[718S]

I was invited to a track day event with from my local dealer the other day. It was free so that was great. We broke up in three groups- one group to test the SUVs on the track- Macan/Cayenne. The 2nd group was Panamera/911 (911S, 9114S). The format was a lead car with instructor, followed but 4 vehicles. We were told to keep 3-4 car lengths from each other during the laps... then we rotated drivers. The 3rd group was autocross- Cayman GTS/911T. We all rotated through the 3 groups. All cars were PDKs.

First off- the SUVs were fun but man, nothing like the cars (duh). On the track we were told to try following the line of the lead car. Easy for the most part but kind of tricky when we're watching the lead car and you got a car in front of you that can't quite keep that line or brakes early! LOL. One of the 911s was set to Sport+ and I was VERY impressed with the way the PDK shifted up and down- wow, wow, wow. I can see how they are superior on the track for sure... without Sport + the car didn't shift quickly (up or down) and wasn't as responsive coming out of the corners like you'd want.

Then I did an autocross run- 911T followed by Cayman GTS. I wish I'd done autocross before so I could get a good car comparison but once I got behind the wheel of the Cayman I was going decent.. but mostly because I was familiar with the car and it was my 2nd time on the track.

I really enjoyed the 911 a lot honestly... even in the autocross. It was hard to explain but although the GTS could whip around the corners the 911 felt just as good albeit different. Even though the spec of the two cars was close- the GTS 365HP, 911 380HP- the torque and handling was VERY different.

All in all an amazing chance to drive some great cars... now I'm more excited than ever to go the Atlanta PEC in a couple months!!!

 

[DriveInHouston]

Was the 911 the 992.2 with the twin turbos?

 

[rsmith]

I was invited to a similar event last year. we auto crossed Macan GTS, really impressive how that thing will handle. We took macans and hybrid panamera's out on the highways and a little street driving. On the track we drove a boxster GTS, Cayman S, 911 T and a 911 GTS. What a blast and helped cement the 718 over the 911 for me. Love the balance of the 718.

They also had a pro driver take us for a hot lap in the Panamera Turbo Hybrid - crazy what that car can do.

What a heck of a day and like you said free! of couse, it also helped them sell a Boxster GTS so.....

 

[718S]

Was the 911 the 992.2 with the twin turbos?

Oh man I could only wish! No, not 992 or twin turbos... they know the variation of drivers invited plus they don't demo the expensive cars that they can move easily. I asked where the GT2 was and they laughed1

 

[718S]

I was invited to a similar event last year. we auto crossed Macan GTS, really impressive how that thing will handle. We took macans and hybrid panamera's out on the highways and a little street driving. On the track we drove a boxster GTS, Cayman S, 911 T and a 911 GTS. What a blast and helped cement the 718 over the 911 for me. Love the balance of the 718.

They also had a pro driver take us for a hot lap in the Panamera Turbo Hybrid - crazy what that car can do.

What a heck of a day and like you said free! of couse, it also helped them sell a Boxster GTS so.....

That is one thing I was really hoping to do was have a hop lap with one of the instructors... thunder and lightening worked against us.

 

[rsmith]

That is one thing I was really hoping to do was have a hop lap with one of the instructors... thunder and lightening worked against us.

Bummer! I originally booked an afternoon session, but changed to a morning session for my day and was glad I did. The afternoon session only got one rotation in before thunder, lightening, heavy rain and hail washed out the bulk of the afternoon event. At least you got most of your day in!