A day out at Porsche Experience, Silverstone

A day out at Porsche Experience, Silverstone

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Discussion

Mark-ri571

344 posts

94 months

Sunday 12th December 2021
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southerndriver said:
Yes, last year before the whole Covid thing kicked off. It came free with buying a new Porsche. Excellent half day out. I’m don’t get a lot of enjoyment out of thrashing round a track at high speed, although we did some of that. The best parts for me were the braking exercise which showcased the phenomenal brakes fitted to the Macan, and the kicker plate which induces a sort of skid that you have to catch. The instructor was excellent and the lunch was good too. The only downside for me was that my wife – who came along to watch and get a free lunch – couldn’t share the driving (although I’ve since heard some attendees saying they did share driving with their fellow attendee).
I went last Monday and shared the morning with my son in law as I have been a few times before. I was more than happy to share as I just wanted to to drive the tracks and the straights and not bothered about the low friction skid pan, kick plate or ice hill. The instructor did however give me a couple of goes on the kick plate but the Macan threw a wobbly when all the traction control systems were turned off and a host of warning lights came on and the car went into rear wheel drive only. Had to gingerly drive back to the centre . Car eventually reset itself after a while.

Edited by Mark-ri571 on Sunday 12th December 10:28

Mark-ri571

344 posts

94 months

Sunday 12th December 2021
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Last Monday

James44

251 posts

156 months

Sunday 12th December 2021
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Took our own 997 Turbo their in 2017 ... to be taught how to drive it properly.

Was a brilliant half day. A couple of great session with the instructor.

david-j8694

476 posts

35 months

Monday 13th December 2021
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Yeah, I went last month (purchased it myself, so I could get properly acquainted with a 718 Cayman to confirm whether I wanted a 981 GTS now or some variant of 718).

I've been on a number of track days and this was the most enjoyable and beneficial by far. It's very much focused on technique, real-world scenarios and getting the most out of whatever car you've chosen to drive. Other days I've been on seemed more focused on allowing people to mildly push poster cars they'll unlikely ever be able to afford. It has annoyed me in the past when instructors are commanding you to shift up at 6500 on car that's got another 2000 to go.

The instructor was excellent and everyone was very welcoming. Lunch and afternoon tea were a nice touch. The whole day left me feeling really positive about the brand as a whole. In a funny sort of way it's actually a really good advert for Porsche, especially if you're not an existing owner.

Fnumber1user

332 posts

39 months

Monday 13th December 2021
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david-j8694 said:
Yeah, I went last month (purchased it myself, so I could get properly acquainted with a 718 Cayman to confirm whether I wanted a 981 GTS now or some variant of 718).

I've been on a number of track days and this was the most enjoyable and beneficial by far. It's very much focused on technique, real-world scenarios and getting the most out of whatever car you've chosen to drive. Other days I've been on seemed more focused on allowing people to mildly push poster cars they'll unlikely ever be able to afford. It has annoyed me in the past when instructors are commanding you to shift up at 6500 on car that's got another 2000 to go.

The instructor was excellent and everyone was very welcoming. Lunch and afternoon tea were a nice touch. The whole day left me feeling really positive about the brand as a whole. In a funny sort of way it's actually a really good advert for Porsche, especially if you're not an existing owner.
Nicely written, found the same myself...and what did you decide re 981 vs 982?

david-j8694

476 posts

35 months

Monday 13th December 2021
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Fnumber1user said:
Nicely written, found the same myself...and what did you decide re 981 vs 982?
I picked up a 981 GTS less than a week later laugh

The 718 base felt very capable, but I'd just come from a coupe with a fairly powerful turbocharged engine, and I fancied something completely different. The 718 is of course a superb sports car and looks great to my eyes, but I wanted something that felt and sounded a little more raucous, in addition to being hugely capable. A couple of local OPCs were open to taking a deposit on a 718 GTS 4.0, but given the 9-12 month wait time, who knows what I'll want by then. The howling flat 6 has ticked my boxes for the time being though biggrin

Edited by david-j8694 on Monday 13th December 09:50

troc

3,526 posts

162 months

Friday 17th December 2021
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In Holland we get a half day road-based advanced training with a new Porsche. I did mine today accompanied by a police driving instructor. In a Porsche Cayenne.

Covered everything from emergency stops from 200+ kph and ‘making progress’ on backroads (sight lines. Apex spotting, etc etc) to proper off-road driving.

Great fun and I learned a lot

davidc1

1,470 posts

149 months

Friday 17th December 2021
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I need to go again. Been 3 times. Such a nice day out.
You learn and 1 to 1 tuition cant be beaten.

I did the formula ford at silverstone recently and it was rubbish. Horrible shonky single seater and a dangerous set up with everyone in a race type scenario . Didnt learn anything and it all felt unsafe.

Pec is a quality place.

Dixy

2,533 posts

192 months

Tuesday 7th March
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Went yesterday. Fantastic, made particularly so by Jill my instructor.
Had it with the purchase of a new car, was told it would happen before the car went no change, for both the dealer and I it is a shame it did not as I would have added about another £10kof spec.

Double Fault

1,117 posts

250 months

Tuesday 7th March
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Are we doing the 'Precision' one?

Johnniem

2,596 posts

210 months

Tuesday 7th March
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Had a morning there last June. Four cars driven. All excellent. A great experience!

In my last 10 minutes the instructor asked what I'd like to do (which track, I think). I said, 'I'd like you to drive and show me how good this car really is' (it was the GT2RS 2022 version). Well, it was bloomin' amazing and I would never have thought that the car was so throwable. He drove it like he stole it and I shall probably never experience driving like it again. I would highly recommend this tactic if anyone is due to have the Porsche Experience day.

JM

turbospud

472 posts

225 months

Wednesday 8th March
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is contacting the experiance center on an allocation basis

M11rph

228 posts

8 months

Wednesday 8th March
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turbospud said:
is contacting the experiance center on an allocation basis
If you've placed an order for a new car then they should contact you shortly after via e-mail.

You'll get a letter with a Reference number, you call them up and book. It's free/included in the price of the car.

or...

Decide which type of experience day you want to do. Call, book, pay. ( PEC Silverstone 01327 855 911)



Acorn1

240 posts

7 months

Wednesday 8th March
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I quite fancy doing this how far in advance do you need to book?

M11rph

228 posts

8 months

Wednesday 8th March
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When I made my booking recently they were working up to 8 weeks ahead.

If you have a specific date in mind and want to book further ahead I think you'd be best trying to call (before Christmas they were understaffed and making contact wasn't straightforward, but it appears to be improving) or e-mail indicating which "experience" you want to do and they should get back to you with availability.

The options are here:

https://www2.pec.porsche.com/silverstone/en/

An online booking system would be preferable showing availability, but for now it's phone or email.

turbospud

472 posts

225 months

Wednesday 8th March
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i was being sarcastic,the phone goes unanswered and this is the email response

Thank you for contacting the Porsche Driving Experience.

The Centre is experiencing a high number of calls and emails and we apologise for any delays with our response time.
We will aim to reply to your email within 5 working days, between 09.00 and 17.00, Monday – Friday.

porsche should do a satisfaction survey on their own center,same as they do for the dealerssmile


Acorn1

240 posts

7 months

Wednesday 8th March
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M11rph said:
When I made my booking recently they were working up to 8 weeks ahead.

If you have a specific date in mind and want to book further ahead I think you'd be best trying to call (before Christmas they were understaffed and making contact wasn't straightforward, but it appears to be improving) or e-mail indicating which "experience" you want to do and they should get back to you with availability.

The options are here:

https://www2.pec.porsche.com/silverstone/en/

An online booking system would be preferable showing availability, but for now it's phone or email.
Thanks for the info, Looking to take a couple of mates as a surprise smile

brisel

830 posts

195 months

Saturday 11th March
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I’m doing my third visit there next week. The first two in their 991s and this time in my own 997.1 Turbo.

Emails to book it were answered within a week. The phone call to book it was answered after a couple of minutes last week and they had plenty of availability within a week of the call, stretching forward into June.

M11rph

228 posts

8 months

Yesterday (18:42)
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Just back from doing my day at PEC.

Great day. Big fun and learnt plenty from my instructor (Nick). He managed to pitch the amount of information perfectly to my needs and didn't give me too much grief for my hamfisted efforts.

Really enjoyed the car (718 GTS) and confirmed that I'd made the correct choices for me. I can see myself going back.


Tripe Bypass

554 posts

190 months

Yesterday (21:30)
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M11rph said:
Just back from doing my day at PEC.

Great day. Big fun and learnt plenty from my instructor (Nick). He managed to pitch the amount of information perfectly to my needs and didn't give me too much grief for my hamfisted efforts.

Really enjoyed the car (718 GTS) and confirmed that I'd made the correct choices for me. I can see myself going back.
I'm guessing your instructor was Nick Arnold. He was my instructor the last time I was there. He made a good day great. Splendid chap.