BMW Performance Center West to Launch in California
After 15 years of success at the BMW Performance Center in South Carolina, which has graduated nearly 130,000 students from its driving school, BMW turns its sights to the west coast.
The new facility, which planned for a late 2014 launch date, will be located in southern California. But, what will the BMW Performance Center West offer residents? And, is it worth building?
California to Have BMW Performance Center West by the End of 2014
The BMW brand has come halfway around the world from the original launch of the BMW Driver Training program in 1977 in Germany. The announcement came a couple of days ago that the German automaker intended to establish the BMW Performance Center West, the second permanent US driving instruction facility. The new grounds outside of La Quinta, California, will be christened by the conclusion of 2014.
While learning to properly drive a BMW may sound like a perk in itself, imagine doing it at a premium, private motorsports club. That’s what BMW Performance Central West’s partner, The Thermal Club, offers participants. Imagine a country club for drivers and their cars. Benefits will include the following: private luxury member garage villas and concierge service, pool, kids club, and tennis courts.
Different sections of the BMW Performance Center West include the Motorsports Village (maintenance bays, repair services, locker rooms, and lounge), the Trackside Garage, and the Tower Building (main clubhouse boasting a 70-foot tall control tower). Best of all, the BMW Performance Center West will feature 5.5 miles of road racing circuits.
So, why does BMW believe another facility of such grandeur is necessary?
“We have long believed that the right driver training is every bit as important as technology in helping to keep drivers safe,” stated Peter Miles, Vice President of Sales Channel Development and Customer Relations for BMW of North America. “The BMW Performance Center West will make it easier for customers in the Western US to benefit from the same professional driving instruction that nearly 130,000 drivers have had at the BMW Performance Center in South Carolina over the last 15 years.”
We can’t argue with that– not when we’re busy having our BMW parked for us as we relax by the pool.
Take a look at the grounds plans for the BMW Performance Center West
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.