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Porsche brought its 'world road show' to the home of motorsport in the Middle East, (IMPORTING INSTRUCTORS) allowing participants to put the full product range through its paces at the Bahrain International Circuit, writes Abu George.
The activities were designed to allow drivers to compare the various models and to appreciate the impact of the technological developments that set Porsche apart from its rivals. Although Porsche was keen to demonstrate the outright speed of the cars, safety and education also played a key part in the day.
Instructors were on hand to teach drivers how to enhance their skills to ensure that driving the various models would be a more pleasant and safer experience and how to get the best use out of the various options such as 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus' by using different driving techniques.
The day was split into different segments taking in braking, slalom, road touring, off-road and handling.
Based on the on-track performance:
Cayenne - I was pleasantly surprised at how capable this car is on the most extreme terrain. I've previously dismissed this car as being a Porsche gimmick aimed at those wanting to show off the size of their wallet on the school run. I was wrong. The biggest compliment I can pay this car is that it makes driving a 85 degree slope, up or down hill, supremely easy - in fact, I almost had nothing to do except steer as it drove itself.
The Panamera Turbo packs the most punch of the on-road vehicles with 500bhp yet the comfort factor makes this deliciously deceptive. The light steering enables you to cruise around tight corners at 80kmph, pressed back into the soft leather interior while rocking to music delivered through a state-of-the-art onboard entertainment system. The Panamera combines serious performance with excellent handling and comfort.
Cayman - the crowd favourite - Perfect balance between power and handling, this mid-engine beauty to quote Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, 'corners like it's on rails'! Despite the lower power it seemed to outperform all-comers on the twists and turns of the track.
911 - in its various guises, still built for the traditional Porsche lover but with all the latest technology available through the pedals and control panel. Deliberately designed to be 'twitchier' around the bends to provide more control to the experienced driver, the straight-line speed is simply exhilarating.
The day ended with a series of 'hot laps' where the instructors did the driving and showed us the full potential of each car.
There were those who started nervously but slowly grew in confidence throughout the day, while there were others who found out the hard way that not even the clever chaps at Porsche can produce a button that increases the number of active brain cells while reducing testosterone levels. Porsche spoke at the start of the day about infecting us with the Porsche virus. Well I've got the bug - call 911!
If you get bitten contact the Porsche Centre Bahrain on 17459911.
