Cayman GTS v Cayman R

Cayman GTS v Cayman R

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Discussion

pistolp

Original Poster:

1,719 posts

221 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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What would you have and why? Which do you imagine will be the better car to drive?

DS240

4,636 posts

217 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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Sorry to hijack the topic so early, but perhaps this could include Boxster GTS Vs Boxster Spyder as they are all related in ethos.

I specced up a boxster and cayman gts yesterday. I put on all the options I would think reasonable for that model like the GTS interior and exterior but left off big things like ceramics. I nearly fell off my seat when it came to 70k! I used to think that was 911 territory new.

The thing that really puzzles me is needing a GTS package on a GTS model. To actually make it unique you need to upgrade or else what's the point in buying the GTS. Neither the Spyder or R needed upgrades to make them special. I know it is money making by Porsche, it just seems ridiculous.

There is no way either GTS models will be looked at in the same light as the Spyder or R. On the launch video that was posted the CEO also said the GTS would be the pinnacle of the range, so I don't think anything more extreme is on the way, certainly not something with unique bodywork.

I really don't see the GTS as direct replacements. I've no doubt they will be very capable but they just don't appeal in the same way as Spyder or the R did.

First Spyder picture shown I immediately went 'Want it!', when I found out it wasn't priced out the ball park it became a must. I thought it was a performance/rarity bargain. First time I saw it in the metal I felt it looked like a sports car from several classes up. Either GTS will not do that.


ORD

18,086 posts

126 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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Objectively, the GTS (and even the 981 S) have a lot of what made the R great. You could make either a lot like an R with the right option choices.

Subjectively, I would prefer the R.

The GTS is a bit overpriced, although I think people do need to chill out on the aesthetic options! Porsche always take the piss on options, so why take anything inessential?

NicD

3,281 posts

256 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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Subjectively, the looks of the 987 Cayman put me right off, particularly the side view. To me, the 981 looks much better. gorgeous even.

I am also not happy about the look of the Spyder (can't abide the fat top Speedster look).

I also find the interior and electronics of the 981 much advanced.

So, depends how important the looks are to you. As I get older, the outright performance and track ability is less important than it used to be.

If you want to spec a car exactly to preference, will have to suck in and buy new. My trial config for a Boxster GTS came in at £63,500, so I started looking at what else second hand for £60k. Quite a lot.

Anyway, purely academic for another year.

I hope to get my S back from the body shop next week. Its been a long wait.

Nic

HokumPokum

2,049 posts

204 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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DS240 said:
Sorry to hijack the topic so early, but perhaps this could include Boxster GTS Vs Boxster Spyder as they are all related in ethos.

I specced up a boxster and cayman gts yesterday. I put on all the options I would think reasonable for that model like the GTS interior and exterior but left off big things like ceramics. I nearly fell off my seat when it came to 70k! I used to think that was 911 territory new.

The thing that really puzzles me is needing a GTS package on a GTS model. To actually make it unique you need to upgrade or else what's the point in buying the GTS. Neither the Spyder or R needed upgrades to make them special. I know it is money making by Porsche, it just seems ridiculous.

There is no way either GTS models will be looked at in the same light as the Spyder or R. On the launch video that was posted the CEO also said the GTS would be the pinnacle of the range, so I don't think anything more extreme is on the way, certainly not something with unique bodywork.

I really don't see the GTS as direct replacements. I've no doubt they will be very capable but they just don't appeal in the same way as Spyder or the R did.

First Spyder picture shown I immediately went 'Want it!', when I found out it wasn't priced out the ball park it became a must. I thought it was a performance/rarity bargain. First time I saw it in the metal I felt it looked like a sports car from several classes up. Either GTS will not do that.
love a good hijack DS240
spyder argument is sound. GTS models have the unique bumpers and extra 10HP. Spyders and CR have a different tuning philosophy- To push the 987 package to its extreme in terms of what Porsche were offering at the time for 987 whilst bearing in mind drivability and cost (both to porsche and clients). For what is unique bodywork, in addition to unique bumpers plus a lightweight philosophy, this creates the most desirable boxster ever. The boxster GTS - not a patch. good looking car but recognisably a boxster.

The CR on the other hand doesn't offer the same unique bodywork but focused on vehicle dynamics whilst being constrained in the same way. It is a brilliant drive on roads and track although arguably a better road car than a track car out of the box.Since it doesn't really look different to the vanilla cayman (stickers notwithstanding), I'd argue that the GTS cayman, judiciously spec.ed to include buckets, PSE, torque vectoring, sport chrono is the better choice. However the CR is a lot cheaper. But if you like the looks of the 981 cayman to begin with, the GTS is the better car (for me).. the sole caveat being the 981 CR.
no such problems on the 987 CR.

I'm waiting for the 981 CR.



mrdemon

21,146 posts

264 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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I won't be selling either of mine to buy a GTS.

So that says it all really.

I am also in the older camp where I think the 987.2 looks better and is more Cayman less 911 the 987 just flows better where the new car has angles.

But it's the drive at the end of the day, the R is awesome to drive on the road it's very gt3 like without being annoying.
The 981 are like driving new Audi's since Audi are making car with better feel and Porsche are making cars with less feel.

Again says it all when car mags say a Aston has more feel than a gt3.

Bloody nice cars all the same but not drivers cars with old style feel.
Nice to have a real diff, real shocks, and steering which feels alive with no dead spot.

You you want a nice car then GTS, if you are a car nut and have owned GT3's and CSL's the R is the only choice.

Edited by mrdemon on Sunday 27th April 10:11

HokumPokum

2,049 posts

204 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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MrD, having owned the end of line CR and 7.2RS , and used them on track, the CR is more a GT3 lite (and not GT3 like). Not a patch on the RS. I mean not even close and I like the spyder/CR. fact is, I am one of their biggest fans. It's just that when you push the cars, the GT3 comes into its own.

if you like the lines of the 987 car and something has to be said for the more lithe lines, that car is a the winner but if you like the more angular, squatter 981 than I think it merits consideration. They are at different price points.........

with the 981 cayman, you still get that ol 6-speeder and steering is just fine plus a much better interior. I do think about getting another CR but it would only be a placeholder until the next 981 CR.

Trev450

6,314 posts

171 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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HokumPokum said:
I do think about getting another CR but it would only be a placeholder until the next 981 CR.
If indeed they do actually introduce one. I sincerely hope they do but what's to say it won't be pdk only and lacking the 987's character,as per the 991/997 gt3.


mrdemon

21,146 posts

264 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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The RS gen 2 works better than any other gt3 imo because of the low ratio gear box the only gt3 with it.

I ment more the steering is gt3 like ESP after you have sorted the geo and fitted gt3 control arms. (Infact it better than the GT3 once you have done that, the gt3 fronts a bit light) and on the road the front ARB is way to stiff.

As we all know it impossible to push a gt3 on the road , so the R wins hands down to push and get the most out of it and enjoy.

On track GT3 wins hands down ESP in gen 2 RS form.


mrdemon

21,146 posts

264 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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pistolp said:
What would you have and why? Which do you imagine will be the better car to drive?
Seems a bit late to ask, just seen you have ordered a GTS .

Enjoy ;-)

rosino

1,346 posts

171 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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I have to subscribe to how expensive little porkers have become. 70k fully specced is really recent R8 V10 territory.

Say what you will.. And I love my Porsches.. But if I have a choice between an entry level souped up Porker or a proper supercar with a Lambo sourced V10 with a gated manual..

And running costs would not be that different. Actually depreciation might be a touch lighter for the Audi :-)

Mermaid

21,492 posts

170 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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rosino said:
I have to subscribe to how expensive little porkers have become. 70k fully specced is really recent R8 V10 territory.

Say what you will.. And I love my Porsches.. But if I have a choice between an entry level souped up Porker or a proper supercar with a Lambo sourced V10 with a gated manual..

And running costs would not be that different. Actually depreciation might be a touch lighter for the Audi :-)
yes

mrdemon

21,146 posts

264 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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I would buy a v10 r8 tomorrow but a few things stop me.

1: mpg , 17 mpg is annoying.
2. Car width, it's wide and not a B road hack.
3: space, it has none.

So even though they look great, are very fast and now good value, I cannot use one :-(

pistolp

Original Poster:

1,719 posts

221 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
quotequote all
I've ordered one but it's not too late. I might go and drive an R to see if I can appreciate it to the same degree some owners clearly do. Trouble is there aren't many around in a spec I like, if I could find a peridot green one with a manual I'd be sorely tempted. My GTS is coming out at 73k so an R at 40k is tempting. Nice one at Westover?

Kronstein

294 posts

128 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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(New R8 rumoured to be even wider... http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/scoop/new-audi-r... - how usable would that be in the UK.)

tracydeedance

786 posts

178 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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Been watching the Cayman R market for the last couple of months they seem to be selling like hot cake and comanding higher prices than 6 months ago. Small limited numbers made and demand i guess.

MDT48

389 posts

193 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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pistolp said:
I've ordered one but it's not too late. I might go and drive an R to see if I can appreciate it to the same degree some owners clearly do. Trouble is there aren't many around in a spec I like, if I could find a peridot green one with a manual I'd be sorely tempted. My GTS is coming out at 73k so an R at 40k is tempting. Nice one at Westover?
£73k for a GTS?

Makes the £55k I paid for my CR look like a bargain, although I did pay the total sum when I ordered it to avoid the 20% VAT :-)

To me, the GTS is far more like the 987.1 Cayman S Sport rather than the Cayman R. The suspension on the CR and Spyder couldn't be had on any other 987 car, likewise the aluminium doors. The latter is nice to have, but the former transforms the car completely.

Who knows that whether we'll see a 981 R/Spyder, but I'm not convinced that either was enough of a success first time around for Porsche to have another go. And even if they do, I doubt we'll see much weight loss involved, since most of the cars out there put most of the weight saving back in anyway!

ChrisW.

6,210 posts

254 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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I read somewhere that because the GTS is quite close to the R ... the new R will be even more focussed.

However, I would also observe that in the real world, the CR is very very competent.

There are many places where a very stiff car simply cannot keep it's "feet on the ground".

Which I believe brings us back to the essence of the CR ... didn't the mags say it was the best handling car they had ever driven ?

And it's also a great daily driver smile




R1nur

1,086 posts

249 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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pistolp said:
I've ordered one but it's not too late. I might go and drive an R to see if I can appreciate it to the same degree some owners clearly do. Trouble is there aren't many around in a spec I like, if I could find a peridot green one with a manual I'd be sorely tempted. My GTS is coming out at 73k so an R at 40k is tempting. Nice one at Westover?
Come try mine - it will be under 40k.

HokumPokum

2,049 posts

204 months

Sunday 27th April 2014
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ChrisW. said:
I read somewhere that because the GTS is quite close to the R ... the new R will be even more focussed.

However, I would also observe that in the real world, the CR is very very competent.

There are many places where a very stiff car simply cannot keep it's "feet on the ground".

Which I believe brings us back to the essence of the CR ... didn't the mags say it was the best handling car they had ever driven ?

And it's also a great daily driver smile
quite possibly but i am due to try the exige v6 cup on track at silverstone so that may upset the apple cart but even if ultimately the exile proved to be a better track car, it won't beat the CR as a daily driver and the usability of 2 trunks.

Evo mentioned that the next CR may be porsche motorsport fettled..... here's hoping for an optional clubsport pack......