The Porsche Experience Center Atlanta, a developmental track, can be described as the ultimate adventure park for adults. Car enthusiasts, Porsche owners or soon-to-be owners, even individuals who would like to brush up on their driving skills in a high-end performance vehicle can take advantage of the driving experiences at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, GA.
Related: Porsche Experience Center Atlanta: Learn Practical Driving Skills for Everyday Safe Driving
The Porsche Experience Center ensures more safe drivers are on the road whether you’re driving a Porsche or a “mom car” like me. Being a mom of an eight-year-old with one on the way, and a driver of only 5 years, learning to be a better and safer driver is important. At 26 weeks pregnant, I was able to get behind the wheel of two Porsche vehicles: the 718 Cayman GTS, Porsche 911 Carrera S. I also took the backseat in the Porsche Cayenne for an Off-Road Experience. But this was after dining at Porsche’s Restaurant 356.
Eat then Play all in One Place
Before heading on the development track, Porsche treated A Girl’s Guide to Cars journalists to an amazing lunch at their onsite restaurant, Restaurant 356. The restaurant, which serves contemporary American dishes with fresh ingredients from local farmers, provides a view of the 1.6-mile driver development track. And it receives its name from Porsche’s first car – the 356.
My meal, which consisted of an arugula salad, pan-seared salmon, and an assortment of desserts was delicious. It was the perfect meal to kick-off a couple of hours learning to be a more confident driver on the Porsche track.
Related: Porsche Drive Experience Center: The Ultimate Car Lover’s Experience
My Driving Experiences at Porsche Experience Center
718 Cayman GTS Experience
In the very nimble 718 Cayman GTS, I got 90-minutes of drive-time on the one-mile handling circuit. The 718 Cayman GTS is a mid-engine sports car that packs 305 horsepower, with a max track speed of 175 mph. It’s a powerful vehicle, and yes, it was a bit intimidating to handle at-first. However, with the instruction of my driving coach, I was able to maneuver through windy roads, similar to what I experience at home when I’m driving on the Southern State Parkway. Additionally, I learned how to control the vehicle while maneuvering the 718 Cayman through cones, a technique called slaloms. My husband jokes that I am a racecar driver, but this time, I really felt like one.
Cost of the 718 Cayman GTS Experience: $365
911 Carrera S Experience
Listen, if anyone would have asked me if I ever thought I’d be behind the wheel of a 911 Carrera, a car that has 420 horsepower and can reach max track speed of 190mph, I probably would have said, “Absolutely not.” I must say that with my pregnant belly and all, the 911 Carrera S looked great on me. According to my driving coach, Stuart Danger, I picked up learning to maneuver the vehicle and safely react in wet and icy conditions on the Kick Plate and Wet, Low-friction circle. This and the slaloms were the best parts of my time at PEC Atlanta. My coach was impressed with my driving and response time, and couldn’t believe I have only been driving for 5 years. I attribute that to New York City driving.
Cost of the 911 Carrera S Experience: $475
Cayenne Off-road Experience
The Porsche Cayenne is Porsche’s luxury AWD SUV. Being at PEC Atlanta, I learned that the Cayenne has some majorly impressive off-roading capabilities that I didn’t know it had. I learned that many Cayenne owners don’t know this either. Because who would think to drive their Porsche through dirt, mud, and rocky terrain? Not me!
It was impressive to see and experience the Cayenne maneuver through rough and rocky terrain. This SUV drove through, at the time, 21” of water, and due to highly efficient sealed doors, there was no interior flooding. The camera views on the Cayenne is equally impressive. Allowing the driver and passengers to see undercarriage views of the vehicle as it drives through various landscapes.
Cost of the Cayenne Off-road Experience: $365
What You Need to Know About the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta
- Drivers must be 21 years-old with a valid, state-issued driver’s license.
- Kids 12-years-old or 60+ lbs. can ride as a passenger on the track.
- You do not need to own a Porsche; however, if you do own a Porsche or purchase a Porsche you can test drive the model you purchased on the development track.
- There are non-driving activities available, such as the Simulator Lab, the Porsche Heritage Gallery (open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM), and 90-minute guided tours through One Porsche Drive.
- You can mix and match packages to suit your needs.
- You can go as fast or as slow as you want, as long as you’re being safe and listen to your coach.
This pregnant momma enjoyed the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta, and I am sure you will too! It is a fun way to advance your driving skills, and what better way to do that than in a Porsche? With onsite dining, a Simulator Lab, guided tours and a Heritage Gallery, the Experience Center is a great activity for the entire family to enjoy. I can’t wait to return with my husband and daughter.
Learn more about the driving experiences offered at PEC Atlanta here: http://www.porschedriving.com.
Regardless of the Porsche Driving Experience You Choose, You’re Guaranteed
- A great time
- A personal driving coach
- Maximum time behind the wheel of a Porsche
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Get Social with the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta
Porsche Experience Center Atlanta
One Porsche Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30354
Visit: http://www.porschedriving.com/atlanta
Disclosure: This is a paid opportunity with Porsche and A Girls Guide to Cars, the hosts of the media drive and lunch. All opinions and thoughts are my own.