Porsche has opened its new experience center near Los Angeles. The $60 million facility sprawls across 53 acres off the 405 in Carson, California. The center is the new headquarters for Porsche Motorsport North America, and features a driver development track, classic race car exhibit, and parts, repair, and restoration shop. There is fine-dining at Restaurant 917.
The other American PEC, in Atlanta, serves as the company’s North American Headquarters, but Porsche is aware of the particular connection between California-based sports-car enthusiasts and the German automaker; the Golden State represents the largest single market in the U.S. for the high-end vehicles. A California PEC was only a matter of time, and the 50,000 square foot facility, with its striking modernist appearance, doesn’t disappoint.
The center’s main attraction will surely be the development track with driver modules. Here, drivers may test their knowledge and expand their skills dealing with high-speed handling, icy road conditions, off-road driving, and low-friction surfaces; acceleration control demonstrations on a one-mile straightaway will teach the fundamentals of the aggressive launch. Drivers may also compete in simulators. Porsche memorabilia and accessories are for sale, and conference rooms and meeting facilities are available, by reservation, for business groups who’d like to make a company day excursion memorable. Who knows, raffles or awards for meeting participants could include 90 minutes of track-time in a 911 Turbo S; ticket price just south of $1k.
This latest PEC joins four others worldwide. Apart from the aforementioned Atlanta location, there are PECs in Leipzig, Germany, Le Mans, France, and Silverstone, England. The Los Angeles Porsche Experience Center is open to the public six days a week, from 8 to 5, and is closed Mondays.