Porsche Opens Its First Canadian Experience Center… And It’s a Gem
Driving pleasure has always been central to Porsche’s DNA. Since its earliest days in motorsport, the German automaker has relentlessly fine-tuned the performance of its four-wheeled creations. While that’s particularly true for the Zuffenhausen-built sports cars, it applies just as well to its utility vehicles and electric models.
So, it’s hardly surprising that Porsche is about to open its tenth Experience Center worldwide — this time in the Greater Toronto Area. Nicknamed “PEC TO” (Porsche Experience Center TorontO), the new facility is designed to showcase the full potential of Porsche vehicles to a select group of customers and enthusiasts. Operations officially begin on June 18.
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Located about 40 kilometers east of the CN Tower in an industrial zone in Pickering, Ontario, the complex sits at a very fitting address: 356 Porsche Drive. Porsche purists will surely recognize the iconic “356” from the brand’s first-ever production model—the predecessor to the legendary 911.
Despite some ongoing finishing touches by on-site workers, Porsche Canada invited select media members to a first look at its new Canadian playground. Here’s what we learned from this exclusive preview of the Porsche Experience Center Toronto.
The Mission: Bringing Porsche to Life
More than a showroom, the Experience Center is a showcase for Porsche’s essence. It’s not just about seeing the cars—it’s about feeling them, driving them, and understanding what makes them special. With certified instructors on hand, visitors can immerse themselves in the Porsche world safely and confidently.
Of course, the main attraction lies outside the building itself: a two-kilometre handling track offering guests the chance to get behind the wheel and explore a variety of dynamic modules.
The track features design elements inspired by famous motorsport landmarks, including a recreation of the “Corkscrew” from Laguna Seca, a steeply banked corner inspired by the Nürburgring’s carousel, and curves modeled after those of Le Mans.
In addition to the main track, which is admittedly quite narrow, PEC TO also includes a vast paved dynamic area where guests can test Porsche’s Launch Control system. A small autocross track can also be set up in the same space. Elsewhere, two polished concrete zones with water sprinklers simulate slippery winter driving conditions—ideal for honing your drifting skills with one of Porsche’s performance machines.
Demonstration laps with a professional driver (at the wheel) start at $140, while 90-minute sessions with a certified instructor (and the customer behind the wheel) begin at $850. For those looking to share the excitement, fully customizable group packages are also available.
The Centerpiece: What’s Inside PEC Toronto
On the ground floor, visitors can sip specialty coffee or enjoy gourmet bites at Café Carrera, or browse the Porsche Lifestyle boutique—a curated space offering clothing, accessories, diecast models and more. Porsche has even catered to future fans of the brand with Lego recreations of various Porsche models including a full-size 911 Targa seat mock-up for kids (and nostalgic adults) to “drive.”
There's also a state-of-the-art virtual driving lab with five simulators. These high-end setups allow guests to race against the clock—or each other— on iconic tracks around the world. Some simulators even mimic g-forces through pitch and roll motion. Still, nothing quite compares to the visceral experience of piloting a real Porsche on the track. Upstairs, flexible meeting spaces are available for corporate and private groups, while the lower level leads directly to the driving modules.
356 Porsche Drive: An Ode to Heritage and Sustainability
At the heart of PEC TO, the main building blends local craftsmanship with sustainable design. Quebec-sourced wooden slats adorn the façade, while a commissioned contemporary art sculpture greets visitors at the entrance.
And while critics might point out that 911s and other gasoline-powered Porsches have a heavy environmental footprint, the facility itself aims to lead by example: it’s heated and cooled using a geothermal system, and rooftop solar panels supply about 20% of the building’s total energy needs.
Behind the Wheel of the 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid
The highlight of the day came behind the wheel of the new 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid. Although attention initially centered on the brand’s GT models, like the 911 GT3 RS, 911 GT3, 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Boxster Spyder RS, organizers had a few units of the new gas-electric 911 on hand for media drives.
Delivering 532 horsepower and 449 ft-lb of torque, this electrified GTS packs a serious punch. In Sport Plus mode, the steering, suspension and throttle response sharpen significantly. The first few laps were mostly about learning the intricacies of the tight, twisting circuit, but soon enough my instructor gave me the green light to push harder.
A more in-depth review of this new hybrid powertrain will have to wait, but one thing’s for sure: the pairing of the turbocharged flat-six with an electric motor integrated into the dual-clutch transmission—and another one acting as an electric exhaust gas turbocharger—delivers instant response. There’s virtually no lag during acceleration or passing manoeuvres. As for handling, the 911 remains rock-solid—a trait that extends to its braking prowess, as well.
But perhaps the most important takeaway from this first peek of PEC Toronto is this: Canada now has a new road course dedicated to Porsche, and it’s not just another track—it’s an experience, thoughtfully designed, brilliantly executed and packed with the emotion that defines the brand.
