NEW 981 BOXSTER OWNERS - PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS FORUM

[MPC09]

JOE981 said:

Don’t ever doubt that it will be worth the wait. That’s my advice for those who have just placed their orders for the new Porsche Boxster S.

The 981 is a revelation. There is nothing this side of a Ferrari 458 that feels as good to drive. And at less than a third of the price, is it even an option?

NO EQUAL

In the roadster segment there is no direct competitor for this tour de force.

Yes, there are faster cars, there are more luxurious cars, arguably there may be better looking cars, but I doubt that there is truly a better, more complete sports car.

At a base price of R750 000 it is relatively expensive. But the amazing thing is, even at that price, it represents an incredible bargain when it comes to how this car makes you, the driver, feel.

My previous car was a 2008 Boxster S. It was an exciting drive. Lively, fun and somewhat raw; it is, however, no 981.

STYLISH DESIGN

If I was blindfolded and the new interior was then revealed to me for the first time, there is no way I would ever have associated it with a Boxster.

The 987 interior was always lacking a little in the quality department. It was definitely functional and from an ergonomics point of view relatively faultless. But there was nothing special about it. My previous Audi TT always looked and felt so much better.

There is no longer a feeling that this is a baby cut-priced 911 moulded from big brother’s parts-bin. The interior has catapulted this vehicle into the upper echelons of sportscardom. Everything feels clean, stylish, functional and of exceptional quality.

Park this car next to a new 991 and you’ll be wondering why Porsche slipped up and made the Boxster a better looking car than its flagship. It is truly a masterpiece of automotive design. Styling elements from the Carrera GT and the soon-to-be-released 918 hyper-car abound.

From the stacked headlights to the deep side air intakes, the sculpted doors to the beautifully integrated rear spoiler, everything has been perfectly executed.

BLISTERING PERFORMANCE

The 3.4-litre boxer six engine is legendary. Mate this to the new PDK gearbox and optional Sports Chrono Pack and you are looking at 0-100km/h times of 4.7s and a top speed in excess of 280km/h!

The handling and poise is simply magnificent, which in turn instils an unmatched confidence in the driver.

I have always preferred a manual gearbox, but the PDK is brilliant. Simply put, the PDK makes you a much better driver than you think you already are. The blips on down changes are totally addictive especially when matched with the Porsche Sports Exhaust and gear changes are instantaneous and transitionless (yes, I made that word up).

ASIDE
Back to that PSE – It is amazing! After 3000miles the sound with the top down is simply intoxicating. My previous 987S had the standard exhaust and I always wanted to upgrade the system for a sportier more aggressive sound. Quite simply you cannot compare the sound of the 987 and the 981. It sounds like a totally different engine.....and that amazingly is a good thing. Had a quick “spirited drive” against a 2012 Maserati GranTurismo about a week ago. I’ve always loved the sound of the Maserati aka Ferrari V8. The 981 stayed ahead for the entire quater mile, and the Maserati owner was amazed at the speed and sound of the 981 with PSE. To be honest, so was I. At full cry those engines created a symphony of note. I new on paper the 981S may edge the quater mile. But to actually experience it was very satisfying.

This is undoubtedly the best roadster money can buy. It is also one of the best handling cars available at any price. But don’t take my word for it; every motoring journalist seems to agree.

I'm out in Cape Town in January and know the types of roads you have to play with in such a car. Jealous doesn't even cover it.

[SCChia]

stevod said:

1 - that's the Boxster S

2 - don't think this is available

3 - the Bose also has extra speakers and IIRC a sub. Between the base setup and the Bose there's also Sound Package Plus. Lots written about these already.

Hope this helps.

S

Thanks stevod, it definitely helps. It took me few days to figure out why most of the people collected their car with a standard red brake calliper.

I think Bose sound system has been recommended here. Most likely will go for it since my wife still quite particular about quality sound.

Once again thanks for your advise.

[SCChia]

Moog72 said:

Agreed, as this brings with it the flappy paddles for gear changes rather than the clumsy buttons on the steering wheel. Also looks better and ties in with the standard interior metallic trim

General consensus is that BOSE isn't worth it, but if you do opt for it, it's the only system that drives the rear (behind seats) speakers and gives you fade control if that's important to you - I ticked it because my options required Sound System Plus anyhow and it was "only" a bit more for the BOSE. BOSE system is quite a bit more than just a chip - more speakers, more power and tuned to suit the car. Most will argue that you'll never use it because of the addictive noise of the car

Really consider PASM although if you're not going for 20" wheels it might be overkill unless you want / need the hard suspension setting - really does help the ride on 20's

Really don't bother with Sport Chrono as I suspect it will never get used once the novelty wears off. Yes, you get the Sport Plus button which basically turns the car into a mentalist, but not in a good way for the road at least.


Sports exhaust perhaps?

Dual zone climate if you don't want to constantly mess with the fan speed on the standard aircon

Edited by Moog72 on Thursday 8th November 10:07

Thanks Moog72, thanks but the Sports Steering wheel has no volume control, call answering and all these buttons. Just can't get over it if a German car doesn't have all these connivence.

We are really a noob when it comes to car handling and speed. It's for leisure and performance when we need it. Hence PASM was not on my list. Sports Chrono looks good with the dial but I don't think I will opt for it since it is indeed not a practical feature.

About the Dual Zone climate, we don't think we will be keep changing the fans speed since the place we live is a very standard climate here. It's shining 4 seasons and do you agree that this function will then not be useful to us?

My agent suggested us by changing the Sports exhaust will need to change other parts of the exhaust too. Not sure how true it is but it shut me off as we really don't know much about modification.

[SCChia]

SFO said:

I had Bose in my 981S .. I thought it was excellent, and much better than the 987 version.

It's a lot less distorted at high volumes, sound is much crisper and clearer, and sound is also stronger and deeper.

Worth it for motorway journeys, and much cheaper than changing speakers later (not to mention avoiding having the interior dismantle later).

Listen to a car with Bose, and make up your own mind. Make sure you leave at least a 2 in gap between the rear speakers and the front seatbacks.

Thanks SFO, my wife has a high expectation of sound quality and most likely we will go for the BOSE sound system option. I assume this is good enough without opting for the "Sound System Plus".

Really appreciated your sharing

[SCChia]

lumpystew said:

Stick to the 3 colour principal

Black you cant get away from ie. tyres - side air intakes - grills - steering column etc etc
Principal car colour - Your own preffered choice
Accent colour ie red brake calipers - red seat belts - clocks etc
And a touch of silver for door handles

Laura Ashley stylee.

Thanks lumpystew, discussing this point with my wife now.

You definitely have a point!

[SFO]

SCChia said:

Thanks SFO, my wife has a high expectation of sound quality and most likely we will go for the BOSE sound system option. I assume this is good enough without opting for the "Sound System Plus".

Really appreciated your sharing

sound system (package) plus is the step before Bose .. so Bose is all you need.

the cabin on the 981 is quite intimate so s/w controls aren't really necessary as all buttons etc are easy to reach .. plus I find that the sport design s/w is clean and utterly striking

I had standard a/c which worked fine .. needs a bit of fiddling but if your temperatures are pretty constant, you won't have to fiddle much.

I didn't get PASM but wish I had .. it lowers the car 10m for a more sporty look, and PASM also improves ride and handling.

[Ozzie Osmond]

Before you buy note that,

• Bose does NOT have speed variable volume control. It's supposed to achieve that through something called Sound "Audio Pilot" but frankly it doesn't work.
• The radio volume knob is obstructed by the gearlever in RHD cars (most of the world the driver sits in the left with the knob close to him. not set up for UK)

So, I recommend you get either,

1. The sound plus stereo upgrade and Sport steering wheel (no buttons), or
2. Bose with the steering wheel controls.

Anyway, make sure you try before you buy. I'm annoyed the salesman was much more interested in trying to sell me garbage like Swissvax and Gap Insurance than giving any real help with the stereo.

Edited by Ozzie Osmond on Thursday 8th November 16:57

[SFO]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Before you buy note that,

• Bose does NOT have speed variable volume control. It's supposed to achieve that through something called "Sound Pilot" but frankly it doesn't work.
• The radio volume knob is obstructed by the gearlever in RHD cars (most of the world the driver sits in the left with the knob close to him. not set up for UK)

So, I recommend you get either,

1. The sound plus stereo upgrade and Sport steering wheel (no buttons), or
2. Bose with the steering wheel controls.

Anyway, make sure you try before you buy. I'm annoyed the salesman was much more interested in trying to sell me garbage like Swissvax and Gap Insurance than giving any real help with the stereo.

it's audio pilot with BOSE, it works OK roof up or down. I found that I didn't need to adjust volume roof up, more so roof down.

[Ozzie Osmond]

SFO said:

it's audio pilot with BOSE, it works OK roof up or down. I found that I didn't need to adjust volume roof up, more so roof down.

Thanks for correction on the name. Yours may work but mine is useless. It's been back to the dealer but they say there's nothing wrong. Every time I slow for a junction the stereo is far too loud and needs manual turn-down..

[Ozzie Osmond]

Question: Does anyone know where the microphone is fitted which enables Bose to judge the sound level in the car?

[SFO]

Ozzie Osmond said:

Question: Does anyone know where the microphone is fitted which enables Bose to judge the sound level in the car?

isn't on the steering column casing somewhere .. small grille of some kind?

[cervezaman]

lumpystew said:

Stick to the 3 colour principal

Black you cant get away from ie. tyres - side air intakes - grills - steering column etc etc
Principal car colour - Your own preffered choice
Accent colour ie red brake calipers - red seat belts - clocks etc
And a touch of silver for door handles

Laura Ashley stylee.

Possibly a fourth colour to really mix things up? Yellow calipers perhaps ;-)

[Moog72]

Does anyone know if you can simply turn off Audio Pilot?

[TryHarder]

Moog72 said:

Does anyone know if you can simply turn off Audio Pilot?

Click here

[lumpystew]

cervezaman said:

lumpystew said:

Stick to the 3 colour principal

Black you cant get away from ie. tyres - side air intakes - grills - steering column etc etc
Principal car colour - Your own preffered choice
Accent colour ie red brake calipers - red seat belts - clocks etc
And a touch of silver for door handles

Laura Ashley stylee.

Possibly a fourth colour to really mix things up? Yellow calipers perhaps ;-)

Would have loved to be daring and gone for yellow paint - yellow painted roll bars - yellow seat belts and yellow sports chrono clock with yellow brake calipers. black leather all round - The 2 colour option

Banana Man

[Moog72]

TryHarder said:

Click here

Thanks for the info and what a great link, I didn't know about that site!

[TryHarder]

Moog72 said:

Thanks for the info and what a great link, I didn't know about that site!

No worries

[Moog72]

lumpystew said:

Would have loved to be daring and gone for yellow paint - yellow painted roll bars - yellow seat belts and yellow sports chrono clock with yellow brake calipers. black leather all round - The 2 colour option

Banana Man

Less daring perhaps but have done this in Guards Red instead, albeit minus the SC option entirely. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[breadvan]

Would love to see photos of more confident colour combos.........

[lumpystew]

Come on you Guys - Lets get all pictures downloaded and try to get the first 981 meet together as I have only seen one other 981 and I do a fair bit of driving.