THE PAINT HAS DRIED, the concrete has cured, the lights are on, the gorgeous sports cars have been rolled in and precisely positioned, and now the ribbon has been cut — Porsche Centre Markham is now open for new and pre-owned vehicle sales, full parts and service operation, and, of course, test drives.
Porsche Centre Markham is a brand-new dealership and one of the first in the world to feature Porsche’s new global retail architecture, boasting 50,000 square feet and uniquely integrated into the site of the CF Markville Mall shopping centre, at the corner of Highway 7 and McCowan Road. The facility has a Driver’s Selection boutique and, for the Taycan and the electric future, dedicated electric-vehicle charging stations as well as an electric-vehicle battery-repair room.
Porsche Centre Markham is owned and operated by Pfaff Automotive Partners, whose large flagship store, double the size, is Pfaff Porsche in Vaughan, a familiar venue to most Porsche fans and club members.
Upper Canada Region was treated to an exclusive peek and full tour of the state-of-the-art Porsche Centre Markham facility on the morning of Saturday, April 24, virtually on Zoom.
Dave Sambrook, long-time Pfaff staff and friend of the club, is the general manager and welcomed club members from the mezzanine overlooking the bright open showroom, which features an expansive skylight.
The dealership’s design concept is called Destination Porsche, first rolled out in Palm Springs, California, and soon to be rolled out across Canada, including in other brand-new dealerships as well as with renovations to current dealerships.
Inside, different modules highlight different themes such as E-performance and classic, with the vehicle itself always in the main spotlight. Outside, a new aluminum façade opens up in partial areas, offering a glimpse into the facility, accented by specialized red LED lighting for a powerful presence in the evening — one that will surely be admired by hundreds every night in this high-traffic location.
Porsche of Halifax will next receive the Destination Porsche treatment later this year, followed by Porsche Centre Richmond in BC, Mark Motors Porsche in Ottawa, and then the new Porsche Centre Kitchener-Waterloo next year.
The demand for rare high-performance models is very high and hard to meet.
Next up, Service Manager Adrian Vallejo took club members on a walking tour of the service department, including the expansive indoor reception area where customers initially pull their vehicles into so they never have to get out in the weather, a large service garage that also has a large skylight that runs the full length and makes the area especially bright with natural light, a specialized contained room for addressing the needs of the Taycan and other future electric Porsches, detailing bays and more.
A contactless electronic kiosk was also demonstrated, which allows customers to drop off and pick up their Porsche in a convenient and safe manner, using a touchscreen and a secure key box. It is possible to have service performed to a Porsche without ever actually seeing a human being. Vehicles are also cleaned and sanitized prior to being returned to their owners.
Also a long-time Pfaff employee and friend of the club, Jerome Hylton, parts consultant, showed everyone the well-outfitted and well-organized parts department, complete with a unique parts elevator that quickly and effectively moves items from one level of the dealership to another. Also of interest to many was the Driver’s Selection boutique that is well-stocked with hats, shirts and other apparel, model Porsches, weekender bags, umbrellas, mugs, keychains and more.
Finally, Sales Consultant Serguei Kourokhtine took us around the showroom and presented some of the delicious Porsche eye candy that was sprinkled about. Several club members asked questions about new models, particularly their availability. The demand for two-door Porsches, especially rare high-performance models such as the 911 Turbo S, Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder, is currently very high and hard to meet. Even any new 992 911 is hard to come by, most coming into the dealership are already spoken for and sold, customer orders, so it is recommended that anyone who is interested in a two-door of any variety, contact Porsche Centre Markham right away to let them know and even secure a future production spot, the dealership can be reached at 289-661-1588. You can also peruse the inventory online at PorscheCentreMarkham.com but keep in mind that any available two-door may not even last long enough to reach the website.
Upper Canada Region welcomed its newest member joining us for the first time at an event, Paul Wrabko from Thornhill, who recently purchased a new white 2021 718 Cayman.
Once again trivia questions were presented, with a Porsche Centre Markham, Pfaff and general Markham theme, winners of nifty Driver Selection items were Rob Payne, Sam Chow, Peter Lockhart, Eric Lehto, Carolyn and Brad Stewart, Wayne Spiegelberg and Michael Ellig.
The next time you are looking to go car hunting, new or pre-owned, or take your current Porsche in for service, it’s nice and convenient to be able to get some shopping done at Markville Mall, which is connected to Porsche Centre Markham via the outdoor parking lot as well as the lower parkade. If nothing else, do yourself a favour and go check out the stunning new Destination Porsche concept.
Along with Pfaff Porsche, Porsche Centre Markham is an exclusive presenting sponsor of the 25th Anniversary PCA UCR Can-Am Challenge Club Race. Porsche Centre Markham will also host a driving tour with the club on Sept. 26. </>
