Porsche Experience Centre Event 2019 I drove the old Cayenne around the Millbrook testing ground a few years ago, it was alright, I suppose. The trouble was, I was in a rush to drive lots of cars, and a 20 minute blast doesn’t always tell you all you need to know about a car to offer a realistic review, so I didn’t write anything. Fast forward a couple of years, and after a quick chat with Porsche’s PR team it transpired that for one reason and another, they weren’t able to lend me their new model Cayenne. However, to compensate, would I be interested in a morning down at their experience centre down at Silverstone? Would I? Umm, daft question. Hang on, “what’s the Porsche Experience Centre?” You may ask. Well, next to their small museum which is also home to their hospitality suit, Porsche has built a specially designed track that incorporates six elements; Handling Circuit, Straights, Kick Plate, Ice Hill, Low Friction and an Off-Road circuit.
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With a total length of just over 3 miles, the track has been designed to be split into the six separate areas that can be used independently of each other, or connected together to form a longer handling circuit. Ultimately, you are coached through all the circuits by an instructor so you understand how your Porsche works in a variety of different situations, from wet to dry, as well as simulating ice and snow driving. Arriving early I devoured my complimentary breakfast of sweet potato pancakes (which if you visit I would whole heartedly recommend) and introduced to Stu, my guide and driver for the session. Wandering outside he introduced me to the new Cayenne and went through the basics, not just about the car, but the route and test centre, and then we were off.
