Porsche World Roadshow 2016: A Day To Remember

More than 280 people across the Asian continent were recently given the opportunity to be a part of the Porsche World Roadshow (PWRS) at the Sepang International Circuit  -  an event which aimed to provide an ideal platform to experience the sensation of driving the complete Porsche model range.

The PWRS is a long established professional driving event which has been held in over 45 countries around the world for many years, and it has attracted more than 42,000 potential customers and car enthusiasts to date.

Led by professional Porsche certified instructors, participants (including us, the members of the press) were not only able to enjoy the thrill of driving a wide range of Porsches at the Sepang International Circuit, but also got the opportunity to learn a few things from the pros, and most importantly, get our hands on the newly launched 718 Boxster .

The PWRS programme included a few exercises such as braking, slalom, vehicle handling and an off-road experience, and with us were a total of 22 Porsche cars ranging from the latest 911 models, the new 718 Boxster, the Cayman, the Panamera as well as the Macan and Cayenne models. 

When we were there during the press day, there were close to 50 participants from the Southeast Asian region, divided into four different groups that went on to do different exercises simultaneously.

Our day began with the ‘Handling 1’ exercise, in which we drove the Panamera Turbo, Panamera GTS, Macan GTS, as well as the base Macan. With two participants in each car, we drove a full lap in each model and our favourite model in this exercise was none other than the Panamera Turbo.

For a car its size, how it performs around a race track is simply mindblowing. Yes, its competitors like the 7-Series and S-Class take things to the next level in terms of luxury and what not, but this car is for the high and almighty who still have a driver hiding in them.

After 'Handling 1', we headed over to the main straight of SIC for braking and acceleration exercises, where we got to experience how it feels to sprint from naught to 100km/h in less than 3 seconds in the new 911 Turbo S. After that, we got into the new Boxster 718 through a slalom course to see how beautifully it handles.  

Ah, a mid-engined car with almost near-perfect weight distribution, complemented by 300hp and Porsche’s quick-shifting PDK gearbox… It was the perfect starter for our lunch which was next in agenda.

After lunch, it was time for some off-roading in the Cayenne, which we wrote about a couple of days back, and last but not the least, we headed back to the track to have a lap each in the 911 Carrera S, Carrera 4S, 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet, the 718 Boxster, 911 Targa 4S, and the 911 Turbo.

The highlight here was obviously the new 718 Boxster which was launched earlier this week. On paper, the car might not sound that impressive next to the 911s but on track, it could keep up with the 911 Carrera 4S without any issues. Now, how impressive is that for a 2.0-litre turbo?

By the time we were done with the beasts, it was past 5. While each participant was given a certificate, the fastest participants through the slalom course were rewarded before everyone headed home.

In all, it was a memorable experience for everyone, and the best part is that there are rumours saying that the PWRS, which returned to Malaysia after more than a decade, could take place next year as well. So, owners and enthusiasts who missed it this year could actually have their chance in 2017.    

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