Went to Barber...PDS one day event!

What a blast!

I just got back home after the one day PDS experience and my oh my... it was one day that I will savour for a long time. I loved it!

As has been mentioned before, the entire event was incredibly well organized. There really wasn't a moment when one didn't feel involved. The instructors are superb communicators and their driving skills are nothing short of genius. I learnt so much.

Barber is an amazing racecourse and museum. The place is kept manicured and I could not believe the pristine condition of the track, buildings and grounds.

The event included the following:

• Track time - drive the Panamera GTS, 991S, Cayman R, New Boxter S
• Off Road - Cayenne S
• Talk and intro to the GT3 Cup Car by Andrew Davis (Brumos driver)
• Panamera Turbo launch control, braking, and handling demo (amazing!)
• Test drive new Boxter S and Cayman R launch control, braking, and handling
• Hands on test drive 991S - braking and suspension loading
• Drive 991S on skid pad to test PASM (I was amazed at the effectiveness of PASM)
• Hot laps (in any P car of your choice) with instructors driving at race speeds! I chose to go in the 991S... MY LORD! I thought I was no slacker... in the right hands this car is an animal and its handling is UNBELIEVABLE !!!!
• Tour of the museum.

Just an awesome day!

I came away knowing that the best investment one can make when considering the options on your car is to sign up for a course at the Porsche Driving School. I'd go as far as to state that IMO if you really want to experience your P car, the driving school is a must. It's made me so appreciative of the engineering, technology and the Porsche package as a whole that I regret not doing this before. I am signing up to another class soon.

Some snippets of specific information that I came away with after chatting to some instructors:

- they love the Panamera GTS
- the new 991S is significantly better in almost every way than to its predecessor
- the issues about the 991 steering making one feel disconnected etc... its negligible
- PDCC and SPASM get it of you want GT3 like handling with the comfort and daily driving characteristics of a 991S. I spent a lot of time talking to different instructors about their impression of this option for a car that will spend more time on the road than on the track. Each felt that they would definitely go for it. Anything that helps keep four tires on the ground will aid performance and safety. I am glad I have opted for it. I know there are some here who think its use is purely for the track... wrong!
- The dynamic engine mounts offer a significant enhancement to the ride and vibration issues. Get the Sport Chrono.
- I heard the Sport Exhaust..... agree with others and it really is a MUST!!! It sounds sublime! and the blips...what can I say.

Yes I know that the instructors are porsche staff etc. and that opinions may be biased. What matter to me is that I am more comfortable and knowledgeable about the brand and the car than I was before. I am happy with my car of and options of choice and would not change anything.

I could go on and on but I better not. Here are a few pics.

 

That looks/sounds amazing!!

 

Nice Haku! Done Birmingham five times and it just gets better. Do the Advanced and Masters. It's worth it, glad you had fun!

Who were your instructors?

 

Well done for doing the courses. I should have got on to it sooner.

I tried to sign up for their 2 day course but everything is pretty much booked up for this year!

Will put myself down for cancellations or def early next year.

Had Eric Huffman as one of the instructors. I had bumped into him last year at a Ducati store in Atlanta and got to chat to him then. Really nice fellow.

 

looks amazing!!

 

Now thats a statue!

 

great way to spend a day, that museum looks awesome

 

As a bike guy I spent walking around and digging it twice every time I am there.

 

great write up and pics...looks like it was amazing...

 

wow thank you