Special Feature - Porsche World Road Show 2010
16 Aug 2010|11,945 views
How? How do I relate the day I spent tossing and wrestling different Porsches around a vast expanse of tarmac without sounding like a child on Christmas morning? The simple fact of the matter is, I can't! God knows I've loved Porsches since I was a child. Of course I do love the other 'exoticars' like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins just as much as the next car junkie but Porsches always seem to do it for me.
It's just something about the understated design that's inherent in the 911's DNA. The quiet confidence it exudes. The kind you see in an accomplished racing driver. The purposeful gait, the athletic poise and the easy smile. This is what I've always loved about Porsches. The perfect everyday gentleman's sports car whose eclectic curves have been shaped by decades of racing evolution. Delivering incredible performance without the inherent annoyance that owners of certain marques have been known for.
The day started early as we arrived at the Changi International Exhibition Centre to be greeted with one of the greatest collection of Porsches I've ever seen. I'm sure seeing Evangeline Lily sun bathing on a deck chair in her bikini would've been lovely as well but no on this morning, I'll still much rather lay my eyes on this line of Porkers all parked neatly before me in the early morning sun.
It's just something about the understated design that's inherent in the 911's DNA. The quiet confidence it exudes. The kind you see in an accomplished racing driver. The purposeful gait, the athletic poise and the easy smile. This is what I've always loved about Porsches. The perfect everyday gentleman's sports car whose eclectic curves have been shaped by decades of racing evolution. Delivering incredible performance without the inherent annoyance that owners of certain marques have been known for.
The day started early as we arrived at the Changi International Exhibition Centre to be greeted with one of the greatest collection of Porsches I've ever seen. I'm sure seeing Evangeline Lily sun bathing on a deck chair in her bikini would've been lovely as well but no on this morning, I'll still much rather lay my eyes on this line of Porkers all parked neatly before me in the early morning sun.
In this collection was the latest generation Cayenne that was just launched the night before in all its different variants including the most interesting, a hybrid version. Other notable representations of the Porsche range included a stripped out light weight Boxster Spyder that pays quiet homage to the 550 Spyder of the 1950s. Of course such an event wouldn't be right without a notable representation of the 911 range. In attendance were the latest Porsche Turbo Cabriolet, Carrera 4 S and the latest generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS MK II. In addition were the Panamera in all its variants and the Cayman S. All PDK-equipped of course.
Helming the entire driving experience was a team of Porsche instructors with varied motor racing experience and training. First up is Gunther Ofenmacher, an experienced race car driver with over 20 years of motorsports experience. up is Tobias Theurer, a former German Karting Champion who has instructed at numerous Porsche driving courses. Also present is Frank Buhr who sports the sideburns of a 1970s Le Man racer, he possesses vast experience in various forms of motorsport and has participated in driving events such as the Beetle Fun-Cup and the Historic Rally. Lastly we have a local representative, Lim Chun Kiat, a former Group Training Manager with Porsche Singapore steeped with extensive driving experience having attended many advanced driver training courses with Porsche in Stuttgart.
Helming the entire driving experience was a team of Porsche instructors with varied motor racing experience and training. First up is Gunther Ofenmacher, an experienced race car driver with over 20 years of motorsports experience. up is Tobias Theurer, a former German Karting Champion who has instructed at numerous Porsche driving courses. Also present is Frank Buhr who sports the sideburns of a 1970s Le Man racer, he possesses vast experience in various forms of motorsport and has participated in driving events such as the Beetle Fun-Cup and the Historic Rally. Lastly we have a local representative, Lim Chun Kiat, a former Group Training Manager with Porsche Singapore steeped with extensive driving experience having attended many advanced driver training courses with Porsche in Stuttgart.
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Porsche Cayenne Road Tour
After a short briefing on correct driving position, participants were shuffled off into their respective groups and stations. I started the day in the Cayenne Road Tour where participants were given a chance to drive the left hand drive Cayennes out on to the local public roads. I hopped in the brand new Porsche Cayenne Turbo for this section as a passenger as there weren't enough cars available.
Nevertheless I still managed to experience the Turbo's 700Nm of torque despite the heavy traffic on the TPE. The acceleration literally threw me back into the seat even though I braced myself on the front seats. It didn't matter because soon as my fellow journalist floored it, I lost my grip and flew back.
Despite Porsche's extensive preparation for the event and getting special approval for the left hand drive vehicles to be on our roads, an overzealous traffic policeman pulled the entire Porsche convoy over anyway with his bike just to find out what's going on. It wasn't easy regrouping the entire convoy again after moving off in the heavy early morning rush-hour traffic but the rear sweeper in his yellow Cayman did a fine job of blocking off traffic so we could regroup.
Slalom Course
Following our eventful road tour in the Cayennes, we moved on to the next station where participants were let loose on a slalom course in the latest Boxster. The course demonstrated the sweet handling of the Boxster's mid-engine layout where the rapid directional changes gave drivers a taste of its exceptional balance. Of course in the spirit of Porsche's racing heritage, participants did a timed lap after two practice sessions. The fastest time at the end of the day received a 1:18 model of the Porsche Cayman S.
After a short briefing on correct driving position, participants were shuffled off into their respective groups and stations. I started the day in the Cayenne Road Tour where participants were given a chance to drive the left hand drive Cayennes out on to the local public roads. I hopped in the brand new Porsche Cayenne Turbo for this section as a passenger as there weren't enough cars available.
Nevertheless I still managed to experience the Turbo's 700Nm of torque despite the heavy traffic on the TPE. The acceleration literally threw me back into the seat even though I braced myself on the front seats. It didn't matter because soon as my fellow journalist floored it, I lost my grip and flew back.
Despite Porsche's extensive preparation for the event and getting special approval for the left hand drive vehicles to be on our roads, an overzealous traffic policeman pulled the entire Porsche convoy over anyway with his bike just to find out what's going on. It wasn't easy regrouping the entire convoy again after moving off in the heavy early morning rush-hour traffic but the rear sweeper in his yellow Cayman did a fine job of blocking off traffic so we could regroup.
Slalom Course
Following our eventful road tour in the Cayennes, we moved on to the next station where participants were let loose on a slalom course in the latest Boxster. The course demonstrated the sweet handling of the Boxster's mid-engine layout where the rapid directional changes gave drivers a taste of its exceptional balance. Of course in the spirit of Porsche's racing heritage, participants did a timed lap after two practice sessions. The fastest time at the end of the day received a 1:18 model of the Porsche Cayman S.
Moose Test
No, we didn't sit a moose down for a written test™but we did practice avoiding a cone representative of one while travelling at 80kmh in a Porsche Panamera Turbo. Travelling at 80kmh, most would think that in the serene insulated environment of a Panamera, 80kmh isn't very fast. But if one were to swerve at such speeds in a bid to avoid obstacles, the end result could be dire.
In this test, participants got to experience the world of difference the Porsche Stability Management system made in a sudden avoidance scenario. With the system on, the Panamera took the swerve without even a hint of any loss in control. The system activated its traction control system to work in conjunction with the brakes where brakes are applied to individual wheels at intervals to maintain stability in the direction the vehicle wants to go.
The excellence of the PSM system was further underlined when participants went through the test a second time with the PSM off. The large four-seater immediately descended into a irrecoverable spin at the first swerve which on a normal road would most definitely have resulted in a crash into an oncoming vehicle. It was also in this test that I suffered a bruised shoulder as a rear passenger, I slammed into the side of the car after a fellow journalist put the car into a 360 degree spin.
At the end of it though, I think we all enjoyed this section tremendously. It's not everyday you get to throw a $500,000 car into a spin with tires screeching.
Handling Course
After pumping our adrenaline with the Moose Test, our instructor Gunther Ofenmacher set us up with a drive in a Cayman S, 911 Carrera 4 S and a Porsche Panamera Turbo. The handling circuit consisted of high speed runs on a straight with a series of corners thrown in to demonstrate the different handling characteristics of the cars.
No, we didn't sit a moose down for a written test™but we did practice avoiding a cone representative of one while travelling at 80kmh in a Porsche Panamera Turbo. Travelling at 80kmh, most would think that in the serene insulated environment of a Panamera, 80kmh isn't very fast. But if one were to swerve at such speeds in a bid to avoid obstacles, the end result could be dire.
In this test, participants got to experience the world of difference the Porsche Stability Management system made in a sudden avoidance scenario. With the system on, the Panamera took the swerve without even a hint of any loss in control. The system activated its traction control system to work in conjunction with the brakes where brakes are applied to individual wheels at intervals to maintain stability in the direction the vehicle wants to go.
The excellence of the PSM system was further underlined when participants went through the test a second time with the PSM off. The large four-seater immediately descended into a irrecoverable spin at the first swerve which on a normal road would most definitely have resulted in a crash into an oncoming vehicle. It was also in this test that I suffered a bruised shoulder as a rear passenger, I slammed into the side of the car after a fellow journalist put the car into a 360 degree spin.
At the end of it though, I think we all enjoyed this section tremendously. It's not everyday you get to throw a $500,000 car into a spin with tires screeching.
Handling Course
After pumping our adrenaline with the Moose Test, our instructor Gunther Ofenmacher set us up with a drive in a Cayman S, 911 Carrera 4 S and a Porsche Panamera Turbo. The handling circuit consisted of high speed runs on a straight with a series of corners thrown in to demonstrate the different handling characteristics of the cars.
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I haven't really understood what my peers were on about the Cayman S till I actually drove it myself. The Cayman S is truly a gem. Despite the car being marketed as an entry-level Porsche, everything about the driving aspect of the car is sublime. Climbing into the driver's seat, I found the driving position to be one of the best I've ever been in. The steering wheel is in a perfect position for lots of lock to lock action with the angle perfectly perpendicular to your body. The pedals too are nicely spaced apart even for someone wearing size 12s (eg. Me).
When compared to the rest, I found the Cayman's steering weight and feel to be spot on. Communication through the wheel was also excellent as you can always tell what the front wheels are doing as you feel your way through the corners. It feels nearly blasphemous for me to be spouting this but I truly felt the Cayman S to be a much better drive than the 911 C4S. It was just a better car to throw around the corners.
The Panamera Turbo might not get much love for the feedback it gave on the handling course considering the steering feel was about as sensitive as silicone implants on an adult actress. But boy did it have a thrilling exhaust note. There's no doubt in my mind that the car truly gave the best sound of the day with the rumble of its V8. You have to hear it for yourself to fully comprehend why grown men wince at the sound of it.
Conclusion
The Porsche World Road Show event was truly a dream come true experience for a diehard Porsche fan like myself. I am ashamed for betraying my journalistic demeanour that day with the amount of gushing I displayed but what a day it was.
I can't wait for when the boys from Porsche roll into town again with their latest offerings™
When compared to the rest, I found the Cayman's steering weight and feel to be spot on. Communication through the wheel was also excellent as you can always tell what the front wheels are doing as you feel your way through the corners. It feels nearly blasphemous for me to be spouting this but I truly felt the Cayman S to be a much better drive than the 911 C4S. It was just a better car to throw around the corners.
The Panamera Turbo might not get much love for the feedback it gave on the handling course considering the steering feel was about as sensitive as silicone implants on an adult actress. But boy did it have a thrilling exhaust note. There's no doubt in my mind that the car truly gave the best sound of the day with the rumble of its V8. You have to hear it for yourself to fully comprehend why grown men wince at the sound of it.
Conclusion
The Porsche World Road Show event was truly a dream come true experience for a diehard Porsche fan like myself. I am ashamed for betraying my journalistic demeanour that day with the amount of gushing I displayed but what a day it was.
I can't wait for when the boys from Porsche roll into town again with their latest offerings™
Interview with Chief Instructor Gunther Ofenmacher
Q1: What are you hoping that participants will take away from the PWRS experience?
Well first and foremost, I want our participants to have enjoyed their day spent with us and even better if they're bitten by the Porsche bug. Of course if they are potential customers, I hope they will buy a Porsche from us right after this event.
Q2: Having done several PWRS around the world, do you have any memorable experiences to share?
Well I do about eight PWRS events every year so there are many experiences I can draw from. But I can say that this is my second time here in Singapore and I'm very impressed. I would really love to visit here again.
Q3: Does motorsports run in your family?
Yes, of course. Since I was a baby, I would sit on the knees of my father watching the Formula 1 races together. My father also raced in some hill climb events. I think that my love for cars and motorsports stem from this early influence.
Q4: How has racing Porsches professionally helped you appreciate the design and engineering that goes into Porsches better?
I think what I love most about Porsches is how they're designed with a very strong racing heritage in mind. Take the 911 GT3 for example, it performs admirably on the race track but you can also drive it home at the end of the day. It is this inherent racing DNA in Porsches that I love most.
Q1: What are you hoping that participants will take away from the PWRS experience?
Well first and foremost, I want our participants to have enjoyed their day spent with us and even better if they're bitten by the Porsche bug. Of course if they are potential customers, I hope they will buy a Porsche from us right after this event.
Q2: Having done several PWRS around the world, do you have any memorable experiences to share?
Well I do about eight PWRS events every year so there are many experiences I can draw from. But I can say that this is my second time here in Singapore and I'm very impressed. I would really love to visit here again.
Q3: Does motorsports run in your family?
Yes, of course. Since I was a baby, I would sit on the knees of my father watching the Formula 1 races together. My father also raced in some hill climb events. I think that my love for cars and motorsports stem from this early influence.
Q4: How has racing Porsches professionally helped you appreciate the design and engineering that goes into Porsches better?
I think what I love most about Porsches is how they're designed with a very strong racing heritage in mind. Take the 911 GT3 for example, it performs admirably on the race track but you can also drive it home at the end of the day. It is this inherent racing DNA in Porsches that I love most.
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Q5: What do you think is the most defining characteristic that sets a Porsche apart from other sportscars in the market in terms of performance?
If you compare Porsches with Ferraris, I believe Porsches are unique in their understatement. But nevertheless under this understatement is still a very capable sports car steeped in racing heritage.
Q6: How close does the performance of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS MKII resemble that of a Porsche Carrera Cup car?
Well I think it would be difficult to compare these two cars fairly as the Porsche Carrera Cup car is a race car designed for the track whereas a GT3 RS is a race car designed for the road. So naturally there will be some compromises in the GT3 RS. In that same breath, if you compare the GT3 RS to other sports cars, it is one of the best. It's an extremely capable sports car. During the last 24 hour race at the Nurburgring, we took a GT3 RS with some minor modifications (i.e. racing slicks and setup changes) and raced it. We managed to clinch 13th place after 24 hours and drove it back to the factory on public roads at the end of it.
Q7: What is your favourite Porsche of all time and why?
Well I would have to say it is the Porsche 964 Cup car as it was the first race that I won with a Porsche. So that car holds a lot of great memories.
If you compare Porsches with Ferraris, I believe Porsches are unique in their understatement. But nevertheless under this understatement is still a very capable sports car steeped in racing heritage.
Q6: How close does the performance of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS MKII resemble that of a Porsche Carrera Cup car?
Well I think it would be difficult to compare these two cars fairly as the Porsche Carrera Cup car is a race car designed for the track whereas a GT3 RS is a race car designed for the road. So naturally there will be some compromises in the GT3 RS. In that same breath, if you compare the GT3 RS to other sports cars, it is one of the best. It's an extremely capable sports car. During the last 24 hour race at the Nurburgring, we took a GT3 RS with some minor modifications (i.e. racing slicks and setup changes) and raced it. We managed to clinch 13th place after 24 hours and drove it back to the factory on public roads at the end of it.
Q7: What is your favourite Porsche of all time and why?
Well I would have to say it is the Porsche 964 Cup car as it was the first race that I won with a Porsche. So that car holds a lot of great memories.
Q8: What Porsche do you own currently?
Well, as a Porsche instructor, I have permission from the factory to drive home any car in the Porsche range and I have to drive it as it is my job…hahaha…but personally I have a Volkswagen at home.
Q9: Have you taken the Carrera GT home yet?
Hahaha…unfortunately no…we're not allowed to take that home…hahaha
Q9: Some international motoring journalists have accused Porsche designers to be the laziest in the world. What response do you have for that?
Why should we change timeless design?
I don't think Porsche designers are lazy. We work very hard developing our cars making them better and more efficient. We've been very successful with the evolution of our design. So why should we change that? As I said earlier, why should we change timeless design?
Well, as a Porsche instructor, I have permission from the factory to drive home any car in the Porsche range and I have to drive it as it is my job…hahaha…but personally I have a Volkswagen at home.
Q9: Have you taken the Carrera GT home yet?
Hahaha…unfortunately no…we're not allowed to take that home…hahaha
Q9: Some international motoring journalists have accused Porsche designers to be the laziest in the world. What response do you have for that?
Why should we change timeless design?
I don't think Porsche designers are lazy. We work very hard developing our cars making them better and more efficient. We've been very successful with the evolution of our design. So why should we change that? As I said earlier, why should we change timeless design?
How? How do I relate the day I spent tossing and wrestling different Porsches around a vast expanse of tarmac without sounding like a child on Christmas morning? The simple fact of the matter is, I can't! God knows I've loved Porsches since I was a child. Of course I do love the other 'exoticars' like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Aston Martins just as much as the next car junkie but Porsches always seem to do it for me.
It's just something about the understated design that's inherent in the 911's DNA. The quiet confidence it exudes. The kind you see in an accomplished racing driver. The purposeful gait, the athletic poise and the easy smile. This is what I've always loved about Porsches. The perfect everyday gentleman's sports car whose eclectic curves have been shaped by decades of racing evolution. Delivering incredible performance without the inherent annoyance that owners of certain marques have been known for.
The day started early as we arrived at the Changi International Exhibition Centre to be greeted with one of the greatest collection of Porsches I've ever seen. I'm sure seeing Evangeline Lily sun bathing on a deck chair in her bikini would've been lovely as well but no on this morning, I'll still much rather lay my eyes on this line of Porkers all parked neatly before me in the early morning sun.
It's just something about the understated design that's inherent in the 911's DNA. The quiet confidence it exudes. The kind you see in an accomplished racing driver. The purposeful gait, the athletic poise and the easy smile. This is what I've always loved about Porsches. The perfect everyday gentleman's sports car whose eclectic curves have been shaped by decades of racing evolution. Delivering incredible performance without the inherent annoyance that owners of certain marques have been known for.
The day started early as we arrived at the Changi International Exhibition Centre to be greeted with one of the greatest collection of Porsches I've ever seen. I'm sure seeing Evangeline Lily sun bathing on a deck chair in her bikini would've been lovely as well but no on this morning, I'll still much rather lay my eyes on this line of Porkers all parked neatly before me in the early morning sun.
In this collection was the latest generation Cayenne that was just launched the night before in all its different variants including the most interesting, a hybrid version. Other notable representations of the Porsche range included a stripped out light weight Boxster Spyder that pays quiet homage to the 550 Spyder of the 1950s. Of course such an event wouldn't be right without a notable representation of the 911 range. In attendance were the latest Porsche Turbo Cabriolet, Carrera 4 S and the latest generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS MK II. In addition were the Panamera in all its variants and the Cayman S. All PDK-equipped of course.
Helming the entire driving experience was a team of Porsche instructors with varied motor racing experience and training. First up is Gunther Ofenmacher, an experienced race car driver with over 20 years of motorsports experience. up is Tobias Theurer, a former German Karting Champion who has instructed at numerous Porsche driving courses. Also present is Frank Buhr who sports the sideburns of a 1970s Le Man racer, he possesses vast experience in various forms of motorsport and has participated in driving events such as the Beetle Fun-Cup and the Historic Rally. Lastly we have a local representative, Lim Chun Kiat, a former Group Training Manager with Porsche Singapore steeped with extensive driving experience having attended many advanced driver training courses with Porsche in Stuttgart.
Helming the entire driving experience was a team of Porsche instructors with varied motor racing experience and training. First up is Gunther Ofenmacher, an experienced race car driver with over 20 years of motorsports experience. up is Tobias Theurer, a former German Karting Champion who has instructed at numerous Porsche driving courses. Also present is Frank Buhr who sports the sideburns of a 1970s Le Man racer, he possesses vast experience in various forms of motorsport and has participated in driving events such as the Beetle Fun-Cup and the Historic Rally. Lastly we have a local representative, Lim Chun Kiat, a former Group Training Manager with Porsche Singapore steeped with extensive driving experience having attended many advanced driver training courses with Porsche in Stuttgart.
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Porsche Cayenne Road Tour
After a short briefing on correct driving position, participants were shuffled off into their respective groups and stations. I started the day in the Cayenne Road Tour where participants were given a chance to drive the left hand drive Cayennes out on to the local public roads. I hopped in the brand new Porsche Cayenne Turbo for this section as a passenger as there weren't enough cars available.
Nevertheless I still managed to experience the Turbo's 700Nm of torque despite the heavy traffic on the TPE. The acceleration literally threw me back into the seat even though I braced myself on the front seats. It didn't matter because soon as my fellow journalist floored it, I lost my grip and flew back.
Despite Porsche's extensive preparation for the event and getting special approval for the left hand drive vehicles to be on our roads, an overzealous traffic policeman pulled the entire Porsche convoy over anyway with his bike just to find out what's going on. It wasn't easy regrouping the entire convoy again after moving off in the heavy early morning rush-hour traffic but the rear sweeper in his yellow Cayman did a fine job of blocking off traffic so we could regroup.
Slalom Course
Following our eventful road tour in the Cayennes, we moved on to the next station where participants were let loose on a slalom course in the latest Boxster. The course demonstrated the sweet handling of the Boxster's mid-engine layout where the rapid directional changes gave drivers a taste of its exceptional balance. Of course in the spirit of Porsche's racing heritage, participants did a timed lap after two practice sessions. The fastest time at the end of the day received a 1:18 model of the Porsche Cayman S.
After a short briefing on correct driving position, participants were shuffled off into their respective groups and stations. I started the day in the Cayenne Road Tour where participants were given a chance to drive the left hand drive Cayennes out on to the local public roads. I hopped in the brand new Porsche Cayenne Turbo for this section as a passenger as there weren't enough cars available.
Nevertheless I still managed to experience the Turbo's 700Nm of torque despite the heavy traffic on the TPE. The acceleration literally threw me back into the seat even though I braced myself on the front seats. It didn't matter because soon as my fellow journalist floored it, I lost my grip and flew back.
Despite Porsche's extensive preparation for the event and getting special approval for the left hand drive vehicles to be on our roads, an overzealous traffic policeman pulled the entire Porsche convoy over anyway with his bike just to find out what's going on. It wasn't easy regrouping the entire convoy again after moving off in the heavy early morning rush-hour traffic but the rear sweeper in his yellow Cayman did a fine job of blocking off traffic so we could regroup.
Slalom Course
Following our eventful road tour in the Cayennes, we moved on to the next station where participants were let loose on a slalom course in the latest Boxster. The course demonstrated the sweet handling of the Boxster's mid-engine layout where the rapid directional changes gave drivers a taste of its exceptional balance. Of course in the spirit of Porsche's racing heritage, participants did a timed lap after two practice sessions. The fastest time at the end of the day received a 1:18 model of the Porsche Cayman S.
Moose Test
No, we didn't sit a moose down for a written test™but we did practice avoiding a cone representative of one while travelling at 80kmh in a Porsche Panamera Turbo. Travelling at 80kmh, most would think that in the serene insulated environment of a Panamera, 80kmh isn't very fast. But if one were to swerve at such speeds in a bid to avoid obstacles, the end result could be dire.
In this test, participants got to experience the world of difference the Porsche Stability Management system made in a sudden avoidance scenario. With the system on, the Panamera took the swerve without even a hint of any loss in control. The system activated its traction control system to work in conjunction with the brakes where brakes are applied to individual wheels at intervals to maintain stability in the direction the vehicle wants to go.
The excellence of the PSM system was further underlined when participants went through the test a second time with the PSM off. The large four-seater immediately descended into a irrecoverable spin at the first swerve which on a normal road would most definitely have resulted in a crash into an oncoming vehicle. It was also in this test that I suffered a bruised shoulder as a rear passenger, I slammed into the side of the car after a fellow journalist put the car into a 360 degree spin.
At the end of it though, I think we all enjoyed this section tremendously. It's not everyday you get to throw a $500,000 car into a spin with tires screeching.
Handling Course
After pumping our adrenaline with the Moose Test, our instructor Gunther Ofenmacher set us up with a drive in a Cayman S, 911 Carrera 4 S and a Porsche Panamera Turbo. The handling circuit consisted of high speed runs on a straight with a series of corners thrown in to demonstrate the different handling characteristics of the cars.
No, we didn't sit a moose down for a written test™but we did practice avoiding a cone representative of one while travelling at 80kmh in a Porsche Panamera Turbo. Travelling at 80kmh, most would think that in the serene insulated environment of a Panamera, 80kmh isn't very fast. But if one were to swerve at such speeds in a bid to avoid obstacles, the end result could be dire.
In this test, participants got to experience the world of difference the Porsche Stability Management system made in a sudden avoidance scenario. With the system on, the Panamera took the swerve without even a hint of any loss in control. The system activated its traction control system to work in conjunction with the brakes where brakes are applied to individual wheels at intervals to maintain stability in the direction the vehicle wants to go.
The excellence of the PSM system was further underlined when participants went through the test a second time with the PSM off. The large four-seater immediately descended into a irrecoverable spin at the first swerve which on a normal road would most definitely have resulted in a crash into an oncoming vehicle. It was also in this test that I suffered a bruised shoulder as a rear passenger, I slammed into the side of the car after a fellow journalist put the car into a 360 degree spin.
At the end of it though, I think we all enjoyed this section tremendously. It's not everyday you get to throw a $500,000 car into a spin with tires screeching.
Handling Course
After pumping our adrenaline with the Moose Test, our instructor Gunther Ofenmacher set us up with a drive in a Cayman S, 911 Carrera 4 S and a Porsche Panamera Turbo. The handling circuit consisted of high speed runs on a straight with a series of corners thrown in to demonstrate the different handling characteristics of the cars.
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I haven't really understood what my peers were on about the Cayman S till I actually drove it myself. The Cayman S is truly a gem. Despite the car being marketed as an entry-level Porsche, everything about the driving aspect of the car is sublime. Climbing into the driver's seat, I found the driving position to be one of the best I've ever been in. The steering wheel is in a perfect position for lots of lock to lock action with the angle perfectly perpendicular to your body. The pedals too are nicely spaced apart even for someone wearing size 12s (eg. Me).
When compared to the rest, I found the Cayman's steering weight and feel to be spot on. Communication through the wheel was also excellent as you can always tell what the front wheels are doing as you feel your way through the corners. It feels nearly blasphemous for me to be spouting this but I truly felt the Cayman S to be a much better drive than the 911 C4S. It was just a better car to throw around the corners.
The Panamera Turbo might not get much love for the feedback it gave on the handling course considering the steering feel was about as sensitive as silicone implants on an adult actress. But boy did it have a thrilling exhaust note. There's no doubt in my mind that the car truly gave the best sound of the day with the rumble of its V8. You have to hear it for yourself to fully comprehend why grown men wince at the sound of it.
Conclusion
The Porsche World Road Show event was truly a dream come true experience for a diehard Porsche fan like myself. I am ashamed for betraying my journalistic demeanour that day with the amount of gushing I displayed but what a day it was.
I can't wait for when the boys from Porsche roll into town again with their latest offerings™
When compared to the rest, I found the Cayman's steering weight and feel to be spot on. Communication through the wheel was also excellent as you can always tell what the front wheels are doing as you feel your way through the corners. It feels nearly blasphemous for me to be spouting this but I truly felt the Cayman S to be a much better drive than the 911 C4S. It was just a better car to throw around the corners.
The Panamera Turbo might not get much love for the feedback it gave on the handling course considering the steering feel was about as sensitive as silicone implants on an adult actress. But boy did it have a thrilling exhaust note. There's no doubt in my mind that the car truly gave the best sound of the day with the rumble of its V8. You have to hear it for yourself to fully comprehend why grown men wince at the sound of it.
Conclusion
The Porsche World Road Show event was truly a dream come true experience for a diehard Porsche fan like myself. I am ashamed for betraying my journalistic demeanour that day with the amount of gushing I displayed but what a day it was.
I can't wait for when the boys from Porsche roll into town again with their latest offerings™
Interview with Chief Instructor Gunther Ofenmacher
Q1: What are you hoping that participants will take away from the PWRS experience?
Well first and foremost, I want our participants to have enjoyed their day spent with us and even better if they're bitten by the Porsche bug. Of course if they are potential customers, I hope they will buy a Porsche from us right after this event.
Q2: Having done several PWRS around the world, do you have any memorable experiences to share?
Well I do about eight PWRS events every year so there are many experiences I can draw from. But I can say that this is my second time here in Singapore and I'm very impressed. I would really love to visit here again.
Q3: Does motorsports run in your family?
Yes, of course. Since I was a baby, I would sit on the knees of my father watching the Formula 1 races together. My father also raced in some hill climb events. I think that my love for cars and motorsports stem from this early influence.
Q4: How has racing Porsches professionally helped you appreciate the design and engineering that goes into Porsches better?
I think what I love most about Porsches is how they're designed with a very strong racing heritage in mind. Take the 911 GT3 for example, it performs admirably on the race track but you can also drive it home at the end of the day. It is this inherent racing DNA in Porsches that I love most.
Q1: What are you hoping that participants will take away from the PWRS experience?
Well first and foremost, I want our participants to have enjoyed their day spent with us and even better if they're bitten by the Porsche bug. Of course if they are potential customers, I hope they will buy a Porsche from us right after this event.
Q2: Having done several PWRS around the world, do you have any memorable experiences to share?
Well I do about eight PWRS events every year so there are many experiences I can draw from. But I can say that this is my second time here in Singapore and I'm very impressed. I would really love to visit here again.
Q3: Does motorsports run in your family?
Yes, of course. Since I was a baby, I would sit on the knees of my father watching the Formula 1 races together. My father also raced in some hill climb events. I think that my love for cars and motorsports stem from this early influence.
Q4: How has racing Porsches professionally helped you appreciate the design and engineering that goes into Porsches better?
I think what I love most about Porsches is how they're designed with a very strong racing heritage in mind. Take the 911 GT3 for example, it performs admirably on the race track but you can also drive it home at the end of the day. It is this inherent racing DNA in Porsches that I love most.
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Q5: What do you think is the most defining characteristic that sets a Porsche apart from other sportscars in the market in terms of performance?
If you compare Porsches with Ferraris, I believe Porsches are unique in their understatement. But nevertheless under this understatement is still a very capable sports car steeped in racing heritage.
Q6: How close does the performance of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS MKII resemble that of a Porsche Carrera Cup car?
Well I think it would be difficult to compare these two cars fairly as the Porsche Carrera Cup car is a race car designed for the track whereas a GT3 RS is a race car designed for the road. So naturally there will be some compromises in the GT3 RS. In that same breath, if you compare the GT3 RS to other sports cars, it is one of the best. It's an extremely capable sports car. During the last 24 hour race at the Nurburgring, we took a GT3 RS with some minor modifications (i.e. racing slicks and setup changes) and raced it. We managed to clinch 13th place after 24 hours and drove it back to the factory on public roads at the end of it.
Q7: What is your favourite Porsche of all time and why?
Well I would have to say it is the Porsche 964 Cup car as it was the first race that I won with a Porsche. So that car holds a lot of great memories.
If you compare Porsches with Ferraris, I believe Porsches are unique in their understatement. But nevertheless under this understatement is still a very capable sports car steeped in racing heritage.
Q6: How close does the performance of the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS MKII resemble that of a Porsche Carrera Cup car?
Well I think it would be difficult to compare these two cars fairly as the Porsche Carrera Cup car is a race car designed for the track whereas a GT3 RS is a race car designed for the road. So naturally there will be some compromises in the GT3 RS. In that same breath, if you compare the GT3 RS to other sports cars, it is one of the best. It's an extremely capable sports car. During the last 24 hour race at the Nurburgring, we took a GT3 RS with some minor modifications (i.e. racing slicks and setup changes) and raced it. We managed to clinch 13th place after 24 hours and drove it back to the factory on public roads at the end of it.
Q7: What is your favourite Porsche of all time and why?
Well I would have to say it is the Porsche 964 Cup car as it was the first race that I won with a Porsche. So that car holds a lot of great memories.
Q8: What Porsche do you own currently?
Well, as a Porsche instructor, I have permission from the factory to drive home any car in the Porsche range and I have to drive it as it is my job…hahaha…but personally I have a Volkswagen at home.
Q9: Have you taken the Carrera GT home yet?
Hahaha…unfortunately no…we're not allowed to take that home…hahaha
Q9: Some international motoring journalists have accused Porsche designers to be the laziest in the world. What response do you have for that?
Why should we change timeless design?
I don't think Porsche designers are lazy. We work very hard developing our cars making them better and more efficient. We've been very successful with the evolution of our design. So why should we change that? As I said earlier, why should we change timeless design?
Well, as a Porsche instructor, I have permission from the factory to drive home any car in the Porsche range and I have to drive it as it is my job…hahaha…but personally I have a Volkswagen at home.
Q9: Have you taken the Carrera GT home yet?
Hahaha…unfortunately no…we're not allowed to take that home…hahaha
Q9: Some international motoring journalists have accused Porsche designers to be the laziest in the world. What response do you have for that?
Why should we change timeless design?
I don't think Porsche designers are lazy. We work very hard developing our cars making them better and more efficient. We've been very successful with the evolution of our design. So why should we change that? As I said earlier, why should we change timeless design?
Photos by Yang & Benjamin G, Kline
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