Porsche Experience Center Atlanta slated to open a new test track in April

Porsche Cars North America has been based in Atlanta, Georgia for 25 years, and opened its massive One Porsche Drive facility in May of 2015. That single building houses the entirety of PCNA’s operations, a small museum, a restaurant, a lovely showroom, a place for new owners to take delivery and learn about their new cars, a restoration shop, and of course the experience center. And it’s all right next to the gorgeous Kimpton Overland Hotel and a short shuttle distance from Atlanta’s extremely busy Hartsfield-Jackson airport.  For all these years the PEC has been giving thousands of new people hands-on Porsche driving skills that they might not have otherwise had. And now it’s due for a massive expansion.

“We’re thrilled to expand our U.S. headquarters with a new track that delivers exhilarating driving experiences in Porsche sports cars,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of PCNA. “We have called Atlanta home for 25 years and this ribbon cutting will help mark that anniversary in the most exciting way possible, underlining our continued investment in Atlanta and the local community. It’s been a fulfilling journey to bring this track to life, with inspiration drawn from several iconic race tracks, such as the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, Daytona and Laguna Seca. Intended to allow guests to take our sports cars to the next level, the track will offer even more dynamic driving than its sister track and serve as a new brand experience for the public.”

“As a team we’ve watched with growing excitement as the track has taken shape,” said Michelle Rainey, Director, Porsche Experience. “This track sets new benchmarks in driver development, and will offer an incredible experience for first time visitors as well as those more familiar with track driving. It represents a real workout for both the driver and the cars – with elevation changes and relentless action. Every one of us is looking forward to April and welcoming our first customers.”

The new 1.3-mile addition—designed by renowned race track architect Hermann Tilke—more or less doubles the size of the PEC’s track and driver development course. The new track will be capable of hosting its own driving experiences, or combine with the existing track to lengthen the experience to a full 2.9 miles. The new track incorporates a low-friction circle, an ice hill, a large paved autocross area, and the handling circuit. Thanks to Tilke’s work, the new track features corners inspired by the Carousel from Germany’s Nürburgring-Nordschleife; the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca, and the twisty and challenging Tail of the Dragon. I really can’t wait to experience it for myself. It sounds like such a gas!