No matter which model one chooses, Porsche represents the purest driving experience of that category.
Driving a Porsche is an experience that involves the senses. It is above all else, a driver’s car. Through communication and participation, the driver can become more aware and involved with vehicle control.
First there is feel or touch. The tire contact patches immediately communicate the exact relationship between the tires and the road’s surface. This is critical when finding that fine line between traction and loss of control. The steering wheel, seat bottom cushion, and pedals are feeding your fingers, feet, and popo-meter (German for butt) with the necessary information to define vehicle control. Porsche engineering delivers great road feel without punishing the occupants in the process. The transmission of information from the road to the driver is virtually a central nervous system. Porsche engineers have come as close as possible to what might be considered an extension of the body’s ability to feel the driving experience. You almost sense that rolling over a quarter, you can tell if it’s heads or tails.
Next is the actual steering. It seems almost telepathic. Porsche has devised guidance systems that border on the super-natural. A Porsche will respond instantaneously to change of direction going exactly where it is aimed. The progression of steering is linear completely predictable. This is of great benefit when pushing through a turn. By only feeding in the exact amount of effort to arrive at the apex or track out point, it is not necessary to saw the wheel back and forth constantly correcting the intended path. The smoother the inputs, the more balanced the vehicle will remain. Better balance permits higher speed and better control through the turn.
Sound is both entertaining and informative. With the engine growling, the driver feels empowered. knowing the Porsche means business. This also creates a heightened sense of awareness contributing to the overall driving experience. A singing tire is a happy tire. A screeching tire is voicing its objection to the maneuver. This reminds us that the slower the driver’s input, the faster the vehicle can go. Jerky motions: steering, acceleration, or braking will only upset the balance of the car.
Smell is another sense that can be positive or negative. Leather is always a great smell. Clutches and brakes can either be a warning or a sense of satisfaction and a job well done. Speaking of brakes, Porsche has always been the industry standard. Porsche brakes are designed to not only deliver terrific inversions of speed, but also capable of repeating the minimal stopping distance time after time without experiencing any fade. Squeaky brakes are a result of too many light brake applications. Performance brakes build up a glaze on the rotors that cause squeal. The remedy is a very firm application of the brakes from a higher speed. This will burn the glaze off and eliminate the squeal. More tender applications will result in the return of the squeal. The squeal can be a great reminder that your Porsche desires a little exercise and fun for you.
Unfortunately, there is no actual taste of a Porsche, however owners should be considered connoisseurs. Taste may also be the result of where your Porsche has delivered you. Hopefully, it is a great restaurant where you typically receive preferred parking from the valets. There is taste referring to the palate, and there is taste referring to the choice of engineering excellence.
As you can see the senses are in play when experiencing a Porsche.
To fully appreciate the experience, the driver’s seat needs to be properly adjusted, allowing the driver and Porsche to become one. Porsche engineering affords its drivers the perfect opportunity to bond with their Porsche. Remember, it is not how fast you go; it is how you go fast. “There is no substitute.”
These attributes are present in every Porsche. All Porsches are blessed with sports car qualities. Even if performance is not your cup of tea, active safety (the ability to avoid a bad situation) is highly desirable. No other automobile manufacturer can offer this type of experience through their entire model range.
The combination of exclusivity, reliability, lasting quality, timeless design, and resale make Porsche’s models great values in today’s competitive market. When considering a budget, factor in Porsche’s entertainment value. That alone, should push Porsche to the top of your shopping list.