I was invited by the local dealer to attend a Porsche driving event at the Spring Mountain Motor Resort track in Pahrump, NV (60 miles NW of Las Vegas). The event was actually held to launch the new 2014 Cayman, but the full line of Porsche vehicles were available to be driven on the track. I drove the new Cayman and the Boxster S (which are excellent Pcars), but I was mainly interested in the Carrera and Carrera S. It was my first time ever on a race track, and it was a great experience to drive the cars and interact with the Porsche instructors. For the some of the more adventurous participants, the instructors demonstrated launch control and the much greater speeds of the vehicles, but I didn’t participate (I was not afraid, I just was interested). Believe it or not, these cars were so fast that some people got sick. I learned a lot, and it certainly helped me understand what I really want for my ordered 2014 991. Keeping in mind that this was my only track experience, here are some of my observations: fast is fast, and all of the Pcars were extremely fast. So unless I was in a competitive race, a .2 or .3 second, etc. faster is negligible. I learned that the must have options (for me) are PDK, PASM for the suspension, Sport Chrono for the sport plus and dynamic engine mounts, and PSE for the intoxicating Porsche sound. Also, possibly the (PTV) limited slip differential. While I thoroughly enjoyed the day at the track (there was complimentary food and beverages), I know it’s not something that I would normally do, at least not more than once or twice. My new 2014 Pcar would just be a DD (as a city-driving retiree). However, I now know that I can’t imagine my new Pcar without the above “must-have” options. I’ve already made an appointment with the local dealer to further discuss and reconfigure my existing 2014 base Carrera order (build date June 4th), and I now have a much better idea about what I want and need. It was a great day!!

 

I absolutely love these events. Went to one last year and was able to drive nearly every model except the GT3. They had both an autocross and road course. I posted some pictures last year. You get to abuse other people's car, what is there not to like. I just went to a BMW driving event (similar to Porsches) Wednesday and had a blast.

 

looks like an awesome experience. how do you get invited to one of these things?

 

Glad you enjoyed it. I had mine last year at Barber, Birmingham and loved it. A great way to experience a little of what these cars are capable of....in the right hands.

 

I don't actually know. I was invited by the local dealer, and I'm assuming it's because I've bought several Porsches from them.

 

Looked to be a fun event. Now this would be a perfect test drive if i were in the market of getting a P-car

 

If you buy or service your car at a Porsche dealer, you will get on the list.

 

PTV comes standard on the S you know.