Worth the Wait

MANILA, Philippines - For the majority of us, it’s not everyday you get to drive a Porsche. For the lucky few who do, I bet it’s not everyday they get to drive ALL of the models that Porsche has in its line-up.

Well for a select bunch of motoring journalists, once in every six years, a golden chance to experience all of Porsche’s chariots arises. It’s been a long wait, but it’s been well worth it. The Porsche World Roadshow was again back in town, and I made damn sure not to miss this tire burning affair.

The Traveling Car Circus

Weissach sums it up perfectly. The best way to experience a Porsche is behind the wheel. As part of its brand building and customer relations program, the Porsche World Roadshow tours every so often to allow both owners and non-owners alike the privilege of enjoying these fine automobiles under the expert watch of professional Porsche instructors. These driving maestros were specifically flown from Germany and hail from various racing backgrounds like Formula 1, DTM, GT3 Cup, and rally racing.

In the Roadshow, various exercises and simulations were conducted to allow the driver a true feel of what these top tier automobiles can do, inside the confines of a controlled environment of course. It is also a great opportunity for this German car-maker to promote its new products, serving as a platform to familiarize clients, current or potential, with its latest offerings.

This year’s Roadshow made Manila its first stop, and thanks to PGA Cars (official carrier of Porsche in the country), 22 various models were flogged around the Clark International Speedway from February 2-12.

Porsche All-You-Can

Headlining the traveling bandwagon was the all-new 911 (type 991), Porsche’s recently unveiled flagship sportscar that’s been honed for greater refinement and performance. Present also was the 911 GT3, a stripped out 911 (997 generation) bred for the track but highly usable on the street. Mid-engined missiles like the lightweight Boxster Spyder and the Cayman S were also present, bringing delight to those craving for the purest of handling sensations. High speed top down motoring was offered by a 911 Turbo rag top, while a 911 Targa 4S gave a little variety to the vehicle mix (all 997 variants).

Fans of the hybrid models got a chance to sample the more frugal Cayenne Hybrid and Panamera Hybrid. While those who prefer traveling rapidly with passengers in the back had the Cayenne Turbo and Panamera Turbo respectively at their disposal.

The Drills

The Roadshow instructors basically had six individualized sessions in store for the participants. Handling 1 and Handling 2 were separate exercises meant to deliver the same thing…soak in the thrill of driving near the limit while piloting these exotics. Here one gets behind the wheel of the Cayman S, the new 911 Carrera and Carrera S, the previous model 911 GTS, and the Cayenne and Panamera in both S and Turbo trims.

Going off the beaten path, the Roadshow also had an Off-Road session to prove the 4WD Cayenne’s mettle when it came to the rough stuff. Highlighting the vehicle’s Hill Descent and height adjustable suspension features, a series of obstacle courses were set forth to show that it can indeed take some punishment.

Slicing and dicing through pylons while pirouetting at the end of the course was the object of the Slalom, an adrenaline jolting drive aboard the edgy Boxster Spyder. This part of the Roadshow got a bit competitive as drivers were clocked for the best times of the day.

Rounding out the complete experience was the Road Tour, a more down-tempo activity that took participants around the streets of Clark. Here one got to appreciate how owning a Porsche would feel like on a daily basis, as you enjoy the envious stares while driving down the road. Whether it was aboard the spacious and immaculately detailed interior of the Panamera Hybrid, or enjoying the airy cabin of the 911 Targa, life is indeed good when cruising in a Porsche.

Finally, the day ends with a full-on assault inside the Clark Speedway, as the instructors take participants out on a demo lap aboard the various 911s on hand. Best left to the pros, this part showcases the raw talent of the GT3 and the new 911 when unleashed on the racetrack. Smoky drifts and dizzying G-forces were served in abundance, exhibiting why these steeds should not be relegated to being garage queens.

Rare Privilege

Withdrawals. That’s what you get days after the Roadshow as you drop back to reality and get behind your daily driver. It’s a good thing that the Roadshow only happens every six years, because I can’t bear dealing with the separation.

For the few privileged to partake, it was an unforgettable experience learning to command these 4-wheeled weapons under the tutelage of trained professionals. It was also a rare treat to sample the exhaustive array of Porsches, from big to small. I mean where can you drive a Cayman S then the new 911 then the Cayenne Turbo, then the…you get my point, back to back to back?

For the privileged Porsche owners, the Roadshow is proof positive that if you have one of these in your possession, you have the solemn obligation to drive these babies, and drive them hard! That’s what they were meant to do best.

For now, six years has truly been worth the wait.