Porsche Experience Center LA
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Oh, one last point. I did give the driving instructors a small tip. I don't think it was necessary but I saw people before me doing it. Most of the instructors seemed like young people early in their racing careers, and they seemed to appreciate it
J
J
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Joined: Jan 2016
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From: New Orleans, LA (NOLA)
Are you sure they weren't just placating you because you are the customer?
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Newport Beach, CA and Melbourne, Australia
Just went to the PEC yesterday and thought I would share my thoughts. I did 2 experiences- GT3/turbo and 'master the manual'. I'll try to add some thoughts that have not been mentioned above
GT3/turbo. Probably the more exciting of the 2. It is the most expensive, I think at around $950, but arguably worth it. For the GT3 portion I actually got to drive an Ultraviolet colored RS. Phenomenal car and I was actually a tiny bit queasy after flinging this and the turbo around the small track for 90 minutes. I noticed that they put air-sickness bags in the cars but fortunately did not have to use mine. Even thought the session is from 11 to 1, you only get to drive the cars for 90 min so they have a chance to 'cool off'. Some might complain about this. Its 90 minutes of serious thrashing if you want to, however with an instructor, who I think are all P factory drivers, at your side. Instruction overall is excellent. I loved the RS much more than I thought I would and thought it would be a great car for my weekend drives on back country roads.
Master the manual. Much less expensive, but was not quite as enjoyable as I thought. Drove a GT4 for the whole time. Great car but I just felt I was not picking up the heel toe and rev matching (without pushing the button to cheat like I can in my car) like the instructor wanted me to.
I just ate at the cafe where I thought the sandwich was good. People were very nice and obviously enjoyed working there. LA traffic was,. as expected, somewhat unpredictable and mostly bad. We stayed in Marina Del Rey at the Ritz which has a connection that we did not know about beforehand to transport you to PEC and even to do limited test drives.
I'm not sure I would do it again, but awesome to try once especially if you have a gift certificate like I had from my lovely wife.
Jim
GT3/turbo. Probably the more exciting of the 2. It is the most expensive, I think at around $950, but arguably worth it. For the GT3 portion I actually got to drive an Ultraviolet colored RS. Phenomenal car and I was actually a tiny bit queasy after flinging this and the turbo around the small track for 90 minutes. I noticed that they put air-sickness bags in the cars but fortunately did not have to use mine. Even thought the session is from 11 to 1, you only get to drive the cars for 90 min so they have a chance to 'cool off'. Some might complain about this. Its 90 minutes of serious thrashing if you want to, however with an instructor, who I think are all P factory drivers, at your side. Instruction overall is excellent. I loved the RS much more than I thought I would and thought it would be a great car for my weekend drives on back country roads.
Master the manual. Much less expensive, but was not quite as enjoyable as I thought. Drove a GT4 for the whole time. Great car but I just felt I was not picking up the heel toe and rev matching (without pushing the button to cheat like I can in my car
) like the instructor wanted me to. I just ate at the cafe where I thought the sandwich was good. People were very nice and obviously enjoyed working there. LA traffic was,. as expected, somewhat unpredictable and mostly bad. We stayed in Marina Del Rey at the Ritz which has a connection that we did not know about beforehand to transport you to PEC and even to do limited test drives.
I'm not sure I would do it again, but awesome to try once especially if you have a gift certificate like I had from my lovely wife.
Jim
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Joined: Aug 2010
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 83
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From: Northern California
I am considering doing this soon...got a few questions.
My daily driver is a 2014 991 C2S with PDK.
I can only do one experience this trip.
This will be my first track experience.
Should I drive the 911 Carerra S first and become a better driver?
Or should I go for the more expensive Turbo or GT3 or GTS experience?
I am afraid I may like my own car a bit less afterwards!
My daily driver is a 2014 991 C2S with PDK.
I can only do one experience this trip.
This will be my first track experience.
Should I drive the 911 Carerra S first and become a better driver?
Or should I go for the more expensive Turbo or GT3 or GTS experience?
I am afraid I may like my own car a bit less afterwards!
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 297
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Hi Super50, I have a C4S with PDK and was in the same boat as you. I did the 4S experience and was thrilled with my choice. The experience I took was much more realistic to my current car and I learned things which I could apply.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Newport Beach, CA and Melbourne, Australia
Did "Master the Manual" yesterday, started in a GT4 then a manual '17 C2S. 1st time I've driven either, preferred the 911 by some margin. Just couldn't get excited about the GT4, as much as it's touted as a mini GT3 that's not how it felt to me. I've driven GT3's several times including on that same track, the GT4 just felt like a faster Cayman.
Getting into the 911 by comparison felt 'right'. Maybe I'm just too used to how they handle and feel, and sure the '17 engine doesn't howl like the old 3.8 but it still pulls hard and I didn't notice any turbo lag at all, even doing circles on the skip pan at very low revs in 2nd. Tickle the gas and it just responded. Very impressive.
Shout out to Oscar Jackson as well, good operator and super nice guy who makes sure you enjoy the session to the max. He's been my guide both visits and I'd recommend him without hesitation.
Getting into the 911 by comparison felt 'right'. Maybe I'm just too used to how they handle and feel, and sure the '17 engine doesn't howl like the old 3.8 but it still pulls hard and I didn't notice any turbo lag at all, even doing circles on the skip pan at very low revs in 2nd. Tickle the gas and it just responded. Very impressive.
Shout out to Oscar Jackson as well, good operator and super nice guy who makes sure you enjoy the session to the max. He's been my guide both visits and I'd recommend him without hesitation.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 83
Likes: 26
From: Northern California
Ieatfishburritos - Thanks so much for your input. I took your advice and signed up for the Carerra S experience.
I loved it. Today's experience has made me a much better and SAFER driver.
Judging by today's experience, the turbo or the GT3 would have been too much for me.
I especially enjoyed the slippery surface training.
I have a new appreciation for what I have in my garage, and what it is capable of.
I also did the simulator which was kinda fun, and had the best veggie wrap I have had in a while from their cafe. I was unable to get into 917 because there was a private event.
I loved it. Today's experience has made me a much better and SAFER driver.
Judging by today's experience, the turbo or the GT3 would have been too much for me.
I especially enjoyed the slippery surface training.
I have a new appreciation for what I have in my garage, and what it is capable of.
I also did the simulator which was kinda fun, and had the best veggie wrap I have had in a while from their cafe. I was unable to get into 917 because there was a private event.
