Track down the Porsche experience

As consumer confidence grows in our recovering economy, wallets are being loosened and luxury cars are starting to be driven off the forecourts again. Even at Porsche Centre Dublin's doors there is a lot of interest now in the latest crossover SUV Macan, particularly in diesel format.

Admittedly this interest is not matched in terms of the brand’s top-end sports cars but the brand is still back on Irish shopping lists – at least for the select few.

It may not be widely publicised that all customers who purchase a new Porsche (any model) in the UK and Ireland will receive expert tuition in driving their new vehicle at the Porsche Experience Centre. This purpose-built UK venue is located adjacent to the famed Silverstone grand prix circuit in Northamptonshire.

Prior to taking delivery of your new Porsche you have the opportunity to learn how to drive the car in a safe and controlled environment; and, more importantly, you’re trained to understand how the car’s engine and chassis- control systems work. With more than 90 cars at the experience centre Porsche will have a car that’s almost identical to the model you have ordered, so you train in a car similar to the one you have purchased.

The experience centre has been in operation for the past six years, as a result of its success Porsche has constructed similar driving centres around the world.

Earlier this year the Silverstone venue received further investment with the expansion of the track by two kilometres, the total track length is now almost five kilometres. The track can be used as one continuous lap or split into six different areas that can be used independently of each other. These include a handling circuit, straights, kick plate, ice hill, low-friction and off-road circuits.

Wide variety of models

Coinciding with the recent launch of the new Porsche Boxster GTS and Porsche Cayman GTS models, we had the opportunity to drive a wide variety of models at theexperience centre.

For some the sight of so many high-powered sports cars trackside may be somewhat daunting, but there's no need for apprehension. All the staff are very relaxed and courteous, the driving instructors are highly experienced, with a former Le Mans winner and Porsche Carrera Cup GB champion on the team.

Jumping in at the deep end, my first few laps of the handling circuit were driven in a 560hp Porsche 911 Turbo S. The track is fairly narrow and undulating, it’s not designed for high speed but is technical and ideal for learning how a car handles.

You can experience the fierce acceleration of the 911 Turbo S and other models on one of the two new straights. These are primarily used for customers to experience the launch-control and lane-change-assist systems.

I also drove a Porsche 911 GT3 RS on the low-friction course. The surface is constructed from highly polished limestone – the advantage of this is that you can experience oversteer at low speeds.

My instructor was fantastic, constantly encouraging me provoke the car into oversteer and then hold it sideways. If you’ve never driven a Porsche in this manner there’s no need to worry, the instructors will gently guide you through all driving elements, making sure you have an enjoyable and safe experience, as well as learn how the car’s driver aids work.

To test the kick plate we changed cars again: this time we drove the five-door Porsche Panamera GTS.

Using a computer-controlled hydraulic plate that’s set flush into the ground the instructor can put the car into a skid or spin. This happens at about 30km/h and teaches you how to catch the car when it starts to slide in either direction.

Water jets

The road surface is lined with water jets to increase the loss of traction. For customers who purchase a Cayenne SUV there is a dedicated off-road course that includes steep inclines, descents and rough terrain.

After putting a variety of Porsches through their paces you can also put yourself to the test at the human performance centre. This on-site facility is a sports laboratory used to test and develop racing drivers and customers.

If you’re fortunate enough to be in a position to purchase a new Porsche, you will have the opportunity to fully develop your driving skills and gain an understanding of the car’s complex systems. Purchasing a high-end car is no mean feat, so it’s worthwhile in investing some time to properly familiarise yourself with its controls and capabilities.