Porsche Cars North America today opened the doors of a new $100-million facility in Atlanta, Georgia, that will serve as its U.S. base of operations. Located on a 27-acre site adjacent the city’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the Porsche Experience Center and headquarters complex represents the single largest investment made by its parent company outside of Germany. Although Porsche Cars North America has been Atlanta-based since 1998, this new campus sees the sales/marketing wing joined by Porsche Financial Services, Porsche Business Services, Porsche Consulting and the consultancy firm of Mieschke Hofmann & Partners, which is a subsidiary of Porsche AG.
Also: Class of 2016 — New Cars Ready to Roll
In addition to the headquarters, Porsche opened its Experience Center, the twin of one also under construction in California. In addition to13,000 square feet of conference and event space, a classic car gallery, Restaurant 356 (named after Porsche’s first production model), a driving simulator lab and a human performance center, the Porsche Experience Center offers a true state-of-the-art driver development facility highlighted by a 1.6-mile road circuit that includes six instructor-led driving modules. These include a Handling Circuit, Off-Road Course, Dynamics Area, Low Friction Handling Circuit, Low Friction Circle and the only "Kick Plate" in North America. The latter is a moving surface that kicks the rear end of the vehicle out for skid control practice on a wet pad. All these modules are specifically designed to showcase the vehicle dynamics of various Porsche models.
Also: Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards of 2015
"Our vision for our new home was to create a bold and energizing environment here in Atlanta and demonstrate the unique capabilities of our sports cars," said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "The experience center coupled with our headquarters is truly the first of its kind in the automotive industry where we welcome employees, partners, customers and enthusiasts alike."
More Porsche News…
The new 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a 493-hp stunner
The new 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 is a legitimate 911 rival
The new 2016 Porsche Macan will offer a turbodiesel option
Popular at KBB.com
See the All-New Cars for 2015
10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000
Best Buys of 2015