If cars have a soul, then taking delivery of one is a milestone event. While getting one at the dealership is nice, making an actual event of it, like I did with my G80 M3, provides memories that will last a lifetime. So when Larry Kosilla of AMMO NYC ordered a new 2022 Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, he decided to take delivery of it at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta. I tag along. How is the experience? Fun…
What did Larry get?
A 2022 Taycan Cross Turismo, the first one to be delivered in the United States. In the coming weeks, I’ll review the car, but know this. Even in non-turbo form (that’s crazy to write, it’s electric), the Taycan is the fastest car I’ve ever driven.
Is it like BMW’s Delivery Experience?
Very much so, but with a few extras. There’s a driving simulator (think of a really good Gran Turismo) where you sit in an actual race car cockpit. Lunch is on Porsche at the excellent restaurant. Then on to drive time in a car similar to the one being delivered to you (no Cross Turismos at the school yet, so Larry took a regular Taycan). Finally, you move to the delivery bay, where an expert goes over your car with you in detail.
There are a few extra special touches, like the wall you sign. Every delivery customer signs a special canvas that will be preserved at the end of the year. The car is covered in a black cloth that’s pulled back for the big reveal. Overall, both German brands provide a special experience because let’s face it, these cars are not cheap.
What’s the Porsche Experience Center like?
It’s a newer facility, with a museum, restaurant, garages, track and show room attached to it. You could practically walk to the Atlanta airport, which is both good and bad, as the roar of jet engines gets tiresome after awhile.
It’s a more involved experience than BMW’s, in that the museum is right in the basement. Some pretty unique cars live there as you’d expect.
What was visible but not accessible was the restoration garage. Porsche will take any car 10 years or older, and restore it to it’s original specifications. From paint and bodywork, to engine work, right down to the bolts. The only limitation is your wallet. Imagine BMW restoring your 2008 E92 M3.
They also have a “showroom” with all the different options available to you as a new build. Porsches are highly customizable so it’s not all-encompassing, but seeing the entire rainbow displayed on small painted shells is in itself a cool display. With BMW’s own Individual program ramping up, I hope they do something like this in the future.
What’s the track like?
Again, similar in layout to BMW’s track in South Carolina, but broken up a bit more for specific exercises. Here, there are two polished concrete drift circles, of course some cone setups for obstacle avoidance, and a unique kick plate. You drive over a plate which moves, or “kicks” out a wheel, causing you to lose control. Think of a rug getting pulled out from under your feet.
The Cayman provides the best overall driving experience. The 911 is an amazing car in and of itself, but its original design flaw remains; an engine at the rear. That means you don’t really want to lift in a turn, but that’s basic Porsche 911 for anyone that’s driven one on a track.
Is it worth it to go?
If you’re a Porsche fan, absolutely. And if you’re ordering your car, consider picking it up here for a special day. Larry was thrilled with everything.
I maintain that going to one of these schools is the most important upgrade you can make to your car, especially with the power modern cars are coming with from the factory. Can you handle your car stock at the limit? If not, then skip the tune and exhaust and book a class.
Porsche Experience Center Mega Gallery
Special thanks to AMMO NYC for bringing me down, and Rui at Greenwich Porsche for organizing everything on site.
Also thanks to the Porsche Experience Center for being so accommodating.
Commissions may be received for product links on this site, so help out if you can. I only write about products I use and believe in.
I use Nikon camera bodies and lenses, a Westcott Ice Light 2, Manfrotto tripod, B + W filters and an iMac Pro to make the art you see here.
Email me at mike@machineswithsouls.com with any questions.
Follow along on Instagram @machineswithsouls
Legal
Due to factors beyond the control of Machines With Souls LLC and Mike D’Ambrosio, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Machines With Souls LLC and Mike D’Ambrosio assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this post. Use this information at your own risk. Machines With Souls LLC and Mike D’Ambrosio recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this post.
Due to factors beyond the control of Machines With Souls LLC and Mike D’Ambrosio, no information contained in this post shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this post is the sole responsibility of the user and not Machines With Souls LLC or Mike D’Ambrosio.
One thought on “The Porsche Experience Center Review”