2010 Porsche World Road Show

Next up was the slalom course - the most exciting if you're the competitive type as you'll be timed around a slalom course in the mid-engine Boxster S with the latest PDK twin clutch gearbox. I could feel the nimbleness and the awesome balance of the Boxster S on this tight and demanding course. It's easier to find your driving limits in the Boxster S than any of the 911 as its mid-engine layout means it is more balanced and has a more progressive handling nature. The PDK gearbox coupled with the S' 3.4-litre motor makes for a rather convincing drivetrain package for the topless sports car.

Last part of the day was the handling course where participants were let loose in the Cayman S, 911 Targa 4S and a Panamera S on a dynamic handling course marked by cones. The Panamera S might not be as quick or as agile as the other two cars here but the big four-door proved to be a real riot in Sport Plus mode or with PSM switched off altogether. The big rear-wheel drive Panamera was easier to provoke to hang its tail out than even the tail heavy 911 here - you need to lift slightly mid-corner to play with the 911's weight balance to get its tail out. The mid-engine Cayman S proved once again that it had the most well balanced handling characteristics - plenty of grip and poise in all situations at all speeds. Overcook it in the Cayman S and its forgiving handling will save the day.

It certainly felt good to take the 385bhp Targa 4S up to over 130km/h over the straights at the venue without the risk of using my license! But better still, I could feel and experience the essence of the 911 - its tendency to squat at the rear under hard acceleration, its intricate movements at speed and the sublime steering and addictive flat-6 tone. The unwary can be caught out but the spirited driver will revel in the iconic 911.

Before the day ended, we were all given ‘taxi' rides with one of the instructors in the new Cayenne Turbo. My enthusiastic driver demonstrated the Cayenne Turbo's power and yes, he did go sideways on some parts of the handling course!

The PWRS was definitely an enjoyable experienced - I've never driven so many different Porsches in a single day after all and like all the other participants, I had a cert to prove that I was part of it. It would have been perfect if there were additional models there for me to try though - models like the GT3, GT3 RS or even a Cup car to experience the brand's highly illustrious motorsport core and bloodline.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Yang