Discussion
Rich.H said:
Not entirely like for like as my Cayman is a PDK but my view;
The engine has noticeably better pick up from low revs and the performance feels a step on from my 981 - not unexpected given the power and torque numbers involved but it definitely put a big smile on my face!!! Nowhere near as loud on induction or exhaust though. And no pops and bangs in Sport (didn’t use Sport+). All of which I have read about. There is enough noise in my view though - it’s just more cultured and less raucous compared to the 981. The exhaust valves close at c.1500rpm at which point the noise level really does drop. Valves open again from c.4000rpm and the induction and exhaust sounds is apparent. Motor spins freely and feels very smooth.
And not wishing to bring the 981/718 steering debate into this thread (I have never had a problem with my GTS following set up by Center Gravity not long after purchase) but the new car does feel more direct. To be honest though, I noticed the smaller steering wheel more than anything else....
And then there is the gearbox. I am a PDK fan and it suits the way that me (and my wife) use our car: to the point that I have been looking at swapping into a 911 Carrera T and have only considered a PDK (awaits cries of derision from the masses....). BUT, I thought the manual gearbox on this 4.0 GTS was mega. I really enjoyed the experience and thought the rev match worked brilliantly.
Apart from that, interior is broadly the same as mine ( both have the GTS interior etc) but the PCM is obviously a step on.
In summary, if I had to sign today, I would take a 4.0 Cayman GTS over the Carrera T (leaving the 911 itch unscratched) and I would want a 24/48 hour test in manual car so that my wife and I could debate the choice v PDK
Although my 981 is currently advertised for sale and I stepped back into it straight from the 4.0, I still enjoyed my drive home!!! I have loved every one of the 30k miles I have put on it....
Rich
Also test driven the manual and it is great as you mention. The negative I found was that the gearing is so long - to stretch the motor I ended up going faster than I wanted to. I will probably go for the PDK, (my wife will also be driving it), and I'll be able to go up and down the gears that bit quicker. Probably lose some engagement overall, but on balance suits me best especially living in the South East/London.The engine has noticeably better pick up from low revs and the performance feels a step on from my 981 - not unexpected given the power and torque numbers involved but it definitely put a big smile on my face!!! Nowhere near as loud on induction or exhaust though. And no pops and bangs in Sport (didn’t use Sport+). All of which I have read about. There is enough noise in my view though - it’s just more cultured and less raucous compared to the 981. The exhaust valves close at c.1500rpm at which point the noise level really does drop. Valves open again from c.4000rpm and the induction and exhaust sounds is apparent. Motor spins freely and feels very smooth.
And not wishing to bring the 981/718 steering debate into this thread (I have never had a problem with my GTS following set up by Center Gravity not long after purchase) but the new car does feel more direct. To be honest though, I noticed the smaller steering wheel more than anything else....
And then there is the gearbox. I am a PDK fan and it suits the way that me (and my wife) use our car: to the point that I have been looking at swapping into a 911 Carrera T and have only considered a PDK (awaits cries of derision from the masses....). BUT, I thought the manual gearbox on this 4.0 GTS was mega. I really enjoyed the experience and thought the rev match worked brilliantly.
Apart from that, interior is broadly the same as mine ( both have the GTS interior etc) but the PCM is obviously a step on.
In summary, if I had to sign today, I would take a 4.0 Cayman GTS over the Carrera T (leaving the 911 itch unscratched) and I would want a 24/48 hour test in manual car so that my wife and I could debate the choice v PDK
Although my 981 is currently advertised for sale and I stepped back into it straight from the 4.0, I still enjoyed my drive home!!! I have loved every one of the 30k miles I have put on it....
Rich
KevinBird said:
Yes, with Espresso interior and Aurum wheels. Should be here next week
http://www.porsche-code.com/PMCTKQN1
Looks lovely. Great combo!http://www.porsche-code.com/PMCTKQN1
Edited by KevinBird on Tuesday 3rd November 08:38
Just got the update that mine is now in existence and has been checked in to the holding compound at the factory. Next step transfer to Emden. I know this is a 'how long is a piece of string' question but does anyone have any advice as to how long from this point to collection usually? Trying (and failing) not to count the days clearly...
thecrow said:
Just got the update that mine is now in existence and has been checked in to the holding compound at the factory. Next step transfer to Emden. I know this is a 'how long is a piece of string' question but does anyone have any advice as to how long from this point to collection usually? Trying (and failing) not to count the days clearly...
Mine took just under 3 weeks.
thecrow said:
Just got the update that mine is now in existence and has been checked in to the holding compound at the factory. Next step transfer to Emden. I know this is a 'how long is a piece of string' question but does anyone have any advice as to how long from this point to collection usually? Trying (and failing) not to count the days clearly...
That was the status of mine on Friday last week, so I'm in the same boat as you trying not to count the days!AS62 said:
thecrow said:
Just got the update that mine is now in existence and has been checked in to the holding compound at the factory. Next step transfer to Emden. I know this is a 'how long is a piece of string' question but does anyone have any advice as to how long from this point to collection usually? Trying (and failing) not to count the days clearly...
That was the status of mine on Friday last week, so I'm in the same boat as you trying not to count the days!andysavage said:
AS62 said:
thecrow said:
Just got the update that mine is now in existence and has been checked in to the holding compound at the factory. Next step transfer to Emden. I know this is a 'how long is a piece of string' question but does anyone have any advice as to how long from this point to collection usually? Trying (and failing) not to count the days clearly...
That was the status of mine on Friday last week, so I'm in the same boat as you trying not to count the days!
Interesting timings - we might all be in (on) similar boats. ETA OPC 12th November sounds good - I've been given feedback from mine that a collection on the 5th December (my suggestion) is tight but not unreasonable to aim for. Ultimately it wont matter once it is here of course, all will be forgotten!
Rich.H said:
Not entirely like for like as my Cayman is a PDK but my view;
The engine has noticeably better pick up from low revs and the performance feels a step on from my 981 - not unexpected given the power and torque numbers involved but it definitely put a big smile on my face!!! Nowhere near as loud on induction or exhaust though. And no pops and bangs in Sport (didn’t use Sport+). All of which I have read about. There is enough noise in my view though - it’s just more cultured and less raucous compared to the 981. The exhaust valves close at c.1500rpm at which point the noise level really does drop. Valves open again from c.4000rpm and the induction and exhaust sounds is apparent. Motor spins freely and feels very smooth.
And not wishing to bring the 981/718 steering debate into this thread (I have never had a problem with my GTS following set up by Center Gravity not long after purchase) but the new car does feel more direct. To be honest though, I noticed the smaller steering wheel more than anything else....
And then there is the gearbox. I am a PDK fan and it suits the way that me (and my wife) use our car: to the point that I have been looking at swapping into a 911 Carrera T and have only considered a PDK (awaits cries of derision from the masses....). BUT, I thought the manual gearbox on this 4.0 GTS was mega. I really enjoyed the experience and thought the rev match worked brilliantly.
Apart from that, interior is broadly the same as mine ( both have the GTS interior etc) but the PCM is obviously a step on.
In summary, if I had to sign today, I would take a 4.0 Cayman GTS over the Carrera T (leaving the 911 itch unscratched) and I would want a 24/48 hour test in manual car so that my wife and I could debate the choice v PDK
Although my 981 is currently advertised for sale and I stepped back into it straight from the 4.0, I still enjoyed my drive home!!! I have loved every one of the 30k miles I have put on it....
Rich
Thanks for the review. Food for thought, but I do love the 981 induction/exhaust sound. I guess an aftermarket exhaust might help.The engine has noticeably better pick up from low revs and the performance feels a step on from my 981 - not unexpected given the power and torque numbers involved but it definitely put a big smile on my face!!! Nowhere near as loud on induction or exhaust though. And no pops and bangs in Sport (didn’t use Sport+). All of which I have read about. There is enough noise in my view though - it’s just more cultured and less raucous compared to the 981. The exhaust valves close at c.1500rpm at which point the noise level really does drop. Valves open again from c.4000rpm and the induction and exhaust sounds is apparent. Motor spins freely and feels very smooth.
And not wishing to bring the 981/718 steering debate into this thread (I have never had a problem with my GTS following set up by Center Gravity not long after purchase) but the new car does feel more direct. To be honest though, I noticed the smaller steering wheel more than anything else....
And then there is the gearbox. I am a PDK fan and it suits the way that me (and my wife) use our car: to the point that I have been looking at swapping into a 911 Carrera T and have only considered a PDK (awaits cries of derision from the masses....). BUT, I thought the manual gearbox on this 4.0 GTS was mega. I really enjoyed the experience and thought the rev match worked brilliantly.
Apart from that, interior is broadly the same as mine ( both have the GTS interior etc) but the PCM is obviously a step on.
In summary, if I had to sign today, I would take a 4.0 Cayman GTS over the Carrera T (leaving the 911 itch unscratched) and I would want a 24/48 hour test in manual car so that my wife and I could debate the choice v PDK
Although my 981 is currently advertised for sale and I stepped back into it straight from the 4.0, I still enjoyed my drive home!!! I have loved every one of the 30k miles I have put on it....
Rich
thecrow said:
KevinBird said:
Collecting mine on Wednesday
Congrats, what’s the spec and which OPC?Thoughts when you’ve got it for those of us still waiting would be gratefully received (as well as photos obvs)
A week on from my Cayman 4.0 test drive i’ve reflected on the car and have a few ramblings.
I’d been looking at a few used / older Porsche options more around the £35-55k mark so the car needed to be worth the extra in my opinion - no defined criteria as such. Although I think having a new car with warranty etc. is probably a good idea for me it didn’t hold great sway in my mind.
Most of all I’ve wanted to find the Porsche that I think is right for me. I knew i’d know pretty quickly whether I’d like it enough to warrant the price tag or whether I would think it felt expensive compared to other options.
Porsche background - ran a 987 Boxster 2.7 (manual) for a couple of years and loved it. Had a 981 Cayman S in PDK which I didn’t get on with and sold after about a year. My frustrations were down to a perceived lack of involvement and feeling I had to thrash nuts off it for it to feel at all quick.
If pushed to pick one highlight of the 4.0 for me it’s the engine. As soon as I turned it on I was smitten. The engine sound has a throaty notch to it and I found it characterful enough even with the exhaust in normal mode - once switched on it sounds really good when pushing on. Volume is for me spot on, I can see why those who like a more lairy sound / volume might complain. The extra grunt over the 981S means that whilst the gearing is still long you can have a bit more fun in the mid range and don’t have to keep changing down to access decent oomph. Really smooth, linear power band.
Really can’t believe in this day and age this engine has come to a non GT car available for £65k base. Get em while you can..
That said, it’s the combination of the power plant and the manual gearbox which make the car to me. It just wants to be driven hard and I must confess I haven’t driven a manual in over 12 months and did feel like i’d had a decent workout after a couple of hours! Did a stint on the motorway too and all very comfortable.
Steering wise, I agree that the 981 lacked ‘feel’ rather than it being poor or ineffective. It was never a major gripe for me unlike the aforementioned points. The 4.0 is better, how much so is subjective. That being said it’s still not in the league of any 987 in my opinion and probably a half way house between 981 and 987
I think the car looks good and personally I like the alcantara / race tex heavy finish. Loads of options for those who don’t. In terms of a couple of observations based on the spec of the demo car:
- It didn’t have dual climate and I didn’t miss it
- 18 ways were mega comfy and with my dodgy back I’m going to (reluctantly) stump up
In summary:
Did I enjoy the car ? - yes. For me it’s a great overall package that is very good at many things. For others, they may lean GT4 if for no other reason than it looks more lairy. This for me goes against the grain of the GTS. I want something to do everything and that I won’t be too precious over (I would be with a GT4).
Did i like it enough to order one? - yes / deposit down
Any concerns? - not really but two minor points:
1 - linked to the 2.5T GTS dropping in value so much. But I wouldn’t be purchasing if I was uncomfortable with the risk and enjoy buying new.
2 - Brexit tariffs increase the price. Quite possible - more than a couple % and i’ll pull out and buy a used one probably. I am very comfortable with the options around this and how the OPC are handling.
I loved my 981s and if the GTS4 hadn’t come out I’d not have got rid of it. I had no issue with the steering and it was the first EPAS I’d experienced. Oddly, I became a little frustrated with the PDK - as smooth as it was, there was always that annoying 1/2 second delay on kick down before anything happened which I guess is inevitable with any auto.
I still think the 981 was a slightly more refined look (very personal, I known, but I’m not as keen on the Porsche strip under the spoiler or the now protruding side vents), but if you park that, you really only have he engine and the sound.
If I had to be honest, right now (I didn’t have the sports exhaust on the 981s), I’d say that had a more unusual and exciting sound. It is completely different from the GTS4 - not just slightly - the two are as different as two cars could be. The 981s was a high pitched screaming banshee and I loved it.
The GTS4 is nice and throaty with the sports exhaust on just starting and creeping around - I like that. The 981s was very very understated without the Sports Exhaust. From 1500rpm to 4000, the GTS4 is quieter, but no less than the 981s. When you get to 4-5000 revs the tone changes and it gets angry. In third at 5000 rpm it is positively thrilling - low, growling, angry and pretty loud. When that happens it is beginning to make me smile as much as the 981s did but for different reasons. I suspect over time it may become the favourite. I’ve only recently got passed run in, so this is new and exciting.
The engine - again, there is really no comparison. Because it is so much more responsive with the manual - no lag on kick down, you depress the throttle and the response is absolutely instant. The torque from 1500 rpm along with that different noise is hugely more fun than the 981s was and has really surprised me. It is the same torque as the 718s and whilst it isn’t as high as early, looking at the curve, it’s not that much different and this is NA. The power delivery actually feels a massive jump over the 981s. In first in dry weather (yes, slightly dusty roads yesterday when I was out), but in first the car snaps quite violently. In second on the same road, I quite dramatically lost traction in a straight line changing up from 1st at 4k rpm. Into third, it’s intoxicating (yes, aside from a 450 Cerbera back in the late 90s (took on a test drive at Hawthorns in Farnham), this is the most powerful car I’ve driven, so can’t compare with others on this forum who’ve driven super cars) from 5k rpm.
If I had the choice, as impartial as I can possibly be, I’d take the GTS4 with a manual without a second thought, and just ask for a spin in my Dad’s 987.2s to get a smile from the banshee again.
I still think the 981 was a slightly more refined look (very personal, I known, but I’m not as keen on the Porsche strip under the spoiler or the now protruding side vents), but if you park that, you really only have he engine and the sound.
If I had to be honest, right now (I didn’t have the sports exhaust on the 981s), I’d say that had a more unusual and exciting sound. It is completely different from the GTS4 - not just slightly - the two are as different as two cars could be. The 981s was a high pitched screaming banshee and I loved it.
The GTS4 is nice and throaty with the sports exhaust on just starting and creeping around - I like that. The 981s was very very understated without the Sports Exhaust. From 1500rpm to 4000, the GTS4 is quieter, but no less than the 981s. When you get to 4-5000 revs the tone changes and it gets angry. In third at 5000 rpm it is positively thrilling - low, growling, angry and pretty loud. When that happens it is beginning to make me smile as much as the 981s did but for different reasons. I suspect over time it may become the favourite. I’ve only recently got passed run in, so this is new and exciting.
The engine - again, there is really no comparison. Because it is so much more responsive with the manual - no lag on kick down, you depress the throttle and the response is absolutely instant. The torque from 1500 rpm along with that different noise is hugely more fun than the 981s was and has really surprised me. It is the same torque as the 718s and whilst it isn’t as high as early, looking at the curve, it’s not that much different and this is NA. The power delivery actually feels a massive jump over the 981s. In first in dry weather (yes, slightly dusty roads yesterday when I was out), but in first the car snaps quite violently. In second on the same road, I quite dramatically lost traction in a straight line changing up from 1st at 4k rpm. Into third, it’s intoxicating (yes, aside from a 450 Cerbera back in the late 90s (took on a test drive at Hawthorns in Farnham), this is the most powerful car I’ve driven, so can’t compare with others on this forum who’ve driven super cars) from 5k rpm.
If I had the choice, as impartial as I can possibly be, I’d take the GTS4 with a manual without a second thought, and just ask for a spin in my Dad’s 987.2s to get a smile from the banshee again.
^Good post.
I was also pleasantly surprised at the ease of traction loss in first!!
Interesting your thoughts on engine noise / tone as much prefer the deeper bark of the 4.0.
Also agreed that manual is the perfect combo - found myself needlessly blipping whilst reversing in to a parking space - sounds so good!!
I was also pleasantly surprised at the ease of traction loss in first!!
Interesting your thoughts on engine noise / tone as much prefer the deeper bark of the 4.0.
Also agreed that manual is the perfect combo - found myself needlessly blipping whilst reversing in to a parking space - sounds so good!!
RichDS said:
^Good post.
I was also pleasantly surprised at the ease of traction loss in first!!
Interesting your thoughts on engine noise / tone as much prefer the deeper bark of the 4.0.
Also agreed that manual is the perfect combo - found myself needlessly blipping whilst reversing in to a parking space - sounds so good!!
Sound is funny. My mate had one of the first (purchased from the motor show) Baby Vantages. It was a beauty to look at and oddly felt similar to drive as my 1993 M3 Supra Turbo (which I absolutely loved). I was however disappointed that it didn’t roar like the old Aston V8s. He really wasn’t keen on the 981s sound at high engine speeds. To me, it was and is just stunning.I was also pleasantly surprised at the ease of traction loss in first!!
Interesting your thoughts on engine noise / tone as much prefer the deeper bark of the 4.0.
Also agreed that manual is the perfect combo - found myself needlessly blipping whilst reversing in to a parking space - sounds so good!!
As I said, now I can get the GTS4 up to 5-7,500rpm I’ve started to experience the real anger and that noise is rapidly growing on me - perhaps in another couple of drives I’ll even prefer it. Having said that, it’s a little like comparing a smooth straight six with a V8 or an old Audi GT 5 cyl with a flat 6. They are stunning for different reasons. I’m just happy that whilst the GTS4 sound is as different from the 981s as a v8 might be, I love it.
Lesson from last drive though - whilst I thought the 981s with the PDK could be unpredictable (because you had to take into account the 1/2 sec delay on kick down about like a turbo) on corners in the wet, the GTS4 is without doubt significantly more savage, particularly in first and second. That really surprised me and will need some respect.
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