesmerizing.

When I finally found the courage to switch to Sport mode on the open road, I felt like a matador bringing the bull to life. Just hearing the dramatic roar of the engine as I put my foot on the gas had me beaming in pure ecstasy.

Driving through the tree-lined mountains toward Idyllwild (a charming rustic town that made for an idyllic coffee stop), then descending into the lush Temecula Valley, I experienced the car’s adaptive all-wheel drive and torque vectoring, which made it easy to hug the winding curves of the road while accelerating quickly.

Overlooking lush, verdant vineyards, we gathered for lunch at Bottaia Winery, which made for a picturesque place to unwind. Throughout the relaxing lunch, I had the opportunity to get better acquainted with the Lamborghini team and other attendees.

As I came to discover, the conversation that day wasn’t just about cars, but rather, we started diving into topics about courage, growth, and what it means to push past fear.

Throughout the day, our connections quickly transitioned from acquaintances into friendships. By the time dinner came, we were all laughing and joking like lifelong friends.

That evening, the group of 30+ women (some of whom were joined by their significant others) dined at Bar Issa, in downtown Palm Springs, a chic, trendy restaurant that perfectly matched the energy of the day.

It was there that I met a captivating couple (Ed and his wife Nancy), along with their friends, who are enthusiastic Lamborghini customers who have attended multiple Esperienza Lamborghini events, including SHEdrives.

We spent the evening sharing stories about travel, cars, and the sincere connections that have formed through the Lamborghini community.

Nancy’s words captured what many of the attendees felt:  “A shared love of Lamborghinis brought us together, but it’s the lifelong friendships that keep us coming back. I love that Lamborghini supports and empowers women through #SHEdrives events.”

She explained that what keeps her returning to Lamborghini events goes way beyond the thrill of the cars. The deep level of camaraderie mixed with a sense of excitement and elegance is woven into every event, making it a valued benefit of Lamborghini ownership.

Day Three: The Thermal Club Racetrack Experience

By Day Three, we were ready for the main event: The Thermal Club, an exclusive private racetrack nestled amid the desert mountains.

That morning at breakfast, I spoke with Shari Schwick (pictured below, right), who is reportedly the first female Revuelto owner. Shari and her husband own multiple Lamborghini models and are deeply involved in the supercar community.

She explained that they’re passionate about charitable work and organize “Dream Drives” for at-need youth (many of whom have disabilities or illnesses but share an unshakable love for cars). She also hosts a Spotify podcast, Behind the Wheels, where she interviews entrepreneurs about their love of cars and the inspirational lessons they’ve learned from business and life.

During our brief yet impactful chat, I surmised that her enthusiasm for Lamborghini, bold entrepreneurial spirit, and grounded persona exemplify Lamborghini’s customer avatar.

At the track, the knowledgeable Lamborghini Squadra Corse team was ready for us: Corey Lewis, Richard Antinucci, Carter Williams, and Courtney Crone (each being a professional racer with an impressive background).

Throughout the day, the instructors brought a mix of patience, humor, and expertise that made everyone feel confident and supported.

For me, the track day represented a defining moment.

Though I’d already driven the Revuelto on the road, stepping onto a racetrack with it felt like facing the dream head-on. The idea of pushing the car (and myself) to the limits on a track was both exciting and a bit terrifying, to be honest.

Alongside my newfound wingwomen as emotional support, having the knowledgeable instructors there enabled me to go from feeling slightly apprehensive to fully empowered.

Lap after lap, I gained confidence, until suddenly, any level of fear that was holding me back gave way to laser-like focus and the rush of adrenaline.

As a result, on a straight, I hit 135 miles per hour in Corsa mode, while learning how to master steering and figuring out when to brake (to slow the vehicle in a calm and controlled manner, without losing too much speed).

In Corsa mode, the Revuelto transformed into its most responsive form.

The steering tightened for precision, the suspension firmed up for cornering stability, and the all-wheel drive system provided superior grip through every turn.

In addition, the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission delivered lightning-fast shifts, while the V12 hybrid powertrain unleashed exhilarating acceleration.

By the end of the track session, I was smiling ear to ear. The emotion of transcending my fears and feeling nearly invincible is something I’ll never forget.

I even joked that I was ready to join their racing squad and that next time I’d hit 200 mph.

I was so supercharged after the track experience in the Revuelto that I decided to give go-karting a whirl, and to my surprise, I ended up going full throttle and lapping everyone (all while giggling like a little girl as I whizzed by at top speed).

The Revuelto Experience: Power, Performance & Style

While all Lamborghini models are incredible, I have to admit that driving the Revuelto is a heightened experience that engages every sense.

Beyond the impressive speed (it can go 220 mph), the car is often praised for its intelligence, precision, and the unexpected ease of use. Not to mention – its bold silhouette and striking interior make it utterly stunning.

Thanks to their Ad Personam customization program, the company enables its customers to create their own personalized Lamborghini. Whether you’re dreaming of a dramatic purple interior or a cheery yellow exterior, the choices are virtually limitless.

Starting the vehicle is unlike any other I’ve ever driven, so it took a few minutes to get accustomed to it.

To turn on the car, you lift the fighter-jet-style flap on the center console, press the red start button, and pull back the right shift paddle (to put it into drive). For added convenience, many of the main features are accessible from the steering wheel.

It features 5 driving modes, each catering to a different experience:

1. Città – quiet, electric-only mode for resort or city driving.
2. Strada – smooth and composed for daily use.
3. Sport – reactive, agile, and emotionally charged.
4. Corsa – track-focused, with maximum power and precision.
5. Corsa ESC Off – for seasoned drivers who crave full control.

The 1,001-horsepower hybrid system (powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine paired with three electric motors) launches the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.2 seconds. Despite its raw strength, the Revuelto is remarkably approachable and feels effortless to maneuver.

The cockpit design is equally intuitive, making it feel like a futuristic command center.

With three digital screens (driver, center, and passenger), every detail (from drive modes to hybrid battery status) is at your fingertips. The graphics are crisp and modern, and the interface responds instantly, whether you’re adjusting suspension settings or switching music, Apple CarPlay, or a map.

To simplify the driving experience for you, key functions such as the turn signals and the front-lift system (to raise the nose when entering driveways or clearing speed bumps) are controlled directly from the steering wheel.

The result is an easy-to-learn vehicle that is sleek, sophisticated, and surprisingly uncomplicated.

Grand Finale: Dinner at Mister Parker’s

After our grand adventure at The Thermal Club, later that evening, we reconvened for a cocktail reception and a private finale dinner at Mister Parker’s, a dimly lit, intimate restaurant hidden within The Parker Palm Springs (evoking a sultry, tucked-away speakeasy vibe).

Romantic candlelight, boisterous laughter, and a celebratory ambiance filled the room, creating a captivating atmosphere that heightened the festive mood.

Between delectable dishes, sumptuous wine, and joyful connections, it was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable and transformative weekend: brave, authentic, and unexpected (much like the brand itself).

Day Four: Reflections, Friendship & the Power of Authenticity

The next morning, as everyone gathered for farewells at breakfast, I reflected on how much had changed in just four days. What began as a professional assignment evolved into something deeply personal, truly moving, and surprising (in the best way).

As a collective group of bold, daring women who love supercars, we started the weekend as strangers but left feeling like sisters, supporting each other both on and off the track.

Through shared experiences and conversations that reflected genuine authenticity, I felt grateful not only to partake in this journey but also for the chance to form friendships with some of the gals, including Amanda Cline (auto journalist) and Jory Wood Syed (Head of Public Relations, Americas at Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.), both pictured below.

Just like one of Lamborghini’s taglines, “You can’t hide who you are,” this event proved that when you step into experiences that align with your true self, you naturally attract people and opportunities that reflect your mindset, energy, and passions.

The camaraderie that developed during this experience reminded me of a phrase I repeatedly said to these ladies throughout the trip: “Your vibe attracts your tribe.”

Over the years of covering Lamborghini, I’ve come to realize that events don’t just sell cars; they build a thriving community of loyalists and enthusiasts, which reflects the heart and soul of the brand. And that’s one of the greatest, most rewarding gifts of ownership.

As Andrea Baldi, CEO of Automobili Lamborghini Americas, poignantly stated:

“SHEdrives a Lambo is our way of celebrating the fearless and passionate women who drive Lamborghini. They are a powerful reminder that Lamborghini is for those who dare to express their individuality beyond stereotypes.”

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[Disclosure: Hosted travel, accommodations, and event access provided by Automobili Lamborghini. Image credits: Christina-Lauren Pollack for Inspirations & Celebrations, Jamey Price, Jory Wood Syed, and Amanda Cline. All opinions are my own.]