992 sooo many options, finer details and worthy upgrades!
Discussion
findtomdotcom said:
I might be a bit late, but hopefully this will be of some help to you.
I agree with the sentiment that less is more in 911 land. However, I still went for a massive spec on my 992 C4S... It's the old need v want agreement, you don't need many of the options, but I would highly recommend the following:
Alcantara (now Race-Tex) roof lining. Makes a big difference in the look and feel of the interior. I mean you don't need it, but once you see a car with it against a car without, you will very likely be convinced it is £821 well spent.
Alcantara or leather sun visors. Why does a £100k car come with nasty plastic sun visors? Very odd, but again it's £291 well spent if you "upgrade" them.
18 seats. These are fantastic, but the benefit I enjoy the most is - I think, (and I might be wrong) they get a bit lower in the car than the 14 ways.
PCCB and 10mm lower PASM. You buy a 911 because you want a sporty drive right? The PCCBs feel amazing but I think you can really feel the difference in the steering too, (yeah I know very unlikely unless you are a proper driver but indulge me). And the 10mm drop only adds more feel. That and the car just sits/looks better in general. Again once you see a non-10mm car next to a 10mm dropped car you will always see a 911 without it as the SUV version, a 911looks so wrong/high without the 10mm drop, (IMO).
Coloured seatbelts. The interiors are always dark. A simple splash of colour and or matched to stitching is a no brainer. Again it's £312 very well spent.
Bose or better. I love music and would happily pay for better sound, but the road noise in a 911 is substantial. However, the one thing I noted in my research is that it is supposedly easier to upgrade aftermarket from the Bose (because it uses a digital link) than it is the standard system. To be fair I quite like the Bose in my 992, (it is much much better than the 991.1 and 991.2) so I haven't upgraded yet.
Sport-Tex. Utterly fantastic and might be the best interior available for a 922. Add crayon stitching, (or red depending on your paint colour) and it is unmatched. I love mine.
Oh and one other thing, you only get lights in the vanity mirror if you spec the light design package. I'm sure this won't matter to you, but my wife noticed in my 991.2 when I didn't spec it...
Hope that helps.
Regards,
Tom
Thanks for the info, I’m going with the full race-tex, even if the visors are a rip off. Going to logo the arm rest as the crests are going on the seats and it’s orientation would drive me nuts. I agree with the sentiment that less is more in 911 land. However, I still went for a massive spec on my 992 C4S... It's the old need v want agreement, you don't need many of the options, but I would highly recommend the following:
Alcantara (now Race-Tex) roof lining. Makes a big difference in the look and feel of the interior. I mean you don't need it, but once you see a car with it against a car without, you will very likely be convinced it is £821 well spent.
Alcantara or leather sun visors. Why does a £100k car come with nasty plastic sun visors? Very odd, but again it's £291 well spent if you "upgrade" them.
18 seats. These are fantastic, but the benefit I enjoy the most is - I think, (and I might be wrong) they get a bit lower in the car than the 14 ways.
PCCB and 10mm lower PASM. You buy a 911 because you want a sporty drive right? The PCCBs feel amazing but I think you can really feel the difference in the steering too, (yeah I know very unlikely unless you are a proper driver but indulge me). And the 10mm drop only adds more feel. That and the car just sits/looks better in general. Again once you see a non-10mm car next to a 10mm dropped car you will always see a 911 without it as the SUV version, a 911looks so wrong/high without the 10mm drop, (IMO).
Coloured seatbelts. The interiors are always dark. A simple splash of colour and or matched to stitching is a no brainer. Again it's £312 very well spent.
Bose or better. I love music and would happily pay for better sound, but the road noise in a 911 is substantial. However, the one thing I noted in my research is that it is supposedly easier to upgrade aftermarket from the Bose (because it uses a digital link) than it is the standard system. To be fair I quite like the Bose in my 992, (it is much much better than the 991.1 and 991.2) so I haven't upgraded yet.
Sport-Tex. Utterly fantastic and might be the best interior available for a 922. Add crayon stitching, (or red depending on your paint colour) and it is unmatched. I love mine.
Oh and one other thing, you only get lights in the vanity mirror if you spec the light design package. I'm sure this won't matter to you, but my wife noticed in my 991.2 when I didn't spec it...
Hope that helps.
Regards,
Tom
Edited by findtomdotcom on Saturday 29th August 11:11
arcamalpha said:
Ascayman said:
Has anyone spec'd the rear wheel steering? Any thoughts on it?
I had it. Great at low speeds for practicality but I wasn’t a big fam at medium or high speeds as it made the car feel artificial when steering just off straight ahead. If I was ordering again I’d skip RAS and PDCC.Edited by arcamalpha on Sunday 30th August 19:42
findtomdotcom said:
I have it. I must have a different version as mine works well and I’d would 100% order again.
To be fair, I’m fairly sure the difference it makes at speed is so small I probably wouldn’t really notice if I hadn’t of ordered it. But when it comes to fast corners and low speed manurers you can tell a rear steer car from a non-rear steer car and the smaller turning circle is useful.
I think the puzzling differences we are reporting is because there are some options that compliment others really well and some that do not. If you only get rear steer and not the -10mm option, and maybe add Porsche Steering Plus (PSP), you will have a very different experience (feel) to the guy that has rear steer with PCCB, -10mm sports suspension and wisely did not order the truly awful PSP...
I thought the PSP only changed the lower speed manoeuvring steering speed and nothing else? To be fair, I’m fairly sure the difference it makes at speed is so small I probably wouldn’t really notice if I hadn’t of ordered it. But when it comes to fast corners and low speed manurers you can tell a rear steer car from a non-rear steer car and the smaller turning circle is useful.
I think the puzzling differences we are reporting is because there are some options that compliment others really well and some that do not. If you only get rear steer and not the -10mm option, and maybe add Porsche Steering Plus (PSP), you will have a very different experience (feel) to the guy that has rear steer with PCCB, -10mm sports suspension and wisely did not order the truly awful PSP...
PASM -10mm, it’s firmer as well as lowering the car 10mm. For me, it’s better and adds a little bit extra to the feedback of the steering, but I recognise I might in the minority. Not everyone wants their 911 to be a sports car and that's OK.
PSP. It is a wast of money and robs the car of a little more feel. You are right, it only activates at low speeds, making your expensive 911 sports car drive like a golf buggy around the car park. And if your elderly parent drives your 911 then they will undoubtedly thank you for it. However, if you bought your car because you wanted a 911 and you expect it to drive like a 911 don’t buy PSP. It has a very fake synthetic feel when it works and by making the steering light at slow speeds it just “feels” wrong long after it has actual stopped working. I would not be surprised that the posters who say their steering felt vague at mid and high speed had PSP as an option.
PSP. It is a wast of money and robs the car of a little more feel. You are right, it only activates at low speeds, making your expensive 911 sports car drive like a golf buggy around the car park. And if your elderly parent drives your 911 then they will undoubtedly thank you for it. However, if you bought your car because you wanted a 911 and you expect it to drive like a 911 don’t buy PSP. It has a very fake synthetic feel when it works and by making the steering light at slow speeds it just “feels” wrong long after it has actual stopped working. I would not be surprised that the posters who say their steering felt vague at mid and high speed had PSP as an option.
Edited by findtomdotcom on Tuesday 1st September 08:15
I had a C2 on order with a basic spec, ended up with a showroom car to avoid the shutdown wait which has a load more options than I planned.
The only thing I'd now spec which I wouldn't have previously is SC and considering I saw it as complete snake oil (much like the "S") previously is a big change of heart. I use the mode change dual, sport response and Sport+ constantly and think the breadth of ability and ease of access greatly enhanced by having it.
Things im not convinced by:
Bose - can't fault the crossovers in their ability to remove all the mid range, pretty sure that want the design intent however
PSE - I suspect I would spec again, does add some crackles and a bit more character but my view is the people outside the car are the ones benefitting (or not) from the extra aural goodness.
Any chassis system addition on UK roads. The standard PASM drops the 10mm at 104 (I think) mph in anycase. You can be pretty sure that the thinking at Porsche was this car rides and handles brilliantly on the standard height suspension but they thought it needed the extra stability at 104+. At no point did they develop this car with the lower setting then jack it up by 10mm for a laugh. Stick with the standard height and enjoy a car with a deftness unmatched across UK roads. I've been in the Cairngorms for the past 4 days, no way could a car on the lower suspension keep up or park where we have.
PDCC, 4WS and all the rest of it is pretty much pointless. It's a small car that's superbly set up out of the box.
And once you have an 85k 911 instead of a 115k 911 you'll start to drive it everyday and use it as intended putting 15k glorious everyday miles on it each year. And with the 30k saved you can by a true weekend car.
Most of the other options are look which is all personal taste and there is no right and wrong.
The only thing I'd now spec which I wouldn't have previously is SC and considering I saw it as complete snake oil (much like the "S") previously is a big change of heart. I use the mode change dual, sport response and Sport+ constantly and think the breadth of ability and ease of access greatly enhanced by having it.
Things im not convinced by:
Bose - can't fault the crossovers in their ability to remove all the mid range, pretty sure that want the design intent however
PSE - I suspect I would spec again, does add some crackles and a bit more character but my view is the people outside the car are the ones benefitting (or not) from the extra aural goodness.
Any chassis system addition on UK roads. The standard PASM drops the 10mm at 104 (I think) mph in anycase. You can be pretty sure that the thinking at Porsche was this car rides and handles brilliantly on the standard height suspension but they thought it needed the extra stability at 104+. At no point did they develop this car with the lower setting then jack it up by 10mm for a laugh. Stick with the standard height and enjoy a car with a deftness unmatched across UK roads. I've been in the Cairngorms for the past 4 days, no way could a car on the lower suspension keep up or park where we have.
PDCC, 4WS and all the rest of it is pretty much pointless. It's a small car that's superbly set up out of the box.
And once you have an 85k 911 instead of a 115k 911 you'll start to drive it everyday and use it as intended putting 15k glorious everyday miles on it each year. And with the 30k saved you can by a true weekend car.
Most of the other options are look which is all personal taste and there is no right and wrong.
Iknownothin said:
The standard PASM drops the 10mm at 104 (I think) mph in anycase. You can be pretty sure that the thinking at Porsche was this car rides and handles brilliantly on the standard height suspension but they thought it needed the extra stability at 104+.
PASM is damper control, not ride height adjustment Iknownothin said:
Either way point still stands, 10mm drop pointless for going fast on UK roads.
Pointless to you my friend, not for many others. The 10mm drop, (PASM Sports Suspension), isn't needed, but I would still recommend it. The standard set up is excellent, but there are two issues (which will depend on what you as a buyer value in a car): 1. It is softer sprung than the Sports Suspension and if you have had other cars that were 'harder sprung' and value that kind of feel/performance in your car, it will feel a bit floaty. It isn't, but it's all relative.
2. The standard setup sits way to high and just looks wrong, (to me).
If you like a more chilled out drive, (and there is nothing wrong with that) and don't care how high the car sits, then yes save your money.
For me, a few 911s in, I would not buy a 911 without the -10mm drop...
Really interesting thread. I’m considering buying my first Porsche and looking at a base Carrera. How do people feel about the Carrera 2 vs Carrera 4? Does it make a big difference to grip / experience of the car? I’m coming from a Mercedes AMG GT and I found the low down torque means the rear wheels lose traction almost every time you give it firm acceleration. Which can be fun but also a bit frustrating at times. So in terms of the 911 I’m wondering if it has that sort of character? I’m inclined toward the 4 to get a bit more road holding ability. Waiting for lockdown to end so I can get a test drive...
Rob F said:
Really interesting thread. I’m considering buying my first Porsche and looking at a base Carrera. How do people feel about the Carrera 2 vs Carrera 4? Does it make a big difference to grip / experience of the car? I’m coming from a Mercedes AMG GT and I found the low down torque means the rear wheels lose traction almost every time you give it firm acceleration. Which can be fun but also a bit frustrating at times. So in terms of the 911 I’m wondering if it has that sort of character? I’m inclined toward the 4 to get a bit more road holding ability. Waiting for lockdown to end so I can get a test drive...
The 4 is 2 wheel biased so for the vast majority of the time pretty much all the power is sent to the back wheels until you need it and then it evens up more. Traction in a 911 is a world apart from a torquey front-engine rear-drive car. In the dry a 2S can put its power down no problems. In my limited experience of a 4S the steering feels a little more weighty than the 2S which I thought was nice but the traction and handling felt very similar in normal or sporty driving. Clearly a quick launch from the lights would be different, especially in the wet, but I don’t consider that very important.
If you’re buying used I wouldn’t put 2/4 as a big factor on your list and instead focus on condition, options you like etc.
If you’re buying used I wouldn’t put 2/4 as a big factor on your list and instead focus on condition, options you like etc.
From 964, 993, 996, 997, 991 to 992, the base C2 Coupe, with only the necessary options, is widely regarded as the purest 911.
Personally, I find the 992 has become bigger, more techy and complex, so I would go for the simplest spec, which is also the best value. And, 4wd unecessary IMO, unless you have a specific need for more traction.
Just disappointed that the base models don’t offer Manual gearbox, and you can’t have pccbs with the smaller (preferable) wheels - which would improve ride comfort and reduce the much criticised road noise.
Personally, I find the 992 has become bigger, more techy and complex, so I would go for the simplest spec, which is also the best value. And, 4wd unecessary IMO, unless you have a specific need for more traction.
Just disappointed that the base models don’t offer Manual gearbox, and you can’t have pccbs with the smaller (preferable) wheels - which would improve ride comfort and reduce the much criticised road noise.
true.
The only option I'd want is PDK and it's std.........
I like the sportex seats as I like to be leather free as much as possible (without adding cost). I wish the wheels were 18/19. Higher profile tyres just work and you can actually use sport damping. If you need more grip just buy gummier tyres. It's also satisfying to buy the model with the least amount of mark up.
My 997.2 RS has 19s all round and I wish it had 18s. sidewall looks nice and fat as it is though
maybe they sell 18' for winters in the 992? I'd fit those and some nice MP4s and use them bar winter
The only option I'd want is PDK and it's std.........
I like the sportex seats as I like to be leather free as much as possible (without adding cost). I wish the wheels were 18/19. Higher profile tyres just work and you can actually use sport damping. If you need more grip just buy gummier tyres. It's also satisfying to buy the model with the least amount of mark up.
My 997.2 RS has 19s all round and I wish it had 18s. sidewall looks nice and fat as it is though
maybe they sell 18' for winters in the 992? I'd fit those and some nice MP4s and use them bar winter
Edited by HokumPokum on Saturday 13th February 10:32
Rob F said:
Really interesting thread. I’m considering buying my first Porsche and looking at a base Carrera. How do people feel about the Carrera 2 vs Carrera 4? Does it make a big difference to grip / experience of the car? I’m coming from a Mercedes AMG GT and I found the low down torque means the rear wheels lose traction almost every time you give it firm acceleration. Which can be fun but also a bit frustrating at times. So in terms of the 911 I’m wondering if it has that sort of character? I’m inclined toward the 4 to get a bit more road holding ability. Waiting for lockdown to end so I can get a test drive...
As this is your 1st Porsche , buy the base. Unless you live somewhere where you have freezing conditions for more than 20 days and dailying, 4W adds weight and removes 911 feel. Spec with PDLS+ , SC and everything else is up to you and how you chose to enjoy and spend your money.
Remember if your buying new you are buying the car for you , not to spec and run in for future owners.
Once you’ve enjoyed that experience look to the other models with more power and variety.
Finally go to PEC and have some fun while waiting .
Having owned a 991.2 Carrara 2S for nearly 4 years I have swapped to a 992 4S. I hadn’t really intended to go for a 4 as the 2 has such good traction but I saw one with a good spec and couldn’t resist. So far I have appreciated the extra security and traction more than I thought I would and disagree with those who think that it somehow feels less of a 911. It isn’t a must have but it adds another dimension.
It also has rear wheel steer which I have enjoyed on my Cayenne but didn’t think necessary on a 911. It is nice to have but I’m yet to be convinced that it materially enhances the driving experience in a car that is already so capable. I think the ride quality of the 992 is slightly firmer than its predecessor so I wouldn’t spec the drop in ride height.
The one option the new one doesn’t have and which I thought I would miss is the Bose but the standard set-up is better than I was expecting. A 911 is not really an environment in which to enjoy aural subtleties anyway given the road noise which is no better in a 992.
It also has rear wheel steer which I have enjoyed on my Cayenne but didn’t think necessary on a 911. It is nice to have but I’m yet to be convinced that it materially enhances the driving experience in a car that is already so capable. I think the ride quality of the 992 is slightly firmer than its predecessor so I wouldn’t spec the drop in ride height.
The one option the new one doesn’t have and which I thought I would miss is the Bose but the standard set-up is better than I was expecting. A 911 is not really an environment in which to enjoy aural subtleties anyway given the road noise which is no better in a 992.
Test drove a C2S in January last year and immediately placed an order. Asked to drive the C2 to compare which they arranged for the following week... Found that it took a little bit longer to go up through the rev range so you got to enjoy the howl of the engine a bit more. So I ended up buying the C2 demonstrator which had the following spec:
Agate grey, black interior with crayon stitching, RS Spyder wheels, Coloured crest wheel caps, PDLS, Glass runroof, Privacy glass, PSE, Sports Chrono, Bose surround, Rear parking camera, Power Steering Plus, Powerfold mirrors, heated steering wheel, 4 way Sports plus seats, Ambient lighting, Illuminated door sills (really like this option btw), Porsche crest on headrests, black gloss 911 badge, white rev dial.
Never had headlamps that turn with your steering input before (PDLS). Wasn't going to spec this on my order but having had it, I'd spec this on any future car regardless of brand.
Not seen a 992 specced without at least Bose system. Tbh theres a tonne of road noise or tyre roar that you pick up in the cabin so you really have to turn the system up at speed to hear it.
Sports chrono gives you the sports plus mode and the little switch on the wheel to switch modes which is just convenience. Launch control is also fun from time to time.
My understanding of PSE is that it just lets you keep the valves open all of the time and gives you the oval tips. The c2 comes with square exhaust tips which I don't think suits the car so I'd spec it on that model. Otherwise I believe the valves open up even without sport exhaust after 3500-4000rpm even if you don't have PSE, so if you don't care for noise at low speeds or low rpm then you don't need it. Hurts resale though if the salesmen are to be believed.
If I was to do it all again I'd get everything the demo car had but change the following:
Remove power steering plus. Seems a bit pointless?
I'd upgrade the seats to 18 way sports plus seats as you don't get lumbar support or auto dipping reverse mirrors without the memory function that comes with either 14 or 18 way seats. I also preferred the shoulder support on sports plus over the regular sports seats.
Upgrade to Surround camera just so it's easier to see as you're navigating some tight drive thrus and parallel parking as I'm paranoid about kerbing the wheels which is exacerbated by not having auto dip reverse mirrors (got used to that in my sq5 and now I'm spoiled).
Exclusive rear lights (the clear rear lights instead of the red bar). I actually had this on my original order... Just think it looks better.
Would also add/change Crayon exterior, graphite blue interior and crayon seatbelts & ventilated seats. Again was on my original order... just my own personal preference.
I think I'd also go for a Targa C4S or GTS (when it's released) next time round as well (choice of manual gearbox too!) but the C2 is plenty fast tbh. No regrets!
Agate grey, black interior with crayon stitching, RS Spyder wheels, Coloured crest wheel caps, PDLS, Glass runroof, Privacy glass, PSE, Sports Chrono, Bose surround, Rear parking camera, Power Steering Plus, Powerfold mirrors, heated steering wheel, 4 way Sports plus seats, Ambient lighting, Illuminated door sills (really like this option btw), Porsche crest on headrests, black gloss 911 badge, white rev dial.
Never had headlamps that turn with your steering input before (PDLS). Wasn't going to spec this on my order but having had it, I'd spec this on any future car regardless of brand.
Not seen a 992 specced without at least Bose system. Tbh theres a tonne of road noise or tyre roar that you pick up in the cabin so you really have to turn the system up at speed to hear it.
Sports chrono gives you the sports plus mode and the little switch on the wheel to switch modes which is just convenience. Launch control is also fun from time to time.
My understanding of PSE is that it just lets you keep the valves open all of the time and gives you the oval tips. The c2 comes with square exhaust tips which I don't think suits the car so I'd spec it on that model. Otherwise I believe the valves open up even without sport exhaust after 3500-4000rpm even if you don't have PSE, so if you don't care for noise at low speeds or low rpm then you don't need it. Hurts resale though if the salesmen are to be believed.
If I was to do it all again I'd get everything the demo car had but change the following:
Remove power steering plus. Seems a bit pointless?
I'd upgrade the seats to 18 way sports plus seats as you don't get lumbar support or auto dipping reverse mirrors without the memory function that comes with either 14 or 18 way seats. I also preferred the shoulder support on sports plus over the regular sports seats.
Upgrade to Surround camera just so it's easier to see as you're navigating some tight drive thrus and parallel parking as I'm paranoid about kerbing the wheels which is exacerbated by not having auto dip reverse mirrors (got used to that in my sq5 and now I'm spoiled).
Exclusive rear lights (the clear rear lights instead of the red bar). I actually had this on my original order... Just think it looks better.
Would also add/change Crayon exterior, graphite blue interior and crayon seatbelts & ventilated seats. Again was on my original order... just my own personal preference.
I think I'd also go for a Targa C4S or GTS (when it's released) next time round as well (choice of manual gearbox too!) but the C2 is plenty fast tbh. No regrets!
Edited by Neoto on Saturday 13th February 20:49
After a few months on the road and less miles due to current restrictions than I’d like there’s a few daily options that I’d happily spec again. If its just a toy then maybe not.
Surround View, I’ve had this on far longer cars but its still dead handy as the rear haunches do fill a lot of mirror. Also handy for tight exits with front camera. Also although they are powered the mirror wont dip unless you have memory seats, so the side view saves alloys.
Auto dim mirrors, on a low car everything lights them up and saves getting dazzled. Powered saves them getting whacked when parked up and a visual reminded its locked.
RWS, along with switching lanes at higher speeds, like its on rails. I think it takes about 50cm off the turning circle which means tight car parks and low speed stuff is sixpence stuff. Track review will need to wait.
PSE, although a rip off, its a must to give a bit more volume from the engine. Plus its easy to turn off if you need a stealthy return from the long way back....
Glass sunroof, another rip off but on a darker interior it helps brighten thing up. No idea if it open yet but will find out in the coming months...
Race-Tex, crests, alloy type as all subjective so I’ll leave those alone.
Surround View, I’ve had this on far longer cars but its still dead handy as the rear haunches do fill a lot of mirror. Also handy for tight exits with front camera. Also although they are powered the mirror wont dip unless you have memory seats, so the side view saves alloys.
Auto dim mirrors, on a low car everything lights them up and saves getting dazzled. Powered saves them getting whacked when parked up and a visual reminded its locked.
RWS, along with switching lanes at higher speeds, like its on rails. I think it takes about 50cm off the turning circle which means tight car parks and low speed stuff is sixpence stuff. Track review will need to wait.
PSE, although a rip off, its a must to give a bit more volume from the engine. Plus its easy to turn off if you need a stealthy return from the long way back....
Glass sunroof, another rip off but on a darker interior it helps brighten thing up. No idea if it open yet but will find out in the coming months...
Race-Tex, crests, alloy type as all subjective so I’ll leave those alone.
Gassing Station | 911/Carrera GT | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff