A Paradise for Porsche Enthusiasts: A Visit to Porsche Experience Center Tokyo | Porsche
Porsche
A Paradise for Porsche Enthusiasts
Porsche Experience Centers are facilities where you can experience sports driving and the brand that Porsche operates worldwide. The Porsche Experience Center Tokyo, the ninth in the world and the first in Japan, opened on October 1st. We immediately visited the center, which is comprised of six modules, including a "Handling Track" with a 2.1km circuit, a "Kick Plate," and "Low Friction Handling," on a sprawling 43-hectare site.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by Porsche Japan
Experience the Full Potential of Each Model
Many car enthusiasts must harbor the wish to truly push a Porsche to its limits. Porsche offers a wide variety of models, from the rear-engined 911 and the mid-engined 718 series to SUVs, four-door sedans, and pure EVs. Wouldn't it be even more satisfying to know the distinct character of each model?
Featuring a Handling Track and Six Other Modules on 43 Hectares of Land
The "Porsche Experience Center Tokyo" (PEC Tokyo), which opened in October 2021, seems poised to fulfill that wish. It consists of a course carved out of the mountainside and a modern guesthouse equipped to handle MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions).
The building, inspired by Edo Kiriko cut glass, is striking.
Reception
A brand shop where you can purchase official Porsche merchandise.
Although it was pouring rain, I immediately headed over for the press preview on October 1, 2021. What surprised me was the modern building rising atop a hill. As I ascended, a lineup of test drive vehicles, each bearing "Porsche Experience Center" decals on their bodies, awaited in front of the building. It was truly an imposing sight.
A variety of test drive vehicles are available, from the Macan to the 911 Turbo.
Here, you can drive Porsche's latest models. If you book online, you can enjoy a 90-minute drive in your chosen model. It's also possible to ask experienced instructors to teach you how to bring out the character of each model through practical driving.
The atrium, where museum-quality vehicles are also on display.
The workshop where test drive vehicles are maintained.
The rates for the driving experiences vary by model. The most affordable sports car is the "718 Cayman T" (¥49,500). Additionally, there are the "718 Boxster GTS 4.0" (¥55,000) and the "718 Cayman GT4" (¥83,600).
As expected, the 911 series offers a comprehensive range. Starting with the "911 Carrera" (¥60,500), there's the "911 Carrera S" (¥77,000), "911 Carrera 4" (¥60,500), and the "911 Turbo" (¥104,500).
Cafe 956 on the first floor.
The lounge on the second floor.
SUVs, which are also popular, are well-represented: "Macan" (¥44,000), "Macan S" (¥49,500), and "Cayenne Coupe" (¥49,500). Furthermore, for those seeking off-road driving, programs like "Cayenne Off-road" (¥49,500) and "Cayenne GTS Off-road" (¥60,500) are available.
Also available are the four-door "Panamera GTS" (¥55,000), and the pure EVs "Taycan 4S" (¥51,700) and "Taycan Turbo" (¥60,500). There are also programs that allow you to compare the driving characteristics of mid-ship and rear-engine cars, and a program using the 911 to observe the differences in handling between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
A sophisticated driving simulator. You can experience driving on circuits worldwide in various Porsche models, including historic racing cars.
"Some people might think the Taycan is just an economical four-door," an instructor explained during our visit. "But if you select Sport+ mode on the drive mode selector and get into the spirit, you'll discover it offers surprisingly sporty performance."
The off-road area.
There's also a "Drift Circle" for enjoying drifts, and a "Low Friction Handling Track" where you can practice driving while controlling traction on low-grip surfaces. For SUVs, there's even a seemingly challenging "Off-road Area." Of course, there's no need to push yourself to the limit; perhaps it's best to approach it with the mindset that improving your driving skills contributes to safer driving.
The "Low Friction Handling Track."
The "Drift Circle."
The "Dynamic Area," where you can experience launch control and slalom driving.
The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke, known for his work on circuits such as the Hockenheimring (renovations). He is a designer whose practical approach sometimes sparks debate. However, at PEC Tokyo, he seems to have created a rather interesting course.
The 2.1-kilometer outer loop, named the "Handling Track," features elevation changes exceeding 40 meters. This is largely due to the terrain where the site was developed. However, they have skillfully utilized these changes.
The "Handling Track."
This is a recreation of the "Corkscrew," a famous downhill complex corner at the "Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca" on the US West Coast, known to sports car enthusiasts. PEC Tokyo has recreated it utilizing the natural elevation changes of the site.
Another feature that is likely to become a signature of PEC Tokyo is the recreation of the "Karussell" hairpin turn from the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. Porsche Japan, the owner of PEC Tokyo, prides itself on having meticulously copied the underlying structure and paved surface of the original course.
A downhill complex corner modeled after the "Corkscrew."
In a word, it's for enthusiasts. But for car lovers, the ability to drive a Porsche on a recreated famous race track that they've always dreamed of driving is an unparalleled joy.
PEC Tokyo is the ninth Porsche Experience Center to open worldwide. It is a place where you can fully experience the potential of each Porsche model. At the same time, Porsche Japan aims for it to be utilized as a recreational facility for adults.
A banked turn recreating the "Karussell" hairpin from Germany's Nürburgring Nordschleife.
"With its location just over 30 minutes from Haneda Airport, and benefiting from the geographical conditions of Kisarazu, visitors can enjoy PEC combined with shopping (there's a large outlet mall nearby), PEC plus golf, or PEC plus the sea. Once the pandemic subsides, we also hope to welcome customers from across Asia," he added.
Michael Kirsch, President of Porsche Japan, stated this at the press conference for the opening. Considering the demand for MICE facilities mentioned earlier, it can be considered an advanced commercial facility.
Authentic Italian cuisine can be enjoyed at "Restaurant 906."
This is undoubtedly a paradise for Porsche enthusiasts. Even for general car lovers, it would be a delightful experience. Porsche Japan suggests that even those not particularly interested in cars can enjoy a wonderful time with the restaurants and driving simulators.
Porsche Experience Center Tokyo
1148-1 Izushimanakanodai, Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture
Tel. 0120-718-911 (Reception Hours: 9:00-18:00 | Closed: Sundays and Mondays)
