Porsche Cars North America, Inc has officially opened its second Porsche Experience Center (PEC LA) in the United States. The new $60 million facility will serve as the company’s premier West Coast destination for the public, including automotive enthusiasts and Porsche customers.
Guests and corporate groups visiting the new facility can hone their driving skills on courses built to demonstrate the power, responsiveness and safety of these dream cars. The company opened its first $100 million Experience Center and North American headquarters in May 2015 in Atlanta. With facilities on each coast, the U.S. is the only country with two Experience Centers, representing the largest investments for corporate outside Germany to date.
“This is a significant milestone for the company, as we further expand our presence in the United States,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “Our decision to open a second Experience Center in North America underscores our commitment to the largest sports car market worldwide.”
If California were a country, it would be the fifth largest market, accounting for 23 percent of Porsche vehicles sold in the United States. Of the 51,756 vehicles PCNA delivered to customers in the U.S. last year, 12,016 were sold in California.
Visitors to the PEC LA can enjoy instructor-led, 90-minute experiences on the driver development track in Porsche sports cars. The eight training modules include two handling circuits, an ice hill, an off-road course, a dynamics area, a launch control and acceleration straight, as well as a low friction handling circuit, low friction circle, and hydraulic kick-plate.
“As our largest single market in the U.S., California has played an integral role in Porsche’s success throughout our 66-year history in the United States” said Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Our new west coast destination provides a unique product and brand experience for our customers and fans in a region where the automobile is so passionately celebrated.”
In addition to driving experiences, guests can reserve meeting space, view historic Porsche race cars or dine at Restaurant 917, aptly named after the iconic race car that gave Porsche its first win at the famed French endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The state-of-the-art business center features 6,000 square feet of main event space.
The new complex is also home to Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA), the only authorized sales, parts, and service provider in the United States and Canada for all purpose-built Porsche race cars such as the 911 GT3 Cup, 911 GT3 R, and the Cayman GT4 Clubsport. PMNA also provides engine and transmission servicing, on site race support at multiple international racing series, and certain restoration services.
A glass wall inside the atrium of the center provides visitors with a clear view into the Porsche Motorsport North America workshop, where historic race cars are repaired, track vehicles are maintained, and race cars from owners and collectors are exhibited.
“Tourism in Los Angeles is already growing with incredible speed — and this one-of-a kind attraction will add even more horsepower to our economy,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The Porsche Experience Center will draw motor enthusiasts from around the world, and I am proud to welcome this unparalleled winning tradition to our city.” Located on the 405 Freeway in Carson, California, convenient to three of the Los Angeles area airports, the 53-acre complex is also the new home of Porsche Motorsport North America. The PEC LA features a driver development track with eight educational modules totaling 4.1 miles, a changing race car exhibit, and a fine-dining restaurant.
The Atlanta Experience Center welcomed 36,000 visitors in its first year of business. The company anticipates this new location will mirror the success of its sister facility in Atlanta, with an expected 50,000 guests each year. Guests can book a driving experience at the new facility online anytime.
“It has been a pleasure working with Porsche to bring this amazing facility to Carson. Now, in addition to being known for our excellent location, Carson will now be known as home of this premier driving venue,” expressed the city’s Mayor Albert Robles. “With its renowned sports cars featured on the track visible from the 405 and 110 freeways, I am confident it will be a tremendous success. I look forward to welcoming the thousands of visitors who will come from around the world to experience this exciting destination.”
At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000-plus motorsport wins to date.
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