Motorsports in their blood: The PGA Cars Driving Experience

MANILA, Philippines - PGA Cars, the exclusive distributor of Audi and Porsche, among other luxury marques, treated some customers to try out their precision machines in the safety of a racetrack. For a day, the Clark International Speedway became a high-speed playground as it hosted the “PGA Cars Driving Experience” — the first of many according to PGA Cars sales director Lito Jose.

The majority of customers opted to drive the two-hour journey north of Manila to enjoy the thrills of driving on the three-kilometer racetrack. Parc fermé was literally transformed into an exotic car show of sorts with several unique vehicles waiting for their turn to run the racetrack. Aside from current model Porsche Cayman and Cayenne, everyone was treated to a surprise when the last of the air-cooled 911s, the 993 Turbo made an appearance. Audi was no less represented with the A1, A4, A6, and Q3 present as well as the “German muscle car”—the 450 horsepower RS5.

PGA Cars chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr. welcomed guests with his personal charm and wide smile as he proudly showed off Porsche’s latest technological achievement: the all-new Cayman and Cayman S.

“This is almost like a purpose-built track machine,” beamed Coyiuto as he talked about the Cayman’s unique mid-engine layout. “If you want a car with excellent balance through circuits like this (Clark International Speedway), the Cayman is for you.”

The all-new Porsche Cayman is already very close to 911 territory in terms of performance. The 2014 Cayman carries a potent 2.7-liter Flat-6 good for 275 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of just 5.6 seconds when equipped with Porsche’s dual-clutch automatic, PDK. The Cayman S is even faster at 4.9 seconds because of its larger 3.4-liter Flat-6 that produces 325 horsepower. Both models are also more fuel-efficient than their predecessors and practical too — both managing to fit full-sized golf bags in their respective trunks.

After the short presentation on the all-new Cayman and Cayman S as well as the prerequisite safety briefing by official driving marshal George Ramirez, it was time to get down to track business. Guests were divided into three groups, each with their own set of exercises: East Track (handling), Slalom, and finally, Full Track. Guests who brought their Audi or Porsche vehicles were invited to try out their own cars on the Clark International Speedway for the track sessions, though PGA Cars provided a Cayman S and an Audi A1 for the more taxing Slalom exercise.

Despite the seemingly large disparity in performance, having an A1 and a Cayman S on the same area of track for example, everyone had a great time pushing their cars to the limit. In fact, the different handling characteristics between front-, all- (quattro), and rear-wheel drive cars became much more apparent and much more appreciated by everyone.

The PGA Cars Driving Experience culminated with the official inauguration of the Audi-Porsche Motorsports Lounge  — an air-conditioned hospitality suite on the second floor of the Clark International Speedway pit area. And because of their investment in the lounge, they will make full use of it by hosting more track days for customers and guests alike.

After the formal program ended, several customers then brought their high-speed machinery onto the track to sample the “full track” configuration. Exotic cars such as the Lamborghini Murcielago and Gallardo (PGA Cars is also the official distributor of Lamborghini in the Philippines) and classic machinery such as the 993 Porsche 911 Turbo barreled through the main straight at top speed to the delight of on-lookers.

Indeed, everyone had fun sampling or even just looking at the best that PGA Cars had to offer. Owners, guests, family, and friends all had smiles on their faces as they left the Clark International Speedway for Manila. Above all, it showed that whatever Audi or Porsche you drive, it was designed with enthusiastic handling in mind—and events such as the PGA Cars Driving Experience allows owners to unlock the potential of their prized possessions in the safety of a racetrack.