8:04 am, June 19, 2008
Porsche’s multi-million pound customer experience is readying completion at Silverstone.
The circular building, which will house a sales area and service centre, is situated alongside the world-famous Hangar Straight, and will be open in early September.
Befitting its hi-tech race centre status, the centre also has the unlikely addition of a gym, with cardio-vascular machines, hand-eye co-ordination tests, posture evaluation, even a fully-equipped laboratory. Some back room indeed…
But then, not many dealerships can boast a full ride and handling circuit, either. This allows high-performance tests away from public roads (and speed limits), and also allows the various stability systems to be tested. There is a ‘sheet ice’ replication section, loose surfaces, even a kick-plate that throws the car off balance as you drive over it.
The centre will also house customers on race days. It has a viewing gallery, restaurant and televisions showing what’s going on all around the circuit.
Porsche currently uses a number of race circuits around the UK, but the Silverstone centre is exclusive to it. The maker says that all customers will get a visit included in the purchase cost of the car. And, following the model of Mercedes at Brooklands, dealerships will also have the opportunity of hosting current and potential customers at the site.
Mind you, Porsche says anyone can visit, for a price. They’re yet to be announced…
