Canadian auto enthusiasts will soon have a claim to one of the most exclusive and hands-on automotive experiences in the world, with Porsche announcing its tenth instalment of its Porsche Experience Centre bound for Toronto.
The brand park, slated to open on the 20-acre Durham Live development lot in Pickering, is already host to a casino and set to include a future 300-room hotel, 400,000 square-feet of retail space and a concert venue. The future site, announced by Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd, will be the third of its kind in North America, offering Canadians an unparalleled chance to experience the full potential of Porsche on home soil.
"Canadians will no longer have to leave the country in order to visit a Porsche Experience Centre," said Marc Ouayoun, President and CEO, Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. "Customers and brand enthusiasts will have the chance to experience Porsche with their head, heart, and hands – all in the Greater Toronto Area where around a 500-km radius nearly 100 million people live, offering access within an hour's flight."
The park will feature a driving circuit over two kilometres in length, designed by Tilke Engineering. PEC Toronto will also include exhibits of current and historic Porsche models, a Porsche shop and a café, all 30 minutes from downtown Toronto.
"Porsche is more than just a car. Porsche is a promise for a unique brand and product experience and since the first opening in Silverstone in 2008, our Porsche Experience Centres are the best way to get this promise," Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG said. "Nowhere else in the automotive industry, the soul of our sports cars can be lived that way. I couldn't be happier that we can now announce the 10th location of its kind in Toronto – the fastest-growing city in North America with an ever-greater community of Porsche fans."
As Porsche furthers the concept of their global Experience Centres, they’re pushing forward with a greater focus and commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible design. Porsche has rolled the design, build and operation of the Experience Centre into their Destination Charging program, which commits to a decarbonized brand. To that end, global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm HOK was hired to incorporate sustainable materials and practices in the development of the space.
The Porsche Experience Centre Toronto is expected to be a cultural hub and major tourist destination that builds upon the dynamic and empowering experience that Porsche inspires across the globe. Opening date is scheduled for sometime in 2024.