Atlanta’s Porsche Driving Experience – Yes I Did!
If someone had told me I’d be singing the praises of a Porsche driving experience, I might just have called them crazy. The sexy, masculine brand does not exactly convey the image of a tree hugging eco-friendly vehicle. But that’s just the point: don’t judge a book by its cover.
Under the sleek hood of the hybrid Panamera is an efficient, high performance vehicle. I somehow found myself behind the wheel on a trip to Atlanta celebrating JetBlue’s inaugural flight of a direct travel route from Boston.
While the car will in no way will be running neck and neck with Tesla for environmental awards, test driving the beast and seeing the gas-electric hybrid sedan in action was impressive. The North American Headquarters for Porsche relocated to Atlanta in 2015. If you’re a car lover, speed freak or adrenaline junkie like me who loves new experiences, don’t miss this one.
Yes, previously I would have rolled my eyes and laughed had someone told me I would still be thinking about how much heart-pumping fun I had behind the wheel. The Center is one of two in the country for the well-known brand, one drivers find synonymous with luxury cars in North America.
Combined with the popularity of the Netflix Formula 1 series, this center is the closest occasion most of us will have to come in contact with the affluent world of handsome race car drivers with elite handling skills and track experience.
Atlanta’s Porsche Driving Experience
It is every car enthusiast’s dream to sit behind the wheel of a Porsche and really open it up. At The Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, Georgia (the other is in Los Angeles) you can drive the sports car of your choice on their dedicated track. Choose from a fleet of more than 75 Porsche cars, including the latest vehicle models.
The center is open to the public and can be visited as an individual or part of a group. It is comprised of tracks for driver development. Think of it as the open road on which you can zoom around in a real live Porsche. A driving coach will be accompanying you and may even give you a driving lesson if need be.
Upon entering the Porsche Experience Center, visitors are immediately greeted by a sleek and modern design that reflects the brand’s commitment to innovation. The facility serves as both a showroom for Porsche’s latest models and a dynamic space for enthusiasts to engage with the brand on a more personal level. The PEC is not just a dealership; it’s an immersive journey into the world of Porsche.
The Center offers different modules, each designed to teach you a specific skill, such as speed handling or driving up hills. The Porsche Drive Coaches offer one-on-one sessions, customized according to your requirements. This state-of-the-art facility is a true celebration of Porsche’s engineering excellence, combining education, adrenaline-pumping activities, and luxury in one remarkable destination.
On the Track Experience
One of the standout features of the Porsche Experience Center is its cutting-edge driving track. Here, visitors have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the most iconic Porsche models, including the 911, Cayman, and Panamera.
The track is designed to challenge drivers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, with a variety of twists, turns, and elevation changes that showcase the cars’ exceptional handling capabilities. Professional driving instructors are on hand to provide guidance, ensuring that participants can extract the maximum performance from these high-performance vehicles.
For those looking to take their driving skills to the next level, the PEC offers a range of driving experiences and programs. The “Precision” and “Performance” experiences provide participants with the opportunity to hone their skills in a controlled environment, mastering the art of high-speed driving, braking, and handling.
The programs are tailored to suit individual preferences and comfort levels, creating an exhilarating yet safe environment for enthusiasts to push the limits of these precision-engineered machines.
I had the opportunity to drive the Panamera myself to see how it handles at high speed, go off road on a course where the car practically thinks for itself and take a thrill ride around the track with a professional coach behind the wheel.
After my 90-minute Porsche driving experience, I no longer find the concept of fast cars a mystery. Sensual, sleek, and exciting, I’m not a convert to expensive, fast cars, but can honestly say I now understand the allure. Buckle UP!
Pin Me ♥ A Porsche Driving Experience in Atlanta
The New Track
In 2023, the Porsche Driving Experience Center opened a new 1.3 mile driver development track. Visitors can now experience four new instructor-led driving modules. Desgned by Tilke, engineers recognized as the leaders in track and test facility design, the new track offers 90-minute driving adventures.
The 1.3-mile driver development track includes four instructor-led driving modules including a Low-Friction Circle, an Ice Hill, an Autocross Area and the exciting Handling Circuit. This last module allows visitors to imagine they are experiencing some of the most challenging and iconic drives in the world.
Imagine taking a spin on roads inspired by the Carousel from Germany’s Nürburgring-Nordschleife; the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca, with a rise of 30 feet and drop of 25 feet; and the twisty and challenging Tail of the Dragon in the Smoky Mountains, one of North America’s most famous driving roads.
All will challenge and teach guests driving techniques under the harshest of conditions. Considering I had trouble just getting the car up to 100mph on a straight away, I can only imagine the adrenaline rush of this new track.
Additional Porsche Experiences at the Center
Beyond the thrill of the track, the Porsche Experience Center also offers a glimpse into the brand’s rich history and engineering prowess. The Heritage Gallery showcases a collection of iconic Porsche vehicles from various eras, providing a nostalgic journey through the evolution of automotive design and technology. Interactive exhibits and displays offer insights into the brand’s innovations, emphasizing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of sports cars.
The facilities also house a simulator lab with five simulation machines in which you can race in any setting against drivers from around the world. There is even a performance center which evaluates your physical and physiological fitness before you take the driving seat of a race car.
The Porsche driving adventure in Atlanta is more than just a racing track with some bells and whistles. It is also a museum and showroom for the Porsche brand. The Heritage Center is a two-story building where guests can take self-guided tours and learn more about the history and manufacturing of the world’s most loved sports car. The museum has rotating displays of vehicles from Germany as well as collector editions of the cars.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the PEC features a fine dining restaurant with panoramic views of the driving track. Here, visitors can savor gourmet meals while enjoying the sight and sound of Porsches tearing up the asphalt. The combination of luxury dining and thrilling driving experiences creates a unique and memorable visit for guests of all interests.
In addition to catering to driving enthusiasts, the Porsche Experience Center also hosts corporate events, private gatherings, and team-building activities. The facility’s versatile event spaces and expert staff ensure that each occasion is tailored to meet the specific needs and desires of the guests, creating a truly bespoke experience.
Final Thoughts on the Porsche Track Experience
In conclusion, Atlanta’s Porsche Experience Center is more than just a showroom; it’s a destination that caters to the passions of automotive enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and those seeking a taste of the gift of luxury.
Whether you’re looking to push the limits on the track, explore the brand’s history, or indulge in gourmet dining, the PEC offers a diverse range of experiences that make it a must-visit destination for any Porsche enthusiast or anyone with a love for the finer things in life. To feel the power behind the wheel and the “brain” behind the motor is an adventure you will not soon forget
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This story was originally published in November 2017 and was updated on February 6, 2024 to include current information.
Absolute sweetness. I would love to drive the Porsche hybrid. Indeed, not quite Tesla but a good start.
Great adventure!
Why not have a bit of fun behind the wheel especially in such a sleek and stylish sports car
If I’m going to race around the track Heather, I can’t think of a better brand to do it with. Porsche is certainly known for their high performance engines and speed.
That sounds like an adrenaline fuelled day. I never thought Porche would ever produce a hybrid but it seems they’ve achieved the perfect balance of style and sustainability.
My heart was pumping fast for several hours afterwards. Just the thought still makes my pulse race.
I agree with what you say upfront here – I never would have considered a Porsche before but something crossed over in me lately and I kind of want one! IT didn’t help that I saw a few beauties on a trip to Italy and they fit so well with the scenery!
Good on porsche for getting more environmentally friendly! I loved the track day I did but I dread to think how much fuel the Aston Martin burnt in the process!
Reminds me of my time test-driving **another brand’s** hybrid vehicle in Barcelona earlier this year, with Travel with Kat – that was equally an eye-opener for me. I can only agree with other comments here – it’s good to see sustainability moving up the list of priorities in the industry.
That does sound like a great experience. I drove a hybrid car for the first time earlier this year and loved It. Really didn’t want to give it back again. My car’s over twenty years old. MOT is due in a couple of weeks. She’s rather tatty but I love her.
I’m not in any way a car enthusiast, but I think it would be great fun to ride in a high performance car just once!
That’s the way I felt Karen. What a surprise it was for me to enjoy it as much as I did.
I can’t even drive so this is probably not one for me, but my husband would be in heaven!
What a fun adventure! Didn’t know that Porsche headquarters was in Atlanta!
Sometimes those unexpected adventures turn out to be the greatest. This was definitely one of those times for me!
I should have been more specific Irene. This is their US location. The main headquarters are in Stuttgart, Germany.