Kareem LaTouche
Automotives Coordinator
Gearheads and luxury -car enthusiasts recently had the opportunity of a lifetime as Porsche held its famed World Road Show at the new Mexico Drive Resort. The event, decked out with a challenging circuit track and a rugged off-road course, allowed invitees to experience the true potential of the Porsche brand firsthand.
A Grand Welcome Awaits
Guests were greeted by a magnificent sight: a special Porsche 911 adorned with sponsor Michelin’s branding, proudly displayed beside towering letters spelling out “Porsche.” This led them to a central podium, where journalists from across the Caribbean and Latin America registered for the day’s exhilarating activities.
Porsche: A Jamaican Dream
Taking centre stage was Tobias Eninger, CEO of Porsche Latin America. He spoke passionately about the brand’s strong presence in Jamaica. “The team at ATL Automotive, led by Adam Stewart, has been doing a fantastic job showing the Jamaican people the great things that the Porsche brand has to offer,” Eninger remarked, “and we envision it growing even stronger. Porsche is more than a luxurious sports car. It’s an experience – a dream we aim to fulfil every day.”
He further elaborated on the brand’s diverse offerings, highlighting that “from the iconic 911 to the electric Taycan, there’s a Porsche to suit every desire. We’re proud that all these models are available in Jamaica”.
From Breakfast to Buckle-Up: A Day of Thrills
The event kicked off with a delightful breakfast, followed by an introductory presentation that set the stage for the day’s main attraction. Participants were then divided into groups and taken through a series of exciting challenges:
Launch Control Adrenaline: Using the latest 911 Carrera T, Porsche showcased the vehicle’s explosive acceleration with launch control. Participants were instructed on activating this feature, experiencing the exhilarating G-force as the car rocketed forward.
Off-Road Prowess: This course aimed to shatter the perception of Porsches being purely road-focused machines. Key features like hill-descent control were demonstrated, allowing the vehicle to intuitively manage inclines while the driver focused on steering. For the truly adventurous, the course even featured a rocky section, highlighting the benefit of the all-round camera for navigating tricky terrain.
Slalom Course Challenge: This fast-paced challenge involved weaving through strategically placed cones at high speeds before a hard-braking finale. This showcased the precise steering, exceptional handling, and powerful braking capabilities of the Porsche lineup.
Circuiting the Dream: Undoubtedly the most anticipated activity, the circuit course featured the crown jewels: the GT3 and 4 RS. These machines, adorned with elaborate spoilers, carbon fibre accents, and aerodynamic enhancements, attracted immediate attention. A variety of other models, including the Spyder, Panamera, Targa, and Carrera, were also available, each showcasing the brand’s versatility – from the Panamera’s luxurious comfort at high speed to the Carrera’s raw power and pure sports car performance.
The Grand Finale: Hot Laps and Lasting Impressions
As the day concluded, participants gathered back at the main area, receiving awards and certificates for their participation. The ultimate treat awaited them – “Hot Laps.” Porsche’s professional drivers took each participant on a thrilling high-speed journey around the circuit, truly etching the Porsche experience into their memory.
A Look Ahead: The Future of Porsche in Jamaica
The event echoed Eninger’s sentiment for Porsche in the region, as he emphasised that Jamaicans are increasingly discovering that Porsche is more than a car; it’s an embodiment of dreams and a driving experience unlike any other. This World Road Show has undoubtedly solidified Porsche’s position as a leading luxury car brand, and one can only expect this connection to strengthen in the years to come.
