Discussion
Hi,
I received a lucky and grateful call from my local Porsche dealership last Wednesday. They received one build slot for the new 718 GT4, which they kindly offered to me. I gave them a draft spec and deposit that afternoon to confirm the order.
The car should arrive in September, so I will have another 4-6 weeks before I have to lock down my spec. I have a number of questions which hopefully someone has had experience with, or can advise on.
01 - Manual: My last two Porsche's both had PDK gear boxes, which I absolutely love... and I'm somewhat nervous of the idea changing to a manual gear box. I have a 1986 manual 3.2 Carrera 911 and I love and appreciate a manual gear box in that car, as it gives you a very rewarding and raw driving experience, however I've always been on the PDK side of the fence when it comes to the Manual vs PDK debate in a modern day Porsche, or any modern day sports car for that matter, as I love both the sound and speed of change that a PDK option delivers. Has anyone here changed from driving a PDK to a manual in a relatively modern Porsche, and is it something that you regret?
02 - Brakes: I have specced the standard red steel calipers, however I am considering the yellow ceramics, but slightly concerned they'll squeal like a bus after a few weeks. Are they a waste of money if you are not tracking the car? Any regrets on speccing a car with or without them?
03 - Limited Run Or Not: When Porsche posted a pic of the new GT4 on Instagram during the week, someone commented that it was "too much money for a car that doesn't have a limited production run", which someone else said the smae. Has anyone heard anything around this? My local Porsche dealership said they were only allocated one build slot for 2019, so I presumed like many other GT cars, it would be a limited production run.
04 - Options / Spec: Any thoughts on must have specs on the new GT4. I always spec cars quite subtle both from an aesthetics and options point of view, however this is my first Porsche from the GT range - http://www.porsche-code.com/PL41UKJ4
Thanks in advance for your advice and help.
I received a lucky and grateful call from my local Porsche dealership last Wednesday. They received one build slot for the new 718 GT4, which they kindly offered to me. I gave them a draft spec and deposit that afternoon to confirm the order.
The car should arrive in September, so I will have another 4-6 weeks before I have to lock down my spec. I have a number of questions which hopefully someone has had experience with, or can advise on.
01 - Manual: My last two Porsche's both had PDK gear boxes, which I absolutely love... and I'm somewhat nervous of the idea changing to a manual gear box. I have a 1986 manual 3.2 Carrera 911 and I love and appreciate a manual gear box in that car, as it gives you a very rewarding and raw driving experience, however I've always been on the PDK side of the fence when it comes to the Manual vs PDK debate in a modern day Porsche, or any modern day sports car for that matter, as I love both the sound and speed of change that a PDK option delivers. Has anyone here changed from driving a PDK to a manual in a relatively modern Porsche, and is it something that you regret?
02 - Brakes: I have specced the standard red steel calipers, however I am considering the yellow ceramics, but slightly concerned they'll squeal like a bus after a few weeks. Are they a waste of money if you are not tracking the car? Any regrets on speccing a car with or without them?
03 - Limited Run Or Not: When Porsche posted a pic of the new GT4 on Instagram during the week, someone commented that it was "too much money for a car that doesn't have a limited production run", which someone else said the smae. Has anyone heard anything around this? My local Porsche dealership said they were only allocated one build slot for 2019, so I presumed like many other GT cars, it would be a limited production run.
04 - Options / Spec: Any thoughts on must have specs on the new GT4. I always spec cars quite subtle both from an aesthetics and options point of view, however this is my first Porsche from the GT range - http://www.porsche-code.com/PL41UKJ4
Thanks in advance for your advice and help.
I had a manual 981 and recently a PDK 718. Both had their good points. Obviously the PDK is very easy to drive, but for me the manual was still easy to drive while providing a lot more interaction at road speeds (i.e. not on the limit). I wouldn't hesitate in returning to the manual. 718 GT4 also comes with the auto blip button which makes for easy motoring. As for the sound, I understand what you mean but the GT4 engine won't be a screamer so it won't have the same effect as PDK on a 991.2 GT3, for example.
On brakes, steels can and do still squeak. Can't speak for ceramics but have heard they are a bit louder.
Porsche has said the thing about production for several recent GT cars. They are limited by production capacity. Therefore the cars will be rare for the first year. It's possible they will eventually produce quite a few. As an aside, I think you'd be an idiot to think the GT4 isn't a complete bargain at £75k base. I would have one without a second thought even if it depreciated like a regular Porsche.
I imagine you'll get several comments on the spec, but there aren't many must have options imo. Some people will suggest contrast interior stitching (if you keep the red calipers then you could spec red stitching to match), alcantara sun visors etc. You might more or less get your money back for buckets + clubsport. You certainly can't go wrong with GT silver.
On brakes, steels can and do still squeak. Can't speak for ceramics but have heard they are a bit louder.
Porsche has said the thing about production for several recent GT cars. They are limited by production capacity. Therefore the cars will be rare for the first year. It's possible they will eventually produce quite a few. As an aside, I think you'd be an idiot to think the GT4 isn't a complete bargain at £75k base. I would have one without a second thought even if it depreciated like a regular Porsche.
I imagine you'll get several comments on the spec, but there aren't many must have options imo. Some people will suggest contrast interior stitching (if you keep the red calipers then you could spec red stitching to match), alcantara sun visors etc. You might more or less get your money back for buckets + clubsport. You certainly can't go wrong with GT silver.
Thanks for the detailed reply, much appreciated.
I actually don’t like the auto blipping on the manual gearbox... I think it actually takes away from the purist of a manual gearbox.
I’m interested to know more about your note on the 4.0 engine not being a screamer? I know it’s not from the GT3, but surely it will be a screamer similar to the 981 NA 3.4?
I actually don’t like the auto blipping on the manual gearbox... I think it actually takes away from the purist of a manual gearbox.
I’m interested to know more about your note on the 4.0 engine not being a screamer? I know it’s not from the GT3, but surely it will be a screamer similar to the 981 NA 3.4?
I agree re the auto blipping. I wouldn't have it on for spirited driving, but I just think it will make things easier around town. Porsche have listened to complaints that you can't switch it on/off independently and there is now a dedicated button.
It depends on your definition of screamer I suppose. I loved the 3.4 in my 981 - a nice engine that revs out sweetly for sure - but it's a world away from a GT3 engine and I wouldn't call it a screamer. I imagine the new GT4 4.0 will be similar given it is 911 Carrera engine-derived. There's something addictive about the sound of a GT3 zinging through the gears with PDK, but I don't think it was quite the same with a 981 and not sure it will be the same with the GT4.
It depends on your definition of screamer I suppose. I loved the 3.4 in my 981 - a nice engine that revs out sweetly for sure - but it's a world away from a GT3 engine and I wouldn't call it a screamer. I imagine the new GT4 4.0 will be similar given it is 911 Carrera engine-derived. There's something addictive about the sound of a GT3 zinging through the gears with PDK, but I don't think it was quite the same with a 981 and not sure it will be the same with the GT4.
Congrats on the allocation, the new GT4 doesn't look to be hugely different to me to the 981 version, which is all I can comment on. I had one with ceramics and one with steels, the squeaks from the brakes were about the same but as mentioned above a few hard stops from high motorway speeds cleans them both up. The ceramics for me are worth it for the wow factor and almost no brake dust, but that's obviously a mad outlook.
The manual gearbox I really struggled with, the clutch was massively stiff (for me, being slight of frame and with a damaged ankle) and I just don't get why Porsche insist on heavy clutches, it's surely a matter of mechanical advantage ratio with the hydraulics?
But the main reason I went back to my old PDK GTS was that the GT4 didn't work for me as a combined sports / tourer. There is no high gear so in 6th you're doing 3000 plus rpm on the motorway (minimum) that with the general harshness and noise inside the cabin meant it's hard to talk to your passenger, I always ended up concentrating on driving as smoothly as possible when the missus was with me to try and calm it down, which is the exact opposite of the reason to own one. Plenty of others have commented that they've done long runs and it was superb, so it's just my opinion and not a definitive statement.
Great car for a very early morning run on your own, or trackways. Which is what it was designed for. So in summary the car is great and I bought the wrong car. (Twice).
The manual gearbox I really struggled with, the clutch was massively stiff (for me, being slight of frame and with a damaged ankle) and I just don't get why Porsche insist on heavy clutches, it's surely a matter of mechanical advantage ratio with the hydraulics?
But the main reason I went back to my old PDK GTS was that the GT4 didn't work for me as a combined sports / tourer. There is no high gear so in 6th you're doing 3000 plus rpm on the motorway (minimum) that with the general harshness and noise inside the cabin meant it's hard to talk to your passenger, I always ended up concentrating on driving as smoothly as possible when the missus was with me to try and calm it down, which is the exact opposite of the reason to own one. Plenty of others have commented that they've done long runs and it was superb, so it's just my opinion and not a definitive statement.
Great car for a very early morning run on your own, or trackways. Which is what it was designed for. So in summary the car is great and I bought the wrong car. (Twice).
Lucky you and me ! I got a 718 Spyder confirmed, my dealer is quite a big centre but got only 2 of these 4.0ltre 718's. Must have option are sports bucket seats, that said my wife has asked for standard seats for ease of ingress & egress, don't be tempted by the coloured interior trim bits they always look too much, and good luck choosing an exterior colour ! Personally I think these limited edition cars are priced just right. Uk will get less than 200 in 2019 and not too many more next year.
Hopefully you'll also get the invite to Porsche Centre Silverstone to try before locking your spec? Or doesn't that work for GT cars? When I bought the GTS I paid 5%, then went to try two cars (manual and PDK, buckets and comfort etc) then finalised the spec and paid the next 5%.
It was great fun but a bit pointless cause I just ticked everything, including (mini) PCCB and racing yellow.
It was great fun but a bit pointless cause I just ticked everything, including (mini) PCCB and racing yellow.
robj4 said:
Congrats on the allocation, the new GT4 doesn't look to be hugely different to me to the 981 version, which is all I can comment on. I had one with ceramics and one with steels, the squeaks from the brakes were about the same but as mentioned above a few hard stops from high motorway speeds cleans them both up. The ceramics for me are worth it for the wow factor and almost no brake dust, but that's obviously a mad outlook.
I'll second both of Rob's comments, firstly, congratulations, lucky you getting a slot! Regarding the brakes; I've had two Boxsters with ceramics now (a 981S and my current 981 Spyder) and I would certainly specify/choose them again. I can't imagine that there is much stopping power difference noticeable on the road to most people, and neither of mine squealed. I love the lack of brake dust, absence of binding calipers and the way they look. I know that they're expensive, and I'm sure someone will be along to explain why I'm wrong, but for me, I like them! Well done on the allocation!
A lot of what you are asking about is really personal preference - everyone will have their own views on here - its up to you to spec out the car exactly how you want it I guess.
On the brakes I have a bit of my own experience to perhaps help you with your decision. I have run two 981 GT4s - a friends for a while which had ceramics and now my own which has steels. Both are absolutely fantastic stopping wise and for me both had very good pedal modulation and feel. The big difference for me was noise - the ceramics grumbled and squealed a lot more than the steels. Did the hard stops from speed to clean them up but to no avail. The steels do make a bit of noise but nothing in comparison to the ceramics. So for me - I'd save the 6K cost and put it into other options instead.
At the end of the day its up to you - just go out there and enjoy it! I'm sure it will be an amazing car.
A lot of what you are asking about is really personal preference - everyone will have their own views on here - its up to you to spec out the car exactly how you want it I guess.
On the brakes I have a bit of my own experience to perhaps help you with your decision. I have run two 981 GT4s - a friends for a while which had ceramics and now my own which has steels. Both are absolutely fantastic stopping wise and for me both had very good pedal modulation and feel. The big difference for me was noise - the ceramics grumbled and squealed a lot more than the steels. Did the hard stops from speed to clean them up but to no avail. The steels do make a bit of noise but nothing in comparison to the ceramics. So for me - I'd save the 6K cost and put it into other options instead.
At the end of the day its up to you - just go out there and enjoy it! I'm sure it will be an amazing car.
Edited by schaeffs on Sunday 23 June 19:55
robj4 said:
Hopefully you'll also get the invite to Porsche Centre Silverstone to try before locking your spec? Or doesn't that work for GT cars? When I bought the GTS I paid 5%, then went to try two cars (manual and PDK, buckets and comfort etc) then finalised the spec and paid the next 5%.
It was great fun but a bit pointless cause I just ticked everything, including (mini) PCCB and racing yellow.
I never thought of that ! yes we'll probably get to drive one at Silverstone at some time It was great fun but a bit pointless cause I just ticked everything, including (mini) PCCB and racing yellow.
oo7ml said:
Thanks for the detailed reply, much appreciated.
I actually don’t like the auto blipping on the manual gearbox... I think it actually takes away from the purist of a manual gearbox.
I’m interested to know more about your note on the 4.0 engine not being a screamer? I know it’s not from the GT3, but surely it will be a screamer similar to the 981 NA 3.4?
Heel and Toe isn’t easy with PCCB’s...at least I don’t think so. I can do it pretty well in my steel braked 997 GTS but the lack of pedal travel in my PCCB braked GT3 makes it much harderI actually don’t like the auto blipping on the manual gearbox... I think it actually takes away from the purist of a manual gearbox.
I’m interested to know more about your note on the 4.0 engine not being a screamer? I know it’s not from the GT3, but surely it will be a screamer similar to the 981 NA 3.4?
oo7ml said:
Hi,
I received a lucky and grateful call from my local Porsche dealership last Wednesday. They received one build slot for the new 718 GT4, which they kindly offered to me. I gave them a draft spec and deposit that afternoon to confirm the order.
The car should arrive in September, so I will have another 4-6 weeks before I have to lock down my spec. I have a number of questions which hopefully someone has had experience with, or can advise on.
01 - Manual: My last two Porsche's both had PDK gear boxes, which I absolutely love... and I'm somewhat nervous of the idea changing to a manual gear box. I have a 1986 manual 3.2 Carrera 911 and I love and appreciate a manual gear box in that car, as it gives you a very rewarding and raw driving experience, however I've always been on the PDK side of the fence when it comes to the Manual vs PDK debate in a modern day Porsche, or any modern day sports car for that matter, as I love both the sound and speed of change that a PDK option delivers. Has anyone here changed from driving a PDK to a manual in a relatively modern Porsche, and is it something that you regret?
02 - Brakes: I have specced the standard red steel calipers, however I am considering the yellow ceramics, but slightly concerned they'll squeal like a bus after a few weeks. Are they a waste of money if you are not tracking the car? Any regrets on speccing a car with or without them?
03 - Limited Run Or Not: When Porsche posted a pic of the new GT4 on Instagram during the week, someone commented that it was "too much money for a car that doesn't have a limited production run", which someone else said the smae. Has anyone heard anything around this? My local Porsche dealership said they were only allocated one build slot for 2019, so I presumed like many other GT cars, it would be a limited production run.
04 - Options / Spec: Any thoughts on must have specs on the new GT4. I always spec cars quite subtle both from an aesthetics and options point of view, however this is my first Porsche from the GT range - http://www.porsche-code.com/PL41UKJ4
Thanks in advance for your advice and help.
Congratulations on the allocation. I received a lucky and grateful call from my local Porsche dealership last Wednesday. They received one build slot for the new 718 GT4, which they kindly offered to me. I gave them a draft spec and deposit that afternoon to confirm the order.
The car should arrive in September, so I will have another 4-6 weeks before I have to lock down my spec. I have a number of questions which hopefully someone has had experience with, or can advise on.
01 - Manual: My last two Porsche's both had PDK gear boxes, which I absolutely love... and I'm somewhat nervous of the idea changing to a manual gear box. I have a 1986 manual 3.2 Carrera 911 and I love and appreciate a manual gear box in that car, as it gives you a very rewarding and raw driving experience, however I've always been on the PDK side of the fence when it comes to the Manual vs PDK debate in a modern day Porsche, or any modern day sports car for that matter, as I love both the sound and speed of change that a PDK option delivers. Has anyone here changed from driving a PDK to a manual in a relatively modern Porsche, and is it something that you regret?
02 - Brakes: I have specced the standard red steel calipers, however I am considering the yellow ceramics, but slightly concerned they'll squeal like a bus after a few weeks. Are they a waste of money if you are not tracking the car? Any regrets on speccing a car with or without them?
03 - Limited Run Or Not: When Porsche posted a pic of the new GT4 on Instagram during the week, someone commented that it was "too much money for a car that doesn't have a limited production run", which someone else said the smae. Has anyone heard anything around this? My local Porsche dealership said they were only allocated one build slot for 2019, so I presumed like many other GT cars, it would be a limited production run.
04 - Options / Spec: Any thoughts on must have specs on the new GT4. I always spec cars quite subtle both from an aesthetics and options point of view, however this is my first Porsche from the GT range - http://www.porsche-code.com/PL41UKJ4
Thanks in advance for your advice and help.
Out of interest, based on your spec why waste close to £1k on faux carbon trim and faux carbon trimmed matts? Just have normal matts (Foc) and go with the brushed aluminium trim (Foc). If you are going with standard two way seats I would think hard about extended leather as the standard dash in a Porsche nowadays doesn’t look the best IMO.
Looks a great usable spec either way 👍
)GT4RS said:
Congratulations on the allocation.
Out of interest, based on your spec why waste close to £1k on faux carbon trim and faux carbon trimmed matts? Just have normal matts (Foc) and go with the brushed aluminium trim (Foc). If you are going with standard two way seats I would think hard about extended leather as the standard dash in a Porsche nowadays doesn’t look the best IMO.
Looks a great usable spec either way ??
Funny you say that as that was actually a mistake. I planned on removing those options as i'm actually not a fan of carbon.Out of interest, based on your spec why waste close to £1k on faux carbon trim and faux carbon trimmed matts? Just have normal matts (Foc) and go with the brushed aluminium trim (Foc). If you are going with standard two way seats I would think hard about extended leather as the standard dash in a Porsche nowadays doesn’t look the best IMO.
Looks a great usable spec either way ??
Thanks for all of the replies, it's much appreciated. While the spec of a car is usually a personal thing I find that some options make logical sense when pointed out by those who have or have not specced them before, thanks.
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