Driving experiences are a
way for hotels to drive traffic to their properties. Although popular overseas (as exemplified by
the Waldorf Astoria Driving Experiences), such practice in Hong
Kong is extremely rare.
Nevertheless, Jebsen
(Porsche Centre Hong Kong), has proved this possible through an
exclusive partnership with the Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Central, to
provide a once-in-the-lifetime staycation experience, which runs from June 17
to December 31.
Further, such partnership
also allows Jebsen to host special events within the hotel premises, as in the
case of the 718 Boxster (982 series) local unveil on June 30 at the MO Bar, the
hotel’s only ground-floor venue previously not involved in any car-related occasions.
First, the car......
We didn’t get to join the
fun, but still managed to make up for lost time on the vehicle at the showroom a few days later.
For the first time in the brand’s history, the Boxster is positioned higher
than the Cayman, even though some would disagree. Also, the 718 is essentially a 981 series’ facelift, but as a
tribute to the original four-cylindered 718 Spyder in 1957 as well as gradually
switching over to numerical model designations, the Boxster and Cayman have
gained their updated identities.
Changes in the new 718 are subtle but significant. Highlights
include a pair of downsized 2.0-2.5L flat-four (H-4) turbos which supplant the
previous 2.7-3.4L H-6s, promising increased output (300-350hp) and improved
fuel economies by up to 13 percent.
Updates also apply to chassis enhancements, exterior design, and in-car
electronics such as a newer PCM infotainment system with available navigation
and enhanced connectivity functions.
Prices of the local-spec 718
Boxster (300hp) and Boxster S (350hp) as of June 2016 start from HK$932k and
$1.119M respectively. But for those who
are not into open-air driving due to various circumstances (such as bad air
quality in town), the choice will undoubtedly be the Cayman, expected to arrive
sometime later and starting from $890k.
Then, the event setup...
It remains to be seen whether
Jebsen will repeat such car launch activities with newer models during the
collaboration period. We were concerned
with such logistics complications as the removal of multiple side glass panes
for conveying the vehicle and other event hardware into the premises, but all
this worked out well. And seriously
speaking, the bar itself, when emptied out on the ground level, does have ample
of space for car events (up to one medium-sized model), while retaining full
functionality on the mezzanine floor to cater the guests.
As
you can see from these pics, the event was well hidden inside the MO Bar,
with no 718 visible whatsoever from the outside. The only signs that
indicate Porsche's car event presence were those window decals, even
though casual passers-by may still not grab the idea.
And the best part?
Sure enough, that car launch part is just icing on the cake. The real deal? Customers who book the Porsche x Landmark Staycation package
will be treated to the property’s on-site amenities, including the spa and
unlimited non-alcoholic drinks from the minibar. The weekends- and holidays-only package,
starting from HK$6,800, is based on a one-night stay in a room or suite, giving
patrons the opportunity at a first-hand experience with the recently-redesigned
accommodations. And while at the premises,
guests will be given a spa and dining credit, with additional opportunities to
explore the hotel’s bath experiences in the privacy of their en-suite bathroom,
in various theme settings. Other perks
include a Porsche incentive, two beers, local gourmet treats and complimentary
items from the minibar.
Of course, the highlight of this
trip is a three-hour driving experience in one of three Porsche’s newest vehicles, such as the 991-2 Carrera S, even though the 718 Boxster’s inclusion
in the fleet remains to be seen, as the hotel has not revealed additional details.
Those who book the upgraded L900
Landmark Suite will also have a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2017 Porsche
Snow Force event in Mongolia,
where they can hone their driving skills on a frozen lake, with eight tracks
and the entire model range available – something normally reserved for the auto press community only.
"Oh Porsche, what have you done??"
Has Porsche "done good" on
this one? MGJMW thinks so. C'mon, a staycation like no other, and in HK? There (really) is no substitute. For details and reservations on the Porsche x
Landmark Staycation experience, check here.
