Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/745887
November / December 2016 45 Photos by Ric Smith My instructor comes in and introduces himself and welcomes me—and we have a good chat. Kevin Clifford is the kind of instructor you want in these experiences. Born and raised in Malibu, California, he has a great sense of humor, a disarming demeanor, is very knowledgeable and more importantly, has the right credentials. With real world Porsche racing experience in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series, IMSA, and the Grand AM-Rolex Sports Car Series, he brings a lot to the table. Starting out in karts as a kid, he worked hard and competed all the way to the CIK-FIA World Karting Finals. He is the real deal. Keenly aware that the outside temperature is climbing, we head downstairs and onto the tarmac where an assortment of cars are all prepped, fueled and ready to go. The first act today is a gorgeous Sapphire Blue Metallic GT4. We get strapped into the LWB's, go through a brief orientation and head out to the main course for some warm up laps. Having owned only PDK equipped P-cars, it took me a few minutes to get comfy with the awesome 6-speed manual. Being a former 981 Cayman owner, I was familiar with the general handling characteristics on track, but the GT4 operates at a whole different level. There is a much more direct connection between the driver and the track surface, and on corner entry, the car has terrific turn in (thanks no doubt to the GT3 front end) and excellent balance at mid-corner. On the exits, setting the suspension and rolling into the throttle is hugely rewarding and big fun. The 3.8 liter transforms the car into a world class, no apologies needed, track weapon. The PCCB brakes are hugely confidence inspiring and Kevin constantly reminds me that I am braking too early. (A pattern to be repeated later in the GT3RS) For the next 50 minutes, we ran the GT4 through its paces; including progressive high speed laps on the big outer course, pressing deeper and deeper into the brake