Discussion
m999psw said:
I have chosen White, PASM and PDK. I did see a GTS and preferred the leather to Alcantera. In the end its my money and I have chosen the options I want!
Paul
Exactly what I have done. One of the joys of buying new is to have the car that fits your needs and personal preferences. Never gave a thought to resale desirability or value.Paul
I am absolutely over the moon with my car as I am sure you will all be with yours, happy days....
Gordon Robertson from PEC on an italian go kart track in a GTS. Couple of close calls but undoubtedly a very talented driver.
The exhaust note as it leaves the hanger is lush.
Porsche Cayman GTS vs. Go-Kart track: http://youtu.be/uac8U8yZ3bM
The exhaust note as it leaves the hanger is lush.
Porsche Cayman GTS vs. Go-Kart track: http://youtu.be/uac8U8yZ3bM
Edited by Flat6er on Saturday 2nd August 12:31
Cayman GTS… the real-world 3,000 mile review.
So the Cayman has finally pushed the 3,000 mile marker and just wanted to sum up my thoughts on the car to see if this accords with other owners and to help any prospective owners.
Now the car has bedded in, I’m really starting to see what a Jekyll and Hyde character it has.
The sport plus seats are comfortable and supportive for short and long distances, as can be seen from some of the pictures I’ve posted, we’ve done a couple of 3 hour+ drives in the car and it’s returned 35 MPG, even while bedding in. Two criticisms of motorway driving in this car - Firstly the road noise is quite irritating, not too sure if this is related to the PZeros that are fitted to my vehicle or the lack of insulation. Secondly, probably due to the fact the engine is about 4 inches behind you, the drone when accelerator is pressed vs when it’s not, can get tiresome. This appears to be even more noticeable when the cruise control is engaged. Bizarrely use of cruise control means the coast function doesn’t operate, though I’m not too sure if this makes any difference to fuel economy.
The auto-start stop feature I’m in two minds about, it’s questionable how much real-world economy it adds, and can be a bit annoying. Presumably the reason Porsche and many other marques use it is to get the CO2 down on the combined cycle tests, but I do wonder what load starting/stopping puts on the engine components and the long term durability and additional maintenance costs will be, so I usually switch it off, which has to be done every time the car is started.
Round town the car is just as easy to drive, great visibility and the ability to slot into a gap with minimum drama is brilliant. The steering has good weighting and the wheel fits perfectly in the hands. The paddles are great, but rarely used around town and I would have appreciated the ability to control more car functions from the wheel. A simple thing like having to reach round the gear selector to control the radio volume is a pain. Hopefully the multi function sports steering wheel that appears in the Macan will make it’s way to the rest of the range soon. Not too sure if opting for the voice control would have been worth it, but I am finding myself fiddling with things not on the wheel an awful lot.
I love the multifunction display in the instrument cluster, seeing a map directly in front of you while driving is great. I do wonder if getting the 5 cluster from the Panamera and 911 would add more useful information, as there are times when I want the map and the oil temp, and the fuel range all on one display. The control stalk for this display on the wheel works but does take some getting used to. I have the reversing camera fitted to the car, which is a cool toy, but provides no real benefit over the front and rear parking sensors. The fact that a more useful feature, tilting mirrors, is only available with the memory package, which I don’t have, seems crazy.
Space wise, I don’t think the compromise has been too bad. The Cayman is a two seater car, that’s the biggest loss over the rivals I looked at and as my only car, I thought this would have been a bigger logistics issue that it has been. There’s more than enough room in the ‘frunk’ for overnight bags and the rear compartment is perfect for day bags. I’m super chuffed about getting a wardrobe from IKEA on top of the engine bay. How about that for real-world practicality!
The main reason I went for the Cayman is the sensation it gives, less expensive cars with similar performance figures are available - S3, M135i and A45 were all considered, but it’s the way the Cayman does it. The gearbox drops 1, 2 or 3 gears, the engine spikes and you are pushed back in the seat, the revs climb quickly but smoothly, continuing to push all the way though the range. This is accompanied by the sound, a symphony of true mechanical purr then growl, crescendoing in a scream. The next gear is engaged and the whole thing starts again. Lifting off the throttle at full tilt is greeted with an amazing overrun burble that is like nothing else I’ve experienced. On the way down the ‘box, the experience is just a palatable, engine braking accompanies regular braking, each downshift spiking the engine and releasing a beautiful burble from the exhaust. It really is a car that rewards driving.
If I had one criticism of the PDK, it’s on occasion not as telepathic as I would want it to be. There are sometimes I’ve wanted to effect an overtake and it’s just not selected the correct gear. All of a sudden it will wake up, but then it shifts down far too much and is ridiculous. I concede this could just be down to my use of the accelerator, as you have to predict what the ‘box will do given a certain throttle angle, taking into account current speed, gear and rpm. I haven’t really found sport plus to be that useful for having fun on the road - it’s far too aggressive, holding the gears for as long as absolutely possible, which means it just stays in 2nd all the way up to 70mph. It was great in the non-S car I tried it in, but for the GTS, I’m not too sure how useful it is except on a track. I find a perfect combination is Sport, which also engages the sports exhaust.
PASM is a must, or rather engaging the sport mode on PASM is a must when undertaking spirited driving on A/B roads. Steering is direct and precise, where comfort mode has a tendency to wash on tighter corners. On the subject of A/B roads, I do wonder whether there is a road car that is quicker point-to-point on such a road. Even if there are, there is certainly no car that will put a bigger smile on the face.
In conclusion, the car is, for me, the balance of everything I want in the correct proportions. The car is absolutely stunning, from certain angles it’s nothing short of sublime in artistic qualities. The brand conjures up a lot of pre-conceptions, and I've found most of these have been met - for better and worse.
So the Cayman has finally pushed the 3,000 mile marker and just wanted to sum up my thoughts on the car to see if this accords with other owners and to help any prospective owners.
Now the car has bedded in, I’m really starting to see what a Jekyll and Hyde character it has.
- DR JEKYLL
The sport plus seats are comfortable and supportive for short and long distances, as can be seen from some of the pictures I’ve posted, we’ve done a couple of 3 hour+ drives in the car and it’s returned 35 MPG, even while bedding in. Two criticisms of motorway driving in this car - Firstly the road noise is quite irritating, not too sure if this is related to the PZeros that are fitted to my vehicle or the lack of insulation. Secondly, probably due to the fact the engine is about 4 inches behind you, the drone when accelerator is pressed vs when it’s not, can get tiresome. This appears to be even more noticeable when the cruise control is engaged. Bizarrely use of cruise control means the coast function doesn’t operate, though I’m not too sure if this makes any difference to fuel economy.
The auto-start stop feature I’m in two minds about, it’s questionable how much real-world economy it adds, and can be a bit annoying. Presumably the reason Porsche and many other marques use it is to get the CO2 down on the combined cycle tests, but I do wonder what load starting/stopping puts on the engine components and the long term durability and additional maintenance costs will be, so I usually switch it off, which has to be done every time the car is started.
Round town the car is just as easy to drive, great visibility and the ability to slot into a gap with minimum drama is brilliant. The steering has good weighting and the wheel fits perfectly in the hands. The paddles are great, but rarely used around town and I would have appreciated the ability to control more car functions from the wheel. A simple thing like having to reach round the gear selector to control the radio volume is a pain. Hopefully the multi function sports steering wheel that appears in the Macan will make it’s way to the rest of the range soon. Not too sure if opting for the voice control would have been worth it, but I am finding myself fiddling with things not on the wheel an awful lot.
I love the multifunction display in the instrument cluster, seeing a map directly in front of you while driving is great. I do wonder if getting the 5 cluster from the Panamera and 911 would add more useful information, as there are times when I want the map and the oil temp, and the fuel range all on one display. The control stalk for this display on the wheel works but does take some getting used to. I have the reversing camera fitted to the car, which is a cool toy, but provides no real benefit over the front and rear parking sensors. The fact that a more useful feature, tilting mirrors, is only available with the memory package, which I don’t have, seems crazy.
Space wise, I don’t think the compromise has been too bad. The Cayman is a two seater car, that’s the biggest loss over the rivals I looked at and as my only car, I thought this would have been a bigger logistics issue that it has been. There’s more than enough room in the ‘frunk’ for overnight bags and the rear compartment is perfect for day bags. I’m super chuffed about getting a wardrobe from IKEA on top of the engine bay. How about that for real-world practicality!
- MR HYDE
The main reason I went for the Cayman is the sensation it gives, less expensive cars with similar performance figures are available - S3, M135i and A45 were all considered, but it’s the way the Cayman does it. The gearbox drops 1, 2 or 3 gears, the engine spikes and you are pushed back in the seat, the revs climb quickly but smoothly, continuing to push all the way though the range. This is accompanied by the sound, a symphony of true mechanical purr then growl, crescendoing in a scream. The next gear is engaged and the whole thing starts again. Lifting off the throttle at full tilt is greeted with an amazing overrun burble that is like nothing else I’ve experienced. On the way down the ‘box, the experience is just a palatable, engine braking accompanies regular braking, each downshift spiking the engine and releasing a beautiful burble from the exhaust. It really is a car that rewards driving.
If I had one criticism of the PDK, it’s on occasion not as telepathic as I would want it to be. There are sometimes I’ve wanted to effect an overtake and it’s just not selected the correct gear. All of a sudden it will wake up, but then it shifts down far too much and is ridiculous. I concede this could just be down to my use of the accelerator, as you have to predict what the ‘box will do given a certain throttle angle, taking into account current speed, gear and rpm. I haven’t really found sport plus to be that useful for having fun on the road - it’s far too aggressive, holding the gears for as long as absolutely possible, which means it just stays in 2nd all the way up to 70mph. It was great in the non-S car I tried it in, but for the GTS, I’m not too sure how useful it is except on a track. I find a perfect combination is Sport, which also engages the sports exhaust.
PASM is a must, or rather engaging the sport mode on PASM is a must when undertaking spirited driving on A/B roads. Steering is direct and precise, where comfort mode has a tendency to wash on tighter corners. On the subject of A/B roads, I do wonder whether there is a road car that is quicker point-to-point on such a road. Even if there are, there is certainly no car that will put a bigger smile on the face.
In conclusion, the car is, for me, the balance of everything I want in the correct proportions. The car is absolutely stunning, from certain angles it’s nothing short of sublime in artistic qualities. The brand conjures up a lot of pre-conceptions, and I've found most of these have been met - for better and worse.
Edited by sfboy on Saturday 2nd August 13:33
Great write up sfboy.
Yours is a very similar spec to mine although I did tick the voice control, rear camera and memory pack with the adaptive seats.
I have owned several 911's over the years and loved each one for various reasons.
The Cayman GTS is the perfect car for me at this time.
The looks, refinement , sound and engine married to a PDK box is pure heaven on earth IMO.
Yours is a very similar spec to mine although I did tick the voice control, rear camera and memory pack with the adaptive seats.
I have owned several 911's over the years and loved each one for various reasons.
The Cayman GTS is the perfect car for me at this time.
The looks, refinement , sound and engine married to a PDK box is pure heaven on earth IMO.
Back from the dealers a few hours ago. I am pretty much sold on the PDK now, what shocked me most was how smooth and quickly it changes gear and I love the blips on the down change.
I've made a few tweaks the configuration as I was shown the normal white and then the "Carrara White Metallic", for my the choice was easy the metallic made such a big difference as it gave the car a real presence.
At the moment I have the worst case figures, so that's no discount, so we can see what they can offer now. So I am going to spend the next week negotiating a price.
I've made a few tweaks the configuration as I was shown the normal white and then the "Carrara White Metallic", for my the choice was easy the metallic made such a big difference as it gave the car a real presence.
At the moment I have the worst case figures, so that's no discount, so we can see what they can offer now. So I am going to spend the next week negotiating a price.
Thanks for writing up your experience so far sfboy - you have a good skill with words there
Everything I read about the Cayman, and especially the GTS, makes me more impatient for my car to arrive(September)
The guys at OPC Cardiff describe the Sports Plus as the "nutter" button. From the write up above, they may have a point
Everything I read about the Cayman, and especially the GTS, makes me more impatient for my car to arrive(September)
The guys at OPC Cardiff describe the Sports Plus as the "nutter" button. From the write up above, they may have a point
CJP80 said:
rxpandy said:
Has anyone had any discount from the OPC on the GTS as ill be ordering my new one at the weekend (UK)? As I am seeing what one of my local dealers can offer me the best deal.
£1500 Porsche contribution.Who will give you £1.5k off? I thought that with the end of the year coming up they might be tempted to offer inducements to take delivery before 1/1/15, but on the contrary those I have spoken to won't even discuss discount and the finance deals are Captain Jack Sparrow stuff.
What is the thinking between Boxster and Cayman? Does the Cayman still handle that bit more sharply than the Boxster? I guess that the sports exhaust is that little bit more fun in the Boxster with the roof down, but I haven't driven a Boxster GTS so don't know for sure.
I see that Works Collection is no longer a UK option.
What is the feeling between Manual and PDK? I see very few cars without PDK now, and no GTS at all, and am coming to the conclusion that the manual, sweet as it may be, is a thing of the past.
I believe that PASM is standard on the GTS. Is that correct as I see that some people have been talking about it as if it were an option?
Anybody ticked the Porsche Torque Vectoring + LSD box?
Would you have the Sat Nav? Without it you can't have the speed limit display, and on German Autobahn, I could see that being essential. It is sometimes a little unclear when you are going from derestricted to restricted.
Would you have the GTS Interior Pack? I believe this is basically the full leather with Alcantara and contrast stitching. The carbon inserts are a bit OTT imho, as is the red dial.
The alternative is the Jaguar F-Type, which is an emotive piece of kit to be sure, but new, very much more expensive and liable I would think to depreciate pretty hard.
cardigankid said:
I would be grateful for any comments from the PH Massive!
Who will give you £1.5k off? I thought that with the end of the year coming up they might be tempted to offer inducements to take delivery before 1/1/15, but on the contrary those I have spoken to won't even discuss discount and the finance deals are Captain Jack Sparrow stuff.
EO: In my view you'll get taken more seriously face to face. Arrange to meet with 2 or 3 dealers, take your spec, make it clear a deposit is available if they can do a deal. Do you need finance?
What is the thinking between Boxster and Cayman? Does the Cayman still handle that bit more sharply than the Boxster? I guess that the sports exhaust is that little bit more fun in the Boxster with the roof down, but I haven't driven a Boxster GTS so don't know for sure.
EO: IMHO in the real world there is very little in the driving department, it is all down to whether you want roof down motoring, or the slightly more practical rear boot of the Cayman.
I see that Works Collection is no longer a UK option.
What is the feeling between Manual and PDK? I see very few cars without PDK now, and no GTS at all, and am coming to the conclusion that the manual, sweet as it may be, is a thing of the past.
EO: We had a manual 987 before our 981 cayman, The manual is a peach and I would have gone that way were it not for the fact this will be a daily driver.
I believe that PASM is standard on the GTS. Is that correct as I see that some people have been talking about it as if it were an option?
EO: PASM is indeed standard on GTS. Our non GTS has it and I think it is more required if you go for the bigger wheels.
Anybody ticked the Porsche Torque Vectoring + LSD box?
EO: Cant comment, dont have it.
Would you have the Sat Nav? Without it you can't have the speed limit display, and on German Autobahn, I could see that being essential. It is sometimes a little unclear when you are going from derestricted to restricted.
EO: Essential as far as I am concerned, and I would say also important for resale. Just my opinion, I hate having stuff stuck to or on the dash.
Would you have the GTS Interior Pack? I believe this is basically the full leather with Alcantara and contrast stitching. The carbon inserts are a bit OTT imho, as is the red dial.
EO: I like it but dont think it is worth the money - take nav instead!
The alternative is the Jaguar F-Type, which is an emotive piece of kit to be sure, but new, very much more expensive and liable I would think to depreciate pretty hard.
EO: I like the new F-Type (cab boot is pathetic), but the coupe is lovely. Dont think a V6 S is that much more than a Cayman GTS is it?
Who will give you £1.5k off? I thought that with the end of the year coming up they might be tempted to offer inducements to take delivery before 1/1/15, but on the contrary those I have spoken to won't even discuss discount and the finance deals are Captain Jack Sparrow stuff.
EO: In my view you'll get taken more seriously face to face. Arrange to meet with 2 or 3 dealers, take your spec, make it clear a deposit is available if they can do a deal. Do you need finance?
What is the thinking between Boxster and Cayman? Does the Cayman still handle that bit more sharply than the Boxster? I guess that the sports exhaust is that little bit more fun in the Boxster with the roof down, but I haven't driven a Boxster GTS so don't know for sure.
EO: IMHO in the real world there is very little in the driving department, it is all down to whether you want roof down motoring, or the slightly more practical rear boot of the Cayman.
I see that Works Collection is no longer a UK option.
What is the feeling between Manual and PDK? I see very few cars without PDK now, and no GTS at all, and am coming to the conclusion that the manual, sweet as it may be, is a thing of the past.
EO: We had a manual 987 before our 981 cayman, The manual is a peach and I would have gone that way were it not for the fact this will be a daily driver.
I believe that PASM is standard on the GTS. Is that correct as I see that some people have been talking about it as if it were an option?
EO: PASM is indeed standard on GTS. Our non GTS has it and I think it is more required if you go for the bigger wheels.
Anybody ticked the Porsche Torque Vectoring + LSD box?
EO: Cant comment, dont have it.
Would you have the Sat Nav? Without it you can't have the speed limit display, and on German Autobahn, I could see that being essential. It is sometimes a little unclear when you are going from derestricted to restricted.
EO: Essential as far as I am concerned, and I would say also important for resale. Just my opinion, I hate having stuff stuck to or on the dash.
Would you have the GTS Interior Pack? I believe this is basically the full leather with Alcantara and contrast stitching. The carbon inserts are a bit OTT imho, as is the red dial.
EO: I like it but dont think it is worth the money - take nav instead!
The alternative is the Jaguar F-Type, which is an emotive piece of kit to be sure, but new, very much more expensive and liable I would think to depreciate pretty hard.
EO: I like the new F-Type (cab boot is pathetic), but the coupe is lovely. Dont think a V6 S is that much more than a Cayman GTS is it?
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