ED209
[Purist]
7307
Porsche World Roadshow Southern California driving experience
The Porsche World Roadshow held this week in Southern California marked the 9th segment of the tour for 2014. The event was hosted at the infield area of the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. I joined several PuristS for an early morning Porsche driving experience.
The entire lineup of Porsche cars were on display including the Boxster, Cayman, 911, Panamera, and the new Macan.
After checking in at the registration room we were treated to breakfast refreshments while waiting for the start of the event.
We had some free time so I checked out the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid. This four door plug-in hybrid produces 416hp at 5500 rpm while getting an estimated 50mpg. I like the neon 'acid green' colored badging and the matching painted calipers. The Panamera's are equiped with six piston aluminum fixed brake calipers at the front and four piston brakes in the rear.
After spending a few moments examining the Porsche's, we went back inside the registration building to start our track session. The Porsche Racing instructors gave us an overview for the day and reviewed the 3 sessions that the group will be experiencing, the lead/follow, autocross and hot lap. The instructors and staff did a great job in providing the overview in an interesting and fun way, while emphasizing safety in our 'spirited' driving.
We were split into two large groups, and we first started with the lead/follow session. Instructors were in the leading Porsche cars while we paired up in following Porsche cars and swap after two laps so that we can experience the speed and handling between the Boxster, Cayman and 911 Targa. Radio communications were very clear and helpful understanding the best line around the race course and braking points.
For our first car, I was in the Porsche 911 Targa 4S with all wheel drive. A gauge on the dash showed the torque split of the power distribution across all 4 wheels.
Next was the Porsche Boxster GTS and then the Cayman GTS.
Handling was superb and what really surprised me the most was the Porsche PDK transmission and exhaust system. It was fantastic. Our instructors were telling us to drive with the Sports Plus mode along with having the PDK automatically shift gears. My only long term driving experience in the Boxster is the older tip-tronic transmission, and it gave me an appreciation of how much technology has evolved in these transmissions. The 7 speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) does have both automatic and manual modes with paddle shifters. But for this driving session I left it automatic mode and was very impressed with how quick and smooth the PDK was.
All Porsches were the GTS models that include special front fascias, larger air intakes, and a great sports exhaust system.
Our second driving session was an autocross with the Panamera GTS and the new Macan Turbo. I remember joining Porsche earlier this year for the debut of the Macan model and was excited to be able to drive this on a road course. We started with a briefing with the Porsche race instructors. I have a lot of personal experience with the Panamera GTS so I was already aware of its driving characteristics and abilities. The Macan Turbo was impressive for such a compact SUV and much nimbler than the Cayenne model.
At the end of our race session, we concluded with a hot lap in the Porsche 911 Turbo. We got to ride along with one of the Porsche Sport Driving School instructors in the new 911 Turbo. It was a great experience to be able to have a first hand experience around the track with a professional driver that can take the 911 Turbo to the limits and full capabilities. As a fun souvenir, there was cameras inside the car that captured the driver and passenger with audio, and front facing camera to see the track. A small usb drive capture the video and it showed the speed and our position on the track. We were able to hit 140mph on the long straightaway!
Overall I was very impressed with the Porsche GTS models. In particular my favorite was the Cayman GTS in terms of balance of handling, speed and value.
The Porsche World Roadshow concludes next week with a stopover in San Francisco, CA. It was a fun experience and the staff at Porsche did a great job organizing the event. Looking forward to the next special Porsche event in a few weeks.
Regards,
ED-209
Porsche World Roadshow Southern California driving experience
The Porsche World Roadshow held this week in Southern California marked the 9th segment of the tour for 2014. The event was hosted at the infield area of the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, CA. I joined several PuristS for an early morning Porsche driving ...
The Porsche staff did a great job
It was well coordinated and fun too. Regards, ED-209
Great report Ed.
What did you think about the Targa? The retro roof look great to me. How did it drive? Any extra body flex? JerryW
The Targa
Targa was very nice, the convertible top is a mechanical ballet of motion. But it felt a little to heavy. Chassis felt stiff and no real loss of structural integrity. I liked it! :) Regards, ED-209
Looks like fun...
I'm a big fan of the way this latest Cayman S drives. But not how the rear looks. However, somehow I'm still haunted by it. It's just that good. And I find myself wanting one. The Macan S has also been on my radar as a great car for around-town driving. I...
SF track
Well I wasn't expecting it to be directly in SF. But definitely worth the drive out to try the Porsche GTS line. Hope you can make it. And I agree with you the Cayman is pretty impressive. Especially the GTS version. Regards, ED-209
Two hours plus away...
So you've convinced me Ed, that this Cayman GTS is worth trying out. Thunderhill is about 2.5 hours away from my home. It's closer to Sacramento if anything. Normally, around San Francisco, Porsche would use the Alameda Naval Base, where you can get up to...
You definitely need one!
The Cayman,..... no, you need the Cayman GTS :) :) Regards, ED-209
Almost went
My partner went to this, and invited me to attend, but I was flying out same day on a business trip. Was very bummed to miss it. Next time, perhaps. Cheers, John
Hopefully next time
Highly recommended. Which Porsche do you like most? Regards, ED-209
I really like the Cayman GTS...
The new Boxster looks good too. So is there a P-car in your near future? :) -MW
I really like the Cayman GTS, but...
Wonderful handling, but unfortunately too slow for me. But that 911 Turbo was awesome. Regards, ED-209
FantastIc...
Great Report Ed, love looking at your pics and all those beautiful Porsches, the GTS models are very cool, a nice synthesis of the best Porsche has to offer in a very attractive package and price. HAGWE S
GTS models
Thanks Salman. I agree the GTS is a great line for Porsche. How's your Porsche running? Any new cars on the horizon? Regards, ED-209
Great :-)
Its been a very good experience so far, nearly completed 15,000 kms so its due for its first service. I've been looking around for a Cabriolet SUV and have realized how few the choices are: 1) Mercedes G-Wagen SWB Cabriolet 2) Jeep Wrangler 3) Toyota Land...