It’s Disneyland for adults. That’s the first thing that came to mind when I found out that Porsche was building a new track and development center in Carson, CA. It took 17 million to build Disneyland (in 1955) and The Porsche Experience Center will be coming in at a cool 28.7million, so if you think about what Disneyland would cost today (138 million) the Porsche Experience center is a steal.
Designed as a location to further marry motorsport enthusiasts and streetcar owners to the brand, the Porsche Experience Center relocates Porsche Motorsports from their original Santa Ana location. The 53-acre facility running alongside the 405 freeway will include a test track, offering drivers a variety of track configurations and surface conditions on which Porsche road cars can be studied. (It's like Autopia on steroids!)
I took part in the Porsche Driving Experience Roadshow at AAA Speedway in Fontana earlier in the year, an event that allows you to test drive multiple Porsche models on track in specifically oriented settings. Full bore track run in a 991S. Skidpad testing in a Cayman S and hybrid start/stop in a Panamera Plug-in. Trust me when I tell you that the experience makes you want to purchase one. Porsche now has a Southern California “homebase” for this event at the Experience Center.
Taking a queue from Nike perhaps, in addition to the various track sequences, the new complex will feature the Porsche Human Performance Center and sports science lab. Porsche will offer customized programs to maximize personal fitness and wellness for racecar drivers and endurance athletes – the car can only get you so far people!
Per Porsche North America: The world-class facility will also include a business and conference center; family-friendly café; upscale restaurant; and, trackside viewing, dining and conference spaces that will be available for car clubs and corporate clients to reserve for events. (SWEET!) If money is burning a whole in your pocket, The Experience Center will also be able to provide factory-backed classic car restoration and maintenance services at the new facility – try and buy!
Once operational, the facility is expected to result in the creation of 135 additional jobs and generate $22.5 million in economic activity each year for Southern California. Completion and facility operations will commence during the fourth quarter of 2014, so start saving up your money for your next visit to the happiest place on earth.
Who else can't wait to go? Leave a comment!