Porsche Experience Center Opens
What happens when Porsche Cars North America has 27 acres of land north east of the Atlanta, Ga airport? You get a playground for the Porsche enthusiast.
Porsche opened an experience center on May 7, 2015 in Atlanta after considering more then 70 locations. The city swung the vote their way due to their transportation network, skilled workforce and support from the city itself.
Porsche estimates about 30,000 guests a year will come to the center. And why not, with features like a racetrack, classic Porsches and the Restaurant 356 to offer this like a Never Land for the die hard Porsche person.
In Porsche’s words I will let them describe the track modules:
“A Porsche is no ordinary sports car. To truly appreciate what it’s engineered to do, it should be driven on a track designed to explore the depth of its capabilities. That’s precisely why we’ve constructed highly specialized facilities at the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta. The centerpiece of this complex is a world-class test track and handling course featuring specially engineered surfaces which minimize tire wear, a special consideration should you choose to drive your own vehicle. The track includes areas for driving and performance training, and offers a range of highly customizable technical driving modules including:
• Dynamics Area: Test the speed, agility and lane-change performance on a large asphalt pad designed to simulate unique maneuvers you may encounter during your daily driving
• Handling Circuit: A one-mile handling course designed to mimic a winding country road with a number of corners and undulations. Here, a driver will learn the finer points on choosing the correct path when negotiating the curves and proper application of braking technique
• Low-Friction Circle: Experience the over-steer capabilities of a Porsche at the low-friction circle with its uniform inward slope and polished concrete surface
• Low-Friction Handling Circuit: A similar polished concrete surface as the Low-Friction Circle, except we introduce a series of unique, tight curves, with a mixture of various radius types on-and-off camber corners
• Kick Plate: We test your vehicle control skills when encountering a skid or spin. The kick-plate is a flush-mounted, hydraulically actuated plate placed before a wetted epoxy surface. As a vehicle travels over the plate at a safe rate of speed, sensors move the plate randomly left or right to mimic sliding that might occur during inclement weather conditions”
To appreciate the kick plate check out this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mau_u3YYqfg
• “Off Road Circuit: featuring a 1:1 slope, creek bed, and a 45-degree vertical descent challenge to demonstrate the expansive capabilities of a Cayenne’s off-road engineering and safety technology.
For the driving enthusiast looking to hone their skills we offer individual training with specialized Porsche Driving Consultants. For newer drivers, we will offer enrollment in programs designed to teach safety techniques for navigating today’s challenging roadways. Whether you are looking to try out the all-wheel drive system on the latest 911 or get a better understanding of car control in a Boxster, we can tailor your drive time to your exact requirements.”
Besides the on track fun there is also the:
Human performance center is there to give your mind and body a tune up.
Business center, that includes meeting rooms with support staff to combine with on track activities. Kind of gives a new meaning to a power meeting!
Driver simulator is a cost effective introduction to performance driving and racing to get the feel of a Porsche. Simulator fenders are much cheaper than real ones.
Personal design studio, truly build that one in a million Porsche with your leather and paint samples to make that Porsche “YOURS”.
After all this your need to fuel up your body
At the Restaurant 356 there is fine dining offering healthy, wholesome and modern dishes to be enjoyed.
Carrera Café is for a quick cappuccino or tasty snack. Also hot or cold beverages along with salty or sweet snacks can be found here.
Banquet, conference and box lunch services are tailored to fit your business conference needs.
With driving experiences ranging from $300.00 to $750.00 for various one and half hour sessions it beats a trip to Disney. I also see gift vouchers are available, so leave hints for that upcoming birthday or holiday.
I have attended Porsche and BMW ride and drives for dealership personal at different venues around the country, but this looks like it is a whole another world of enjoying performance driving facts
The Beginner’s Guide to Porsche Specialty Tools
There’s no doubt that the Porsche is a premium car. So much so that last year, the car manufacturer reported over 57,000 sales in North America alone.
So, suppose you’re a mechanic who’s found themselves working on these specialist vehicles more and more.
In that case, you’ll understand the importance of using the right tools to ensure the restoration, repair, diagnostics, and upkeep of the Porsche is kept as simple as possible.
In light of that, here’s our guide to Porsche specialty tools to help you do just that.
But first:
Some Background
This beautiful car actually comes from a reasonably modest background. It actually dates back to just after World War II, when founder Ferdinand Porsche created the first model in 1948 with just 200 workers.
The first model was the Porsche 356, and only 52 models were produced in 1949. Car owners love driving the Porsche and knowing that they have ownership of one of the all-time classic and historic supercars.
That’s the reason why we have a comprehensive stock of some of the best diagnostic and Porsche specialty tools for mechanics to repair and maintain the Porsches they look after.
So let’s move on to learn more about the importance of Porsche specialty tools.
Your Porsche Speciality Toolkit
We have a good selection of Porsche specialty tools that are considered essential to the trade.
Specialty tools are essential because cars and, in particular, foreign specialty cars are manufactured differently from domestic models.
Suppose you’re certified to work on foreign vehicles. In that case, it’s essential to ensure you are entirely up to date with the latest specialty tools so that you can maintain your reputation as a go-to Porsche mechanic.
Here’s what we think you need to get going:
Porsche Diagnostic Manual
Every mechanic and owner needs a diagnostic manual to act as a reliable reference source for anything that might go wrong with a particular Porsche make or model.
The diagnostic manual can act as a reference point for your engine parts, oil tank, any computer codes, wiring, and so on.
Ideally, you can complement it with a high-quality Porsche diagnostic kit for all your problem-solving! It was designed with independent mechanic-led repair shops in mind, although private owners can invest too.
The kit gives you access to lots of Porsche’s control units. Using it gives you the information you can use when troubleshooting and carrying out Porsche maintenance.
Just load the software onto a Windows computer and connect the cable between your computer and the Porsche you’re working on.
Then, simply start the program, select the Porsche model you’re working on, and the program and car will start “talking” to each other. You’ll be able to read diagnostic codes, part numbers, over-rev data, and more.
Porsche Electronics Tools
Porsche electric systems require special tools to service them. Aside from the aforementioned diagnostic kit, there are also general-purpose tools for sensors and control modules.
Suppose you’re looking for a complete diagnostic test kit for electronics. In that case, the B1594KIT Electronic Test Kit can be used across all Porsche models.
Porsche Engine Tools
Complex Porsche engine work can be made easier with the right specialty tools—for example, the 313 Holding Clamp Engine Mount.
Popular engine tools include the P222 Straps to support the timber chain during engine assembly and the Porsche Cooling System and Vacuum Purge and Refill Kit. This is used to fill Porsche cooling systems.
There’s also the Porsche Turbo Cam Timing Alignment Blocks, a popular choice by mechanics working on the 911 model. Alternatively, the Porsche 911, G2, and G3 Timing Fixtures. Use both to set Porsche camshaft timing.
Lastly, the P207 Dial Indicator Kit. You can use this to set the Porsche’s engine timing and the 9401 Auxiliary Chain Tensioner for tensioning cam chains while you’re adjusting cam timing.
This tool, in particular, is needed for successful engine disassembly and for setting the timing on your Porsche when you’re re-assembling the engine.
Chassis Tools
To replace wheel bearings on the Porsche, you’re going to need an all-essential wheel bearing kit to remove and install wheel bearings out of the hub carrier while still on the car.
Another tool worth investing in is the Macpherson Strut Spring Compressor. It compresses most Macpherson-style coil springs and is suitable for use on many European and Asian cars.
Exterior Tools
A 9209 Pin Wrench will remove and replace (R & R&R) the electric mirror switch for exterior work. The Porsche Center Lock Nut Socket can be used to remove the center of some Porsche wheel locks.
It’s typically used on some 911 Porsches such as 2012-16, the Turbo 2014-16, and the GT3 2014-16 models. Lastly, when working on doors, you can apply the Extractor P290 to remove door hinge pins.
Fuel Checking Tools
If you’re working on a 316 or a 912 model, check the carburetor fuel levels and use the P78 Carburetor Level Gauge. For checking carburetor fuel levels on 356 Zenith carburetors, use the P77 Level, Gauge model.
In cases where you need to remove the fuel gauge and either reinstall it or install a new one, use the 3217 Fuel Sender Wrench.
High-Quality Porsche Specialty Tools are Essential
The above list can act as a starter checklist for helping you successfully diagnose, repair, and maintain Porsche vehicles. That said, are you ready to invest in your Porsche specialty tools?
We’re a leading importer, manufacturer, and distributor of European automotive specialty tools, including the beloved Porsche. For more info, why not get in touch today? We’re more than happy to help.