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2016 Porsche Camp4 Winter Driving Experience
Just got back from the 2016 Porsche Camp4 Driving Experience at the Mécaglisse facility north of Montreal. I was fortunate enough to participate in the media day amongst a number of automotive journalists from across North America for a fun-filled day pushing Porsches to their limits on snow and ice.
The entire program was so well done from beginning to end. We had amazing accommodations at the gorgeous Estéral resort and received exceptional instruction from some of the best Porsche driver instructors and factory racers.
Even more amazing was just how far you can push these cars to the limit on low traction surfaces (although the studded Nokia Hakkapeliitta tires helped) - the cars handled maneuvers that would be challenging on even dry surfaces with absolute composure and aplomb.
Having owned a 911 in the past (996 C4S), and driven it year round, I was already aware at how capable these cars are in inclement weather, but the latest iterations of the model line up are just SO good that I have a new found appreciation for how well these cars perform in any number of situations or road conditions.
I also never thought I’d say this, but I think that the current Cayman is perhaps the best car in the Porsche line up in terms of overall performance and value. The balance it has with its mid-engine configuration makes it such a joy to drive. Even thought it’s 90 bhp down compared with the more powerful Carrera 4 GTS (340bhp vs. 430bhp), the Cayman felt so potent and its performance was so much more accessible and dialled in. And at approximately $50K less than the Carrera 4 GTS, it makes it that much more compelling.
The day began with some induced oversteer exercises in the Caymans, followed by perfecting the Scandinavian flick in the Carrera 4 GTS and then on to mastering oversteer on the ice skidpad in the 2-wheel drive Carrera GTS.
In the afternoon, they strung all threes exercise together in an extended exercise across the entire Mécaglisse facility. Beginning with the Cayman, then the Carrera 4 GTS, and lastly the Carrera GTS, you got to apply all the lessons from the day in a 3.5 minute lap through the entire circuit.
At the end of the day, we were taken out for hot laps with the instructors at the wheel which proved two things: 1) that we came nowhere near to testing the cars’ true capabilities and 2) that no matter how fast / talented you think you are, Porsche driving instructors are in a completely different driving dimension. It’s like comparing a fin-less goldfish trying to swim to a shark that’s just done a line of cocaine pursuing a fresh kill. It was fast, violent, and unrelenting.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that the instructors were going through the same course TEN TIMES the pace / speed at which we were going on our own fastest laps. Guaranteed that at least a few passengers crapped their pants.
And now, on to the pics!
The line-up of cars for the day: Cayman GTS, Carrera GTS, and Carrera 4 GTS
First up - Cayman GTS for some induced oversteer exercises…
Next up… Carrera 4 GTS (love the Lava Orange)
One of our instructors (and all-around awesome dude), Keith.
Inevitably, one of the journalists wound up in a snow bank. Cayenne to the rescue!
The driver blushing a shade of Lava Orange…
Next up - the 2-wheel drive Carrera GTS for some oversteer exercises!
Studly…
Bottom line: everyone should go out and buy a Porsche immediately.
The entire program was so well done from beginning to end. We had amazing accommodations at the gorgeous Estéral resort and received exceptional instruction from some of the best Porsche driver instructors and factory racers.
Even more amazing was just how far you can push these cars to the limit on low traction surfaces (although the studded Nokia Hakkapeliitta tires helped) - the cars handled maneuvers that would be challenging on even dry surfaces with absolute composure and aplomb.
Having owned a 911 in the past (996 C4S), and driven it year round, I was already aware at how capable these cars are in inclement weather, but the latest iterations of the model line up are just SO good that I have a new found appreciation for how well these cars perform in any number of situations or road conditions.
I also never thought I’d say this, but I think that the current Cayman is perhaps the best car in the Porsche line up in terms of overall performance and value. The balance it has with its mid-engine configuration makes it such a joy to drive. Even thought it’s 90 bhp down compared with the more powerful Carrera 4 GTS (340bhp vs. 430bhp), the Cayman felt so potent and its performance was so much more accessible and dialled in. And at approximately $50K less than the Carrera 4 GTS, it makes it that much more compelling.
The day began with some induced oversteer exercises in the Caymans, followed by perfecting the Scandinavian flick in the Carrera 4 GTS and then on to mastering oversteer on the ice skidpad in the 2-wheel drive Carrera GTS.
In the afternoon, they strung all threes exercise together in an extended exercise across the entire Mécaglisse facility. Beginning with the Cayman, then the Carrera 4 GTS, and lastly the Carrera GTS, you got to apply all the lessons from the day in a 3.5 minute lap through the entire circuit.
At the end of the day, we were taken out for hot laps with the instructors at the wheel which proved two things: 1) that we came nowhere near to testing the cars’ true capabilities and 2) that no matter how fast / talented you think you are, Porsche driving instructors are in a completely different driving dimension. It’s like comparing a fin-less goldfish trying to swim to a shark that’s just done a line of cocaine pursuing a fresh kill. It was fast, violent, and unrelenting.
I’m not exaggerating when I say that the instructors were going through the same course TEN TIMES the pace / speed at which we were going on our own fastest laps. Guaranteed that at least a few passengers crapped their pants.
And now, on to the pics!
The line-up of cars for the day: Cayman GTS, Carrera GTS, and Carrera 4 GTS
First up - Cayman GTS for some induced oversteer exercises…
Next up… Carrera 4 GTS (love the Lava Orange)
One of our instructors (and all-around awesome dude), Keith.
Inevitably, one of the journalists wound up in a snow bank. Cayenne to the rescue!
The driver blushing a shade of Lava Orange…
Next up - the 2-wheel drive Carrera GTS for some oversteer exercises!
Studly…
Bottom line: everyone should go out and buy a Porsche immediately.
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