The new 718 Gt4/Spyder are here!
Discussion
finmac said:
This is the case and it’s what I ordered for mine. Works well and while the extra cost did stick in my throat a little the thought of a cheap scratchy plastic dash in such an expensive car convinced me, glad I did.
It’s actually cheaper collectively to opt for the racetex than individually selecting leather for certain areas of the cabin. If you actually select the core individual leather options, it works out more expensive than the racetex option itself.ultimateporka said:
finmac said:
This is the case and it’s what I ordered for mine. Works well and while the extra cost did stick in my throat a little the thought of a cheap scratchy plastic dash in such an expensive car convinced me, glad I did.
It’s actually cheaper collectively to opt for the racetex than individually selecting leather for certain areas of the cabin. If you actually select the core individual leather options, it works out more expensive than the racetex option itself.The Dashboard trim pack in leather is the additional leather on the vent panel under the windscreen and the end caps of the dashboard. I didn't spec it and I think it looks fine as is.
I think a few people misunderstood the OPs question. Dashboard trim pack in leather is in addition to the Extended Leather with deviated stitching which practically everyone chooses.
The Dashboard trim pack in leather is the additional leather on the vent panel under the windscreen and the end caps of the dashboard. I didn't spec it and I think it looks fine as is.
At last, yes that is exactly what I was talking about.
Went to my OPC this morning and below are pictures from a Spyder with yellow stitching which emphasises (didn’t get a picture of the end caps) what the extra money buys you (approximately £800). Worth it, not for me so that and settling for 2 way seats has saved me approx £2.5k from my original order price with no loss of usability. IMO. http://www.porsche-code.com/PNT65VN0
The Dashboard trim pack in leather is the additional leather on the vent panel under the windscreen and the end caps of the dashboard. I didn't spec it and I think it looks fine as is.
At last, yes that is exactly what I was talking about.
Went to my OPC this morning and below are pictures from a Spyder with yellow stitching which emphasises (didn’t get a picture of the end caps) what the extra money buys you (approximately £800). Worth it, not for me so that and settling for 2 way seats has saved me approx £2.5k from my original order price with no loss of usability. IMO. http://www.porsche-code.com/PNT65VN0
Edited by Budweiser on Wednesday 16th June 12:13
Rather than start a new thread, i figured after a month of ownership of the Spyder i’d post up some thoughts on here and hope some people find it interesting. I had a moment of catharsis this afternoon while driving to the gym and wanted to share some thoughts.
Hard to say, but i have a love/hate relationship with the car. It’s a magnificent car to drive under the right circumstances with absolutely amazing steering and the gearbox is sublime, it garners absolutely tons of attention and is absolutely immense to drive on an open, twisty road (especially with the roof down). It’s easily the best looking car i’ve ever had, I’m delighted with the spec i chose, and the fact it hasn’t lost me tons of money makes me feel like i should be happier than i am.
But, there’s something that’s not quite working for me. I thought at first it was the fact that my first few drives in the car were traffic jam-related nightmares and i was just rowing 1st and 2nd gears sitting in ridiculous traffic. It’s certainly not a car to be stuck in for too long, especially in manual form but i figured any manual car would be like that. I was just thoroughly pissed off and got out resenting the car because of the horrendous journeys. I had a couple of recent drives where i could open the car up a bit, and it was sensational and i thought perhaps i was just a victim of circumstance and i’d started to find the car’s mojo. I had a smile on my face, got home and said to my Mrs “i get that car now”.
But despite that, i can’t shake the feeling that this won’t be a keeper for me. I’m surprised, i thought this would be a long-termer given how hard it was to get one and the fact it’s so desirable. I even enjoy having people ask what it is and showing an interest when i park up somewhere, but nonetheless i just can’t gel with the car. Not yet at least.
I have the summer to enjoy it and see if we can come to an arrangement. It’s starting to loosen up, i’m on 650 miles now, and the engine and gearbox feel far better than they did when it was brand new. The pace is immense, it’s feeling quicker than it used to and that might make a difference, plus i also have my PEC day in a month or so which might make me appreciate the car more.
Maybe i appreciate something more vanilla, less demanding. Maybe i’m not a GT car man after all....
Still time, i have a couple of good trips coming up and i’m hoping it will start to click. As you can read, i can’t quite explain what it is that isn’t working for me, but i’m hoping i’ll work it out soon.
Paul
Hard to say, but i have a love/hate relationship with the car. It’s a magnificent car to drive under the right circumstances with absolutely amazing steering and the gearbox is sublime, it garners absolutely tons of attention and is absolutely immense to drive on an open, twisty road (especially with the roof down). It’s easily the best looking car i’ve ever had, I’m delighted with the spec i chose, and the fact it hasn’t lost me tons of money makes me feel like i should be happier than i am.
But, there’s something that’s not quite working for me. I thought at first it was the fact that my first few drives in the car were traffic jam-related nightmares and i was just rowing 1st and 2nd gears sitting in ridiculous traffic. It’s certainly not a car to be stuck in for too long, especially in manual form but i figured any manual car would be like that. I was just thoroughly pissed off and got out resenting the car because of the horrendous journeys. I had a couple of recent drives where i could open the car up a bit, and it was sensational and i thought perhaps i was just a victim of circumstance and i’d started to find the car’s mojo. I had a smile on my face, got home and said to my Mrs “i get that car now”.
But despite that, i can’t shake the feeling that this won’t be a keeper for me. I’m surprised, i thought this would be a long-termer given how hard it was to get one and the fact it’s so desirable. I even enjoy having people ask what it is and showing an interest when i park up somewhere, but nonetheless i just can’t gel with the car. Not yet at least.
I have the summer to enjoy it and see if we can come to an arrangement. It’s starting to loosen up, i’m on 650 miles now, and the engine and gearbox feel far better than they did when it was brand new. The pace is immense, it’s feeling quicker than it used to and that might make a difference, plus i also have my PEC day in a month or so which might make me appreciate the car more.
Maybe i appreciate something more vanilla, less demanding. Maybe i’m not a GT car man after all....
Still time, i have a couple of good trips coming up and i’m hoping it will start to click. As you can read, i can’t quite explain what it is that isn’t working for me, but i’m hoping i’ll work it out soon.
Paul
Jefferson Steelflex said:
Rather than start a new thread, i figured after a month of ownership of the Spyder i’d post up some thoughts on here and hope some people find it interesting. I had a moment of catharsis this afternoon while driving to the gym and wanted to share some thoughts.
Hard to say, but i have a love/hate relationship with the car. It’s a magnificent car to drive under the right circumstances with absolutely amazing steering and the gearbox is sublime, it garners absolutely tons of attention and is absolutely immense to drive on an open, twisty road (especially with the roof down). It’s easily the best looking car i’ve ever had, I’m delighted with the spec i chose, and the fact it hasn’t lost me tons of money makes me feel like i should be happier than i am.
But, there’s something that’s not quite working for me. I thought at first it was the fact that my first few drives in the car were traffic jam-related nightmares and i was just rowing 1st and 2nd gears sitting in ridiculous traffic. It’s certainly not a car to be stuck in for too long, especially in manual form but i figured any manual car would be like that. I was just thoroughly pissed off and got out resenting the car because of the horrendous journeys. I had a couple of recent drives where i could open the car up a bit, and it was sensational and i thought perhaps i was just a victim of circumstance and i’d started to find the car’s mojo. I had a smile on my face, got home and said to my Mrs “i get that car now”.
But despite that, i can’t shake the feeling that this won’t be a keeper for me. I’m surprised, i thought this would be a long-termer given how hard it was to get one and the fact it’s so desirable. I even enjoy having people ask what it is and showing an interest when i park up somewhere, but nonetheless i just can’t gel with the car. Not yet at least.
I have the summer to enjoy it and see if we can come to an arrangement. It’s starting to loosen up, i’m on 650 miles now, and the engine and gearbox feel far better than they did when it was brand new. The pace is immense, it’s feeling quicker than it used to and that might make a difference, plus i also have my PEC day in a month or so which might make me appreciate the car more.
Maybe i appreciate something more vanilla, less demanding. Maybe i’m not a GT car man after all....
Still time, i have a couple of good trips coming up and i’m hoping it will start to click. As you can read, i can’t quite explain what it is that isn’t working for me, but i’m hoping i’ll work it out soon.
Paul
That’s interesting. I recently bought a 981 Spyder because the wait for my 718 was so long. And I’ve fallen for it to such a degree that I’ve cancelled the 718. The 981 feels truly sublime and feels like a keeper. I’ve gelled with it in a way I didn’t with my 997.2 or anything else (all obvious things like Elise, Caterham, M2 Comp, all of which came and went quite quickly). Hard to say, but i have a love/hate relationship with the car. It’s a magnificent car to drive under the right circumstances with absolutely amazing steering and the gearbox is sublime, it garners absolutely tons of attention and is absolutely immense to drive on an open, twisty road (especially with the roof down). It’s easily the best looking car i’ve ever had, I’m delighted with the spec i chose, and the fact it hasn’t lost me tons of money makes me feel like i should be happier than i am.
But, there’s something that’s not quite working for me. I thought at first it was the fact that my first few drives in the car were traffic jam-related nightmares and i was just rowing 1st and 2nd gears sitting in ridiculous traffic. It’s certainly not a car to be stuck in for too long, especially in manual form but i figured any manual car would be like that. I was just thoroughly pissed off and got out resenting the car because of the horrendous journeys. I had a couple of recent drives where i could open the car up a bit, and it was sensational and i thought perhaps i was just a victim of circumstance and i’d started to find the car’s mojo. I had a smile on my face, got home and said to my Mrs “i get that car now”.
But despite that, i can’t shake the feeling that this won’t be a keeper for me. I’m surprised, i thought this would be a long-termer given how hard it was to get one and the fact it’s so desirable. I even enjoy having people ask what it is and showing an interest when i park up somewhere, but nonetheless i just can’t gel with the car. Not yet at least.
I have the summer to enjoy it and see if we can come to an arrangement. It’s starting to loosen up, i’m on 650 miles now, and the engine and gearbox feel far better than they did when it was brand new. The pace is immense, it’s feeling quicker than it used to and that might make a difference, plus i also have my PEC day in a month or so which might make me appreciate the car more.
Maybe i appreciate something more vanilla, less demanding. Maybe i’m not a GT car man after all....
Still time, i have a couple of good trips coming up and i’m hoping it will start to click. As you can read, i can’t quite explain what it is that isn’t working for me, but i’m hoping i’ll work it out soon.
Paul
Billy_Whizzzz said:
That’s interesting. I recently bought a 981 Spyder because the wait for my 718 was so long. And I’ve fallen for it to such a degree that I’ve cancelled the 718. The 981 feels truly sublime and feels like a keeper. I’ve gelled with it in a way I didn’t with my 997.2 or anything else (all obvious things like Elise, Caterham, M2 Comp, all of which came and went quite quickly).
You have made the right call and if in doubt fast forward to 10m and listen to the conclusion he reached says it all unless you want to track the car then its a better bet than the 981 which is very much for the road first and foremosthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3cUd5QhEkA
You’ve just pretty much described how I felt about my GT4, I just couldn’t get on with it and after six months swapped it for a Carrera T with normal seats.
I’d always hankered after a GT in any iteration but on reflection it was lost on me. I don’t track, the traffic around me is dreadful, every road has been dug up and filled badly by utility companies and there are very few opportunities to wring it’s neck.
I did quite a few early morning blasts but still came back disliking it. I found the buckets extremely uncomfortable which really didn’t help.
Not to take anything away from the car though they are absolutely bloody amazing machines and I’ve never had a car that creates so much positive attention.
Maybe comfort seats and PDK would have suited better? Sacrilege on here though!
I’d always hankered after a GT in any iteration but on reflection it was lost on me. I don’t track, the traffic around me is dreadful, every road has been dug up and filled badly by utility companies and there are very few opportunities to wring it’s neck.
I did quite a few early morning blasts but still came back disliking it. I found the buckets extremely uncomfortable which really didn’t help.
Not to take anything away from the car though they are absolutely bloody amazing machines and I’ve never had a car that creates so much positive attention.
Maybe comfort seats and PDK would have suited better? Sacrilege on here though!
Jefferson Steelflex said:
Rather than start a new thread, i figured after a month of ownership of the Spyder i’d post up some thoughts on here and hope some people find it interesting. I had a moment of catharsis this afternoon while driving to the gym and wanted to share some thoughts.
Hard to say, but i have a love/hate relationship with the car. It’s a magnificent car to drive under the right circumstances with absolutely amazing steering and the gearbox is sublime, it garners absolutely tons of attention and is absolutely immense to drive on an open, twisty road (especially with the roof down). It’s easily the best looking car i’ve ever had, I’m delighted with the spec i chose, and the fact it hasn’t lost me tons of money makes me feel like i should be happier than i am.
But, there’s something that’s not quite working for me. I thought at first it was the fact that my first few drives in the car were traffic jam-related nightmares and i was just rowing 1st and 2nd gears sitting in ridiculous traffic. It’s certainly not a car to be stuck in for too long, especially in manual form but i figured any manual car would be like that. I was just thoroughly pissed off and got out resenting the car because of the horrendous journeys. I had a couple of recent drives where i could open the car up a bit, and it was sensational and i thought perhaps i was just a victim of circumstance and i’d started to find the car’s mojo. I had a smile on my face, got home and said to my Mrs “i get that car now”.
But despite that, i can’t shake the feeling that this won’t be a keeper for me. I’m surprised, i thought this would be a long-termer given how hard it was to get one and the fact it’s so desirable. I even enjoy having people ask what it is and showing an interest when i park up somewhere, but nonetheless i just can’t gel with the car. Not yet at least.
I have the summer to enjoy it and see if we can come to an arrangement. It’s starting to loosen up, i’m on 650 miles now, and the engine and gearbox feel far better than they did when it was brand new. The pace is immense, it’s feeling quicker than it used to and that might make a difference, plus i also have my PEC day in a month or so which might make me appreciate the car more.
Maybe i appreciate something more vanilla, less demanding. Maybe i’m not a GT car man after all....
Still time, i have a couple of good trips coming up and i’m hoping it will start to click. As you can read, i can’t quite explain what it is that isn’t working for me, but i’m hoping i’ll work it out soon.
Paul
Yup that’s it the very best and most rewarding fun cars are the ones that demand you to make some compromises and that you are made to work at it a bit harder. That way the good times are so much better.Hard to say, but i have a love/hate relationship with the car. It’s a magnificent car to drive under the right circumstances with absolutely amazing steering and the gearbox is sublime, it garners absolutely tons of attention and is absolutely immense to drive on an open, twisty road (especially with the roof down). It’s easily the best looking car i’ve ever had, I’m delighted with the spec i chose, and the fact it hasn’t lost me tons of money makes me feel like i should be happier than i am.
But, there’s something that’s not quite working for me. I thought at first it was the fact that my first few drives in the car were traffic jam-related nightmares and i was just rowing 1st and 2nd gears sitting in ridiculous traffic. It’s certainly not a car to be stuck in for too long, especially in manual form but i figured any manual car would be like that. I was just thoroughly pissed off and got out resenting the car because of the horrendous journeys. I had a couple of recent drives where i could open the car up a bit, and it was sensational and i thought perhaps i was just a victim of circumstance and i’d started to find the car’s mojo. I had a smile on my face, got home and said to my Mrs “i get that car now”.
But despite that, i can’t shake the feeling that this won’t be a keeper for me. I’m surprised, i thought this would be a long-termer given how hard it was to get one and the fact it’s so desirable. I even enjoy having people ask what it is and showing an interest when i park up somewhere, but nonetheless i just can’t gel with the car. Not yet at least.
I have the summer to enjoy it and see if we can come to an arrangement. It’s starting to loosen up, i’m on 650 miles now, and the engine and gearbox feel far better than they did when it was brand new. The pace is immense, it’s feeling quicker than it used to and that might make a difference, plus i also have my PEC day in a month or so which might make me appreciate the car more.
Maybe i appreciate something more vanilla, less demanding. Maybe i’m not a GT car man after all....
Still time, i have a couple of good trips coming up and i’m hoping it will start to click. As you can read, i can’t quite explain what it is that isn’t working for me, but i’m hoping i’ll work it out soon.
Paul
My Spyder for all it’s quirks with the hood arrangement, long gearing, bumpy ride etc etc is the best car that I have ever had and I absolutely love it. Amazingly it’s also worming it’s way into Mrs BigM’s affections and that is an absolute first for a GT car.
The big question is given your huge list of plus points what would you replace it with?
ClioTrophy55 said:
My PDK GT4 build complete date has slipped back another couple of weeks. Originally May then mid June now end June. Anyone else seeing similar?
My OPC said to expect a delay as they were experiencing them with many deliveries. Luckily I don’t seem to be affected. Original ‘arriving at port in Grimsby’ date was 26th June. He confirmed last week car was now built and still on track for 26th. ClioTrophy55 said:
My PDK GT4 build complete date has slipped back another couple of weeks. Originally May then mid June now end June. Anyone else seeing similar?
Yes my build has slipped too. Spyder was due mid-July, then went to mid-August and now looking like end August / early September. There must be production delays for some reason. At least, end of June isn’t too far away for you. bigmowley said:
The big question is given your huge list of plus points what would you replace it with?
I’m going to give the car some time, we have some trips coming up and i need to stop flipping cars so often to keep the Mrs happy, so plenty of time to try and get to grips with the long term plan. If i was to change, most likely a 992 would be on the cards. I was thinking about it this morning and I still have regrets on selling my 997 Turbo, which i did when the Spyder was due to arrive. I loved that car, and maybe that is part of the issue.
Twinfan said:
That's a very honest review Paul. It sounds like all the stuff I love about GT cars - harshness, direct feeling, only coming alive at speed etc - are the things that don't suit you.
If you like the drivetrain, maybe a GTS 4.0 would be a better fit?
Possibly a softer, more usable car yes, but there’s nothing on the GTS that would be a massive improvement over the Spyder. I don’t really have an issue with the ride, the handling or any of that, and the directness of the Spyder is wonderful and i’d probably find the GTS a step down. If you like the drivetrain, maybe a GTS 4.0 would be a better fit?
Nice problem to have anyway, and to compound things i was out and about today and loved it.
Since your love for your old 997 turbo could it be a coupe v convertible thing in that you prefer hard tops ? Maybe the gt4 would have been a better fit?
I know when I have owned a soft top after a tin top and visa versa I always end up missing the latter and so the circle continues....
I know when I have owned a soft top after a tin top and visa versa I always end up missing the latter and so the circle continues....
Jefferson Steelflex said:
bigmowley said:
The big question is given your huge list of plus points what would you replace it with?
I’m going to give the car some time, we have some trips coming up and i need to stop flipping cars so often to keep the Mrs happy, so plenty of time to try and get to grips with the long term plan. If i was to change, most likely a 992 would be on the cards. I was thinking about it this morning and I still have regrets on selling my 997 Turbo, which i did when the Spyder was due to arrive. I loved that car, and maybe that is part of the issue.
[quote=Twinfan
That's a very honest review Paul. It sounds like all the stuff I love about GT cars - harshness, direct feeling, only coming alive at speed etc - are the things that don't suit you.
If you like the drivetrain, maybe a GTS 4.0 would be a better fit?
[/
Nice problem to have anyway, and to compound things i was out and about today and loved it.
Maybe try to tweak it a bit to enhance the pleasure.
Twinfan said:
What exactly is it you don't like then, if the ride, engine and handling are all good? If it's just the gearbox, then as the previous poster said maybe a PDK car would suit you better.
I'd take a GTS 4.0 over a 992, but if you need that 911 badge...
Hmm.... personally I'm getting out of my 992 to a GT4 . the 992 was marvelous , I just fancied something a bit edgier (and a GT3 allocation not even a long shot)I'd take a GTS 4.0 over a 992, but if you need that 911 badge...
I think that for a lot of people it really can depend on how you are able to use the car. If you end up commuting in it, it could affect the overall feel you get for the car.
I am lucky that I have a derestricted autobahn near me (though, they are not the most fun roads, typically, and the GT-R is more of an event on there than the GT4 because it's just so bloody quick!) and the Black Forest and it really helps you to be able to love the car when you have this kind of road. Today, I spent six hours driving in the Swiss Alps (30 degrees there, so would have been great for a Spyder) and even not close to the limit, the roads maketh the car.
Drove the Sustenpass (well, half of it, as I doesn't fully open until next Friday), Grimselpass, Furkapass, some of the Gotthard before switching the the Tremola pass (which was interesting, as it is cobblestone!), Nufenenpass and then back via the west section of the Furka and home via the Grimsel again. There seemed to be a Porsche club out there as well as came across a huge swathe of them parked up at the top of the Grimsel and many, many other Porsches out today.
For anyone who maybe doesn't "feel" the car, I really urge you to try to get it on some great roads - North 500, Military Road, Evo Triangle, Black Mountain Road, Cheddar Gorge, Snake Pass, ... there are so many in the UK; but I'd also try to get over the the Alps, Col de Turini, Route Napoleon, or the Black Forest if you are able - as I think that this will help you make the right decision as to whether the car is right for you or not.
Some pics from today!
Susten:
From the dam near the top of the Grimsel:
Furka:
Nufenen:
I am lucky that I have a derestricted autobahn near me (though, they are not the most fun roads, typically, and the GT-R is more of an event on there than the GT4 because it's just so bloody quick!) and the Black Forest and it really helps you to be able to love the car when you have this kind of road. Today, I spent six hours driving in the Swiss Alps (30 degrees there, so would have been great for a Spyder) and even not close to the limit, the roads maketh the car.
Drove the Sustenpass (well, half of it, as I doesn't fully open until next Friday), Grimselpass, Furkapass, some of the Gotthard before switching the the Tremola pass (which was interesting, as it is cobblestone!), Nufenenpass and then back via the west section of the Furka and home via the Grimsel again. There seemed to be a Porsche club out there as well as came across a huge swathe of them parked up at the top of the Grimsel and many, many other Porsches out today.
For anyone who maybe doesn't "feel" the car, I really urge you to try to get it on some great roads - North 500, Military Road, Evo Triangle, Black Mountain Road, Cheddar Gorge, Snake Pass, ... there are so many in the UK; but I'd also try to get over the the Alps, Col de Turini, Route Napoleon, or the Black Forest if you are able - as I think that this will help you make the right decision as to whether the car is right for you or not.
Some pics from today!
Susten:
From the dam near the top of the Grimsel:
Furka:
Nufenen:
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