Porsche To Build Experience Center In Carson – Taking Over Dominguez Hills Golf Course

For those of you who commute up and down the 405 every day, wondering, “Does anyone actually play golf at the Domiguez Hill Golf Course?” You know the one. There’s a giant golfer statue wearing Quiksilver shorts wielding a ginormous club, opposite the Goodyear Blimp field.  Well the answer is clearly “Not enough people must play there…” Because Porsche just swooped up this giant parcel of land. And, as a result, Porsche fans are about to be given a massive gift; Our very own test track and Experience Center.

“ Our mission is to help everyone who loves automobiles and car culture to experience the pure joy, the art, and the science of driving.
” James Taylor, Experience Center GM The huge 53-acre facility and road handling course will be one of only five Porsche facilities like this in the world.

The complex will include a state-of-the-art test track and handling course, including areas where special surfaces replicate rain, ice, and snow conditions. These training sections include the Ice Hill, where a steep slope, computer-controlled water jets, and a low-friction surface will challenge even the most experienced drivers and help them improve their real-world skills. A special off-road area will combine 45-degree declines and ascents an ideal terrain for unleashing a Porsche Cayenne.

Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles will feature a world-class test track and handling course where drivers can practice maneuvering on rain, ice and snow. A section called Ice Hill will have a steep slope and water jets. Another off-road area will include 45-degree declines and ascents.

Porsche officials say it will be open to “high-performance cars.”

Porsche Cars North America President and CEO Detlev von Platen said the track will offer Southern California – one of the company’s largest markets nationwide – an opportunity to realize the limits of their vehicles. “Helping enthusiasts feel and connect with their vehicle’s full potential through intelligent engineering has always been a part of the Porsche philosophy,” von Platen said. “Now, we are excited to turn dreams into reality for all driving enthusiasts by creating a safe, exhilarating environment for experiencing the pleasure of being in the driver’s seat.”

Once opened, people will be able to purchase sessions with Porsche driving consultants. Programs for new drivers and teenagers also will be available.

The center also will feature a gift shop, cafe, and an athletic training facility for people interested in experiencing how professional drivers train – including heat acclimation training and hydration strategies.

“Our mission is to help everyone who loves automobiles and car culture to experience the pure joy, the art, and the science of driving,” said James Taylor, general manager, Porsche Experience Center. “Whether you want to experience the latest Porsche models like the new seventh-generation Porsche 911, upgrade your personal performance as a racer or athlete, or host a car club event or a product launch, we look forward to working with customers to create a memorable program.”

The facility is designed for the whole family, offering a Porsche Cafe and gift shop along with plenty of trackside viewing areas. Additional fine dining facilities will be available for business meetings and events.

Groundbreaking is scheduled to take place in May 2012.

Although I don’t own a Porsche, I’ll be the first one there when the doors open.

Portions of the article courtesy The Daily Breeze and Porsche.