If you are not afraid of the cold and enjoy German auto engineering, we have something for you. It blends together great cars with some awesome action at the Mecaglisse Circuit near Montreal, Canada. To be more specific, luxury Porsche cars meet the slippery surfaces that North America has to offer. The weather might be “frightful”, but that is just how we need it for some snow drifting action!

What is the Porsche Ice Experience?

The world has seen plenty of events that auto manufacturers organize for their own vehicles. Exclusive car shows gather big crowds all over the world, but most of them have little to do with sports. Even if they do, they are much more of a “see what our cars do” than anything else. So, is Porsche Ice Experience (Porsche IE) one of those? I would not say so!

At first glance, you may think that Porsche just looks for yet another way to display their vehicles. Yes, putting them in winter drifting conditions may render the whole thing more interesting, but so what? Many other companies have figured that crazy events draw attention. What makes Porsche IE different?

For starters, this event is not your run-of-the-mill corporate stunt. It is not even a race, per se. Once you go there, you get to enjoy a whole slew of things, and you are not a simple attendee. Indeed, they let you in on the action!

One of the unique things at this event is that you are actually a part of it. You get to experience it, as its name suggests. That means they take you through an entire drifting course, teaching you operation specifics. This is a rather unique proposition, in my opinion. Oh, yes, I almost forgot – all this happens in luxury Porsche cars. You get to drift them… on ice!

Why makes Porsche Ice Experience unique

Like I have mentioned in my article on Formula DRIFT, certain drifting skills can be quite tough to build. Considering that driving, in general, can be a bit dangerous, you understand why drifting is not an easy skill to get. This is why I think that makes any controlled course in drifting quite valuable. Enter the Porsche Ice Experience!

Even if you set aside the awesome fact that you will be driving iconic Porsche models, the event is still great. Many people want to learn how to drift and this allows them to do it. On top of that, many of the skills you will get translate well into winter driving everywhere. Sure, you may not be drifting your way through the interstate, but handling slippery conditions is crucial.

The controlled environment at the Mecaglisse Circuit makes for a wonderful beginner’s course. However, the cool thing is that you can actually ascend the ladder, so to speak. If you enjoy the experience, you can graduate over three levels. By the end of it, you should be a somewhat proficient ice drifter.

That being said, you will have to spend a hefty sum for such a pleasure. You can only go through one level at a time, which means you will have to attend Porsche IE at least 3 times for all the levels. Still, it is well worth it, considering how comprehensive all courses are. But what about the cars?

What cars can you see there?

The whole topic about Porsche cars available at the Ice Experience is a bit tough. Firstly, they may change from year to year. Secondly, not all cars are available for driving anyway. That does not mean you cannot see some great models on the side, but the lineup you can drive is limited. On top of that, not all drift levels have access to all vehicles. Which may actually give you something to strive for!

The whole event features a lot of the Porsche models we all love. Of course, none of them are the actual classics, but you can still see some awesome cars. Here they are:

• 911 Carrera S – The iconic Carrera is an awesome car to drive and drift in, so it should be enough fun for all beginners. With its acceleration time from 0 to 62 mph being 3.6s, you will surely get quite the kick out of it.
• 911 Carrera 4S – This is pretty much the same model, with the exception of it being a 4-wheel drive. This is perhaps a good thing for snowy conditions. In any case, you have the option of choosing between this and the former model.
• 911 Turbo – This model is a step up from the previous two and is reserved for the last level of the Ice Experience. With 540hp it cuts down the 0-62 time to a mere 3 seconds. Of course, these are just numbers, as you will hardly be reaching top speed or anything, but still…
• 911 Turbo S – If the last model was not enough, they give you the option of picking its S version as well. It is marginally more powerful, though you will likely not see much difference between the two.

Obviously, regardless of the drifting level, you get to ride some great cars. Though I wait the day to see a full EV (like the Porsche Taycan) getting into snow drifting. Anyway, while the current cars differ in certain regards, most will be equivalent on the icy track. Additionally, your vehicle will be equipped with special studded snow tires at some point. But now let us see what exactly you get to experience there!

What you go through at the event

The Porsche Ice Experience gives you plenty of opportunities to meet fellow car enthusiasts. However, its main goal is not networking, but teaching you actual skills. As such the 3- and 4-day programs are quite packed.

The beginner’s Ice Intro course is carried over a span of 2 driving days. Expert Porsche instructors teach you some winter driving and drifting theory. You get briefed about the vehicles you will drive and then you jump in on the action. You will learn a bit about understeering and oversteering, braking, course handling, and more.

For returning attendees the course gets extended by an additional day. The intermediates are taught certain slalom techniques in addition to reviewing the theory. Plus, the course toughness is somewhat increased, as you would expect.

Obviously, the most interesting experience out of the bunch is that for advanced attendees. They get to enjoy mile-long handling courses in the fastest Porsche cars available. They also get additional winter driving tips and some unique experiences as a whole. Though I have talked a whole lot about the event, I figured I should also tell you a bit about winter drifting itself!

Why winter drifting is something special

I bet that many car enthusiasts have been tempted to try drifting at some point. Any car with a rear-wheel-drive kind of pushes you into that. Yet even if you have never tried drifting, you can imagine that ice would somehow make it all more challenging. Well, it goes further than that!

Naturally, snow makes getting into a drift easier. The problem comes when you try to control your drift. Most people have an instinctive reaction to overcorrect, which gets intensified in icy conditions.

All of the above happens even during regular drifting, but not to such a drastic extent. Actually, a lot of drivers face such situations if their car starts sliding during winter. The only difference is that most cars nowadays are either front-wheel or all-wheel drives. That means you will not experience such a spiral of control loss in a short period of time.

With all that said, proper teaching and enough training will get you quite proficient in navigating snowy conditions. You can train your body to respond better, instead of shooting your car completely out of control. This makes Porsche IE rather valuable, as the experience gets easily translated into real-life scenarios.

Would you go for the Porsche Ice Experience?

Even though it is a bit on the expensive side, I would definitely think about joining Porsche IE. Or perhaps I would just want to see more car events that place such an emphasis on attendees. It feels nice to know that people are trying to bring some value for car enthusiasts in general. Sure, we all enjoy cool motor shows, but the firsthand experience is something entirely different.

What do you think of this Porsche event? Would you want to take part in it, or is snow drifting not your cup of tea at all? Hey, if you know about a similar event, be sure to mention it. I will try to cover it, and expand my bucket list with one more unlikely entry!

The post Breaking the ice at Porsche Ice Experience appeared first on Altered Steel.

Car enthusiasts have always had fun with classics. That whole world is actually quite welcoming, and you can find something for everyone. Aside from the popular expensive entries, there are good classic models on the cheap side as well. The reason for that is simple – back in the day car manufacturing had a certain standard. Nowadays… let’s just say things have gotten a bit out of hand.

In our quest to make cars safer, cheaper, and easily accessible, we have robbed them of their character. The models of the 2000s had it particularly rough. Mass production hit new peaks, while their design hit new lows. This presents us with a challenge.

In just a few years the first models of the new century will become classics by the legal definition. Considering all that, we have decided to explore that niche and dig out the best models from it. That way you will know which future classics are worth it. Who knows, maybe you will even get inspired to buy one now. Are you ready to join me on my journey through the 2000s?

Culture shock – the difference between old and new classics

Before I get straight to the models, I have to warn you of something. You may have a concrete idea of what a classic car is. I had one too. For me, a classic car needed to have somewhat curvy shapes with that distinct old-timey, yet stylish look. Its rigid metal construction left you with the impression that the vehicle indeed has substance to it.

Unfortunately, most cars of the new century look rather… plasticky, for a lack of a better term. Their aesthetics show the signs of an on-going evolution, which is not quite there yet. Not to mention that the use of electronics will definitely prove a problem down the line. That being said, not all 2000s models are created equal.

While you need to look harder to find a nice future classic, there is hope. These models may not be on the level of the classic Corvette that everyone wants, but some come pretty close. Let me introduce you to them!

The American racing snake – Dodge Viper

I open this list with an entry that has won my heart since the first iteration of the model. I still remember my toy Dodge Viper with white stripes. It was the one that inspired me to start my toy car collection. And now its initial couple of generations are becoming classics!

Dodge Viper hit the market for the first time in 1992. Since then it has gained quite the fan base. Sadly, the model line saw its end in 2017 for reasons unknown. While surely unfortunate, that turn of events makes the investment in an old Viper even better. Future scarcity will likely drive prices up. You can grab one for under $40,000 and in good condition at that.

I like to say that Dodge Viper is the American Porsche 911. Both cars pay respect to their predecessors in terms of performance and design. Because of that, I think the early 2000s Viper models are the perfect future classic entries.

A British piece of art – Aston Martin V12 Vanquish

As I have made it clear, I associate classic cars with rounded aesthetics. There is something inherently pleasing about them. Well, Aston Martin V12 Vanquish definitely checks all the right boxes with its design.

I do not know how the company managed it, but this car is the perfect blend between modern aesthetics and vintage looks. You can tell it is bound to age well, like a good wine. Should I even mention that it performs great on the track too? All in all, the V12 Vanquish has proven itself to be one charmingly impressive beast.

Yet I was not sure whether I should include this one on the list. It has a higher price point, which may not make it a reasonable pick for most of us. Still, the list would not have been complete without a car of this caliber. Plus some units can be found under $80,000, which is not exactly unbearable.

One for leisure – Honda S2000

When I was compiling my list I realized I was leaning towards hardcore racecars. That is because such vehicles are usually made to stand the test of time. Of course, that makes them perfect picks for long-term ownership. But what about a car that is perfectly good for your leisure activities too? Here comes Honda S2000!

In the spirit of other remarkable Japanese classics, the S2000 stands its ground as a fast beast, too. However, it also looks like a car that you can just drive around on a sunny day. Whether you want to push that pedal hard is entirely up to you!

Honda S2000 is also affordable. You can get one under 15 grand, although you can also splurge on a more expensive version. Honestly, though, you cannot go wrong either way. The model has received a lot of praise during the years, so entering the classic realm would make it even more appealing. I think this is one of the best future classic investments for pretty much anybody.

Getting classy – Volkswagen Phaeton

If you have ever wanted a premium class, long base, limousine-like car, Volkswagen Phaeton is here to deliver. Now, I know what is on your mind – since when is VW associated with the high class? Well…

The Phaeton model is not exactly Volkswagen’s most impressive car by any means. It has never really sold well. That being said, its reputation is not bad at all. When it comes to comfort, quality, and reliability the Phaeton should be able to satisfy anyone.

It also looks like a car that has been designed to become classic in the first place. Take a few looks at its interior and you will see what I am talking about. Oh, yes, you can also get it extremely cheap nowadays. I am talking sub-$10,000 cheap. If that is not worth it, I do not know what is.

The style king – Bentley Continental GT

This grand tourer screams “classic” from miles away. Even though that is the first Bentley manufactured under VW management, the car is still amazing.

You can tell they have not skimped on luxury at all. It looks like a vehicle you would love spending time in. I can even imagine myself sitting in that nice leathery saloon without even driving the thing. And its polished wooden details? Now, this is what I consider class.

Just like the Aston Martin I mentioned, Bentley Continental GT has all the characteristics of a good classic car. Its design can easily pass as vintage without looking outdated. The worst part about it is that it will take several more years for it to become a true classic. Then again, that means you can still get it while the price has not been driven up by classic demand.

Honorable mentions in the future classics category

By now you should have a good idea what kind of models make a good pick – luxury and sports cars. That being said, there are a few other models, which managed to impress me. For certain reasons I left them out of the list, but they deserve a mention nonetheless. Here we go with them!

• Noble M12

Noble M12 was developed by an obscure British boutique brand. Yet the demand for it was quite high, and it was even sold in the US. Its manufacturing run began and ended in the year 2000, so it is bound to become a classic in just a few years. That being said, I only have it as an honorable mention, because it is quite hard to get your hands on one.

• Ferrari 575M Maranello

Can we agree that Ferrari cars are classics by definition? This model looks very stylish, considering its manufacturing date, and it will turn people’s heads even today. The price does not go that high either (for a Ferrari, of course). You can score it for under 125 grand!

• The ubiquitous Porsche 911 Carrera

If you want a classic that will age and perform well, without being that expensive, the 911 is definitely a good pick. However, the model is so well-known that many do not view it as special anymore. You can say it is “every person’s” Porsche. If you ask me though, it makes for a good addition to a classic car collection nonetheless.

What is your favorite future classic model?

With a decent number of entries in our list, you have a lot, from which to pick. Whether you want to get an American brand or you fancy foreign car marques, you can always find something interesting out there.

But maybe a great model flew past me. Is there a great 2000s car, which I have failed to include in my list? If you have one on your mind, tell me. I am always on the look for fun cars to see and read about.

In the meanwhile, I will have to personally decide whether buying a future classic makes sense for me. It may not be feasible, because I fell in love with Jeep CJ since my article on our favorite vintage SUVs. Then again, a cheap 911 and a nice SUV make for a good start of a collection, right?

The post Future classics from the 2000s that are worth investing in appeared first on Altered Steel.

Unsurprisingly, many companies are trying to bite off a piece of the lucrative EV market. Tesla has started the trend, yet now everyone tries to dethrone them. Toyota has been rivaling Tesla for years, while Hyundai and Nissan also chase their fair share. However, when it comes to the high-end market, only Tesla seems to deliver. Not for long though!

Even if EVs have largely been marketed as the “every person’s car”, people think differently. Tesla Model S and Model X have proven that there is interest in luxury electrics too. So who better to enter that competition than Porsche? The German sports car manufacturer has staked its claim with its upcoming Taycan model. Let’s see what that is all about!

What is Porsche Taycan?

When Tesla Model S came to the market in 2012 the EV hype became very apparent. This was not a trend that would simply die out, so many companies pricked up their ears. However, very few actually took serious steps. Interestingly enough, one of the first to unveil their plans was Porsche in 2015. They showed us a concept car and began the project that we have since known as Porsche Mission E.

In June of 2018, the real name of the model got revealed – Taycan. That is right in line with the company’s branding, as it translates to “lively young horse” (from Turkish). How lively is it though?

According to Porsche, they have managed to create quite an outstanding engine. It can supposedly accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5s. Maybe these numbers do not mean much to you. Well, you should just know that such times are really close to the fastest supercars on the market.

But what about the most crucial part of every EV – its battery range? Thankfully, Porsche knows how important that is and it has put in a substantial battery. It can last you 311 miles, which is on par with Tesla’s achievements. Plus with fast charging, you can have an 80% charge in 15 minutes. Awesome!

You can see what makes Porsche Taycan an interesting car to keep on the radar. However, you still have no reason to take Porsche seriously. After all, no one has yet succeeded in taking the mantle from Tesla. Jaguar is trying to rival Model X with its I-Pace SUV, but the sales figures do not even compare. So why do I believe the case to be any different with Porsche? I have some very convincing reasons!

A bit of Porsche history and why it matters

As a company Porsche has a rather interesting history. Sadly, most people only know it as a sports car manufacturer. Yet Porsche had designed tanks during World War II, as well as aircraft engines. Their expertise goes far outside the realm of sports cars. Even the Volkswagen brand started off as a Porsche off-shoot.

Why am I sharing all that? Because it is crucial to understanding why Porsche should be taken seriously. When they came up with their Cayenne, SUV fans of the brand looked down upon the decision. Something about “brand identity” they said. Others made fun of the fact that a luxury sports car manufacturer would venture into the SUV territory. Yet what do we see now? Plenty of others following in their footsteps (case in point – Lamborghini).

In fact, Porsche Cayenne proved to be so successful that they had to come up with a smaller crossover in the face of the Macan. It has also enjoyed a great reception. Why? Because the professionals at Porsche know what they are doing. This also explains why I have included the Cayenne among the Porsche models we all love. When it comes to doing a great job Porsche does not let down.

Do you know what makes me even more hopeful though? The fact that Porsche Taycan is a sports car. That is right up Porsche’s alley. Even the haters cannot deny that. Sure, I know nothing can guarantee that the company can truly challenge Tesla. But do they have everything necessary to do it? You bet! And they also have another trick up their sleeve…

Tesla’s hype vs Porsche’s loyal fan base

Many people have attributed Tesla’s success to the absolutely amazing marketing skills of Elon Musk. That guy knows how to build up the hype, which rarely turns out negatively. Even with Tesla’s recent problems, the company does not seem to run out of steam.

Because of all this, it is easy to assume that other companies cannot get such traction for their electric vehicles. However, Porsche is not just any other company. They have excellent marketing strategy along with a really loyal fan base. Put great branding on top of that, and you have a recipe for success.

To be honest, I still do not know what makes Porsche’s vehicles so iconic. Maybe the distinctly unique aesthetics have something to do with it. Or all the marketing events they hosts. Perhaps it is the celebrities that keep endorsing the company. Or just the attention to detail in every aspect of their vehicles. Well, no matter the reasons, whatever they are doing is clearly working!

You can go online and see how many people praise cars. Even if they are not the fastest, the cheapest or the prettiest, Porsche just seems to win fans on a daily basis. So I think they are truly capable of tackling the giant hype machine of Tesla. But I have some concerns as well. Let’s see!

Where Porsche Taycan may fall short

Okay, I am guilty – I just like Porsche cars. That is why I find it hard to restrain my compliments and praise. That being said, I am well aware that they have their flaws. Sadly, the Taycan may have quite a lot of them.

I would not be honest if I say that I really like the look of the model. Many other people have also voiced their dislike of its aesthetics. It carries the Porsche logo, but I think it lacks its spirit to a huge degree. I am not saying this because it looks too futuristic – I say it because it does not look “Porsche” enough.

The lack of a clear identity is also made evident by the fact that no one really knows what the model should be. The Mission E platform has already been used to design a semi-crossover that looks like a taller Taycan. On top of that, if Porsche does not surprise us with even more performance, Tesla is going to blow them away with their upcoming Roadster (1.9s for acceleration from 0 to 62mph). Heck, even the current Model S (with its Ludicrous trim) has set a record with 2.5s acceleration.

All that is not to say that I am not hopeful. I believe Porsche is a capable company that can definitely give Tesla a run for its money. I just want designers to stop trying to make spaceships. We want cars, not shuttles. Thankfully, there is some upcoming competition that may incentivize both Tesla and Porsche to step up their game. Let me tell you what I have in mind!

Tesla’s multiple rivals

You may be a brand loyalist or you may just enjoy every good vehicle on the market. In any case, all of us should want some fair competition. It is what drives progress on the market. So I was quite pleased to learn that plenty of luxury car manufacturers have decided to challenge Tesla (and consequently – Porsche).

In the near future, we will be seeing quite a lot of interesting EVs popping up. I have already mentioned Jaguar I-Pace, for example. Even if it cannot beat Tesla Model X sales-wise, it is still an impressive vehicle. What I am looking forward to though is Audi E-tron SUV.

Firstly, this Audi SUV looks like an actual car. No futurism, no gimmicks. Secondly, it is Audi – a cousin of Porsche and a quite reputable manufacturer. They also understand that both the Model X and the I-Pace are their direct competitors. Hence they are trying to beat them at every level. We will see how that will turn out.

Mercedes also want to join the fray with their own all-electric SUV – the Mercedes-Benz EQC. I will outright say that it fails to impress me. Nevertheless, I believe it has the potential to be a staple in Europe. Which brings me to my final point…

Tesla should worry, but we should not

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This car brand does not have tons of models under its name. It does not cater to all budget brackets, nor does it care about petty performance quarrels. Some of its models may be built on Audi and VW platforms, and still they offer something completely different. Perhaps that is the most interesting thing about Porsche – it is the car marque that does not produce mediocre vehicles.

This is only one of the reasons why many of this manufacturer’s models are now considered classics. That is why today we are going to look at some of them to see what makes them so special. Let’s dive straight in.

The elephant in the room – Porsche 911

I just had to mention it. The 911 model is so iconic that it is almost synonymous with Porsche itself. Even if you are not that familiar with the manufacturer, you know what their cars look like. And that is largely due to the 911 Carrera model.

Here I can point out one of the things that speak of the genius of Porsche’s designers. Throughout all their models you can clearly see a connection. You can look at the first 911 in 1963 and see design concepts carried out in its 2018 version. How many other car manufacturers can boast such a thing? I cannot even think of one. But the 911 is not the only remarkable model, so we are moving on!

The James Dean’s jewel – Porsche 550 Spyder

The 1953 Porsche 550 Spyder is as classic as it gets, but you cannot even find it nowadays. However, it is a masterpiece of a vehicle, both sports- and aesthetics-wise. And it obviously carries the spirit of Porsche, so you cannot mistake it in any way.

Did you know that this car is one of the most replicated ones out there? To this day people are rebuilding the design because they want it to stay alive. And so do we!

The hidden treasure – Porsche 718

If this model means nothing to you, I would not be surprised. It did not mean much to me either. But as it turns out, two of the most popular current Porsche models are actually inspired by the original 1957 Porsche 718.

This car was meant to continue the job of the 550 Spyder. That meant it was designed strictly for racing and thus did not see much praise outside of those circles at the time. However, it is now a classic, even if it is not amongst the best-recognized ones. But hey, you probably love it without even knowing it!

The Boxster and the Cayman

The two 718-inspired models I mentioned in the previous entry are exactly these. As far as classy sports cars go, you cannot go wrong with any of them. The Boxster is the roadster version, while the Cayman is its coupé counterpart.

Sure, there are part of the modern lineup and do not qualify as classic cars, but are still among the most enjoyed Porsche vehicles out there. If you ask the purists, these are the last “truly Porsche” cars in the lineup, aside from the 911 model. And there is some merit to that claim.

Both the Boxster and the Cayman are the attempts to appeal both to hardcore Porsche fans, and general sports car fans alike. As 2-door, 2-seaters, they are not really suitable for “work” and are much more recreational in that regard. Which actually fails to set them apart from the 911 all that much.

And indeed, these two models are living in the shadow of their predecessor. But targeted at younger audiences and serving as entry-level models, they still have a place in the hearts of many.

The necessary evolution

Back in the past, Porsche was all about speed, racing, and sports vehicles. This is the foundation, upon which the marque’s reputation was built. They did not cater to any other audience and thus grew a very loyal fan base.

But with time things change. Tastes do not remain the same and the needs of the population shift. If rich folk mostly wanted sporty vehicles back then, now it is all about luxury, class, and presence. Yet for the longest time Porsche could not provide anything in that regard.

What did that mean for the manufacturer? All of a sudden its customer base was no longer as robust. A change was in store. Throughout many attempts at creating a more general-audience vehicle, the brand finally hit the spot with its first SUV – Porsche Cayenne.

Why did the SUV win?

Of course, in the beginning, it was hated by the purists. After all, it was a major change in the philosophy of Porsche. But in due time people started loving it for various reasons.

Firstly, it targeted customers, who wanted something more when it came to luxury. That meant people, who do not want to go with something as basic as VW Touareg or even its sibling – Audi Q7. That is not to say that these two vehicles are not luxurious. They just do not quite cut it in the same way that Porsche does.

Secondly, Porsche was no longer associated solely with sports and races. But everybody knew that the marque knew how to build vehicles. It defined what luxury means. So Porsche had all the required reputation to make it work. And thus they sold their SUV to the people who could afford it AND want it.

That is all because an SUV is suitable as a family car, but looks much better than a minivan. It has class and it leans heavily towards business. Add to that the sheer awesomeness that comes with Porsche and you have a recipe for success.

Would you buy a Porsche?

The great thing is that you can either choose a classic or go with a newer model. They are all incredible. Even less popular models like the Macan are still amazing, while the Panamera is growing quite the fan base.

What do you think about this car manufacturer? Do you enjoy their vehicles? Do you want one in your garage? Share with us in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

The post The Porsche models we all love appeared first on Altered Steel.