I dont think anyone in the UK has any input into the design of the cars, the bosses at Reading are only interested in one thing at the end of the day and that's increasing the numbers and bottom-line profit. When I go on the Factory Visit I will ask about these things if anyone wants to contribute to a small list of popular questions: grill guards unpainted black plastic trim parts, S v's non-S 3.4 engine, how does it make 350 PS in the 991, 325 PS on the CS
981 Cayman Launch
- Thread starter Motorhead
- Start date
My sentiments precisely 6. Go for it..!ORIGINAL: flat6Hi Clive I didn't explain well what I meant. I haven't asked the question myself about rad protection but I see the same questions come up often that the PCGB forum cannot answer. It made me think, it'd be nice for something to be in place for when my turn comes to want to know the answer to a similar kind of question. There isn't much that this forum cannot answer, such is the wealth of knowledge from experienced members on here. I'm wondering if the small number of unanswered questions can be put forward somehow. On the Porsche Club GB website it says "We are delighted that Porsche Club Great Britain (PCGB) is the only officially recognised Porsche Club in the UK. In 2005 we signed a Contract of Co-operation with both Porsche AG and the sole importers Porsche Cars Great Britain. This enables us, the members, to have very close ties with the factory and importer whilst retaining our independence." I was thinking that through those touch points, maybe there's an avenue for some 'enthusiasts' diaglogue'. I don't mind writing to customer services but I don't think it's a customer services issue. I haven't suffered a damaged rad myself and so couldn't write on the back of that. Also, I was suggesting an avenue on behalf of the Club as it wouldn't be efficient for individuals to write to customer services duplicating questions. If you mean that maybe I could try to get a shared channel open for questions, I doubt i'd have more clout than the Club. I'm just a guy who has bought a few nearly new Porsches. I can't see them entertaining setting up an FAQ channel with me, even if it is intended to be a positive dialogue about interesting Porsche design mysteries. I couldn't request it on behalf of the Club either as i'm just a member and would get my wrist slapped for making inappropriate advances on behalf of the Club. What I will do is contact Porsche Club GB and see if it's something they can facilitate or not. Kevan, it would be good to hear if you get a response to solve this long standing mystery[ORIGINAL: LancerlotAs a customer, you will probably have more clout than the Club. Why don't you try writing to Customer Services at Porsche HQ Reading? You never know, you may get somewhere and be doing us all a favour! []
It'll be interesting to see if you can get a response to this on the day Chris. Just a thought, but if you passed the questions on to Richard W for forwarding in advance of the visit, the factory would be better prepared to answer them. Wouldn't it be great if we could have a suitably regulated on-line forum voting procedure (for Club Members only?) which could be used to address issues such as this? Jeff
Even if you don't get an answer (which is what I would expect), giving them direct feedback has got to be worthwhile. My shortlist would include grille guards and the ever-shrinking cubbyhole/oddments space (door pockets getting smaller from 986 through 987 and now 981, 987 front compartment has disappeared etc). IMHO while the cars continue to improve, they also lose practical daily driver features.
Thanks Jeff. Will let you know how I get on. ChrisH. Fingers crossed for getting some info on the factory visit. As you say, a small number of questions has a chance of getting some feedback. Too long a list will have them shutting up shop before you get anywhere. Also, they're not gonna answer any questions on futures, which is where my head's at right now i.e. Will there be a version of the Cayman that isn't or cannot be replicated on the Boxster, BEFORE the 981 is heading towards the end of it's cycle (You know what i'm getting at. A 'Clubsport' would not be offered as a roadster). Don't waste a question on that[] You've already put forward the questions I would currently ask - debris getting into rad space and whether unpainted trim parts are likely to wear well if they get the Porsche Exclusive paint treatment. Have a good time![] P.S. if you do ask about the 3.4, back them in a corner by asking why the 3.4 had to be de-tuned for 981 - can't the 981 design handle handle it[] I can't how they could say "no it can't handle it" but you don't want to give them that question in advance or else they will shut up shop[]
] You've already put forward the questions I would currently ask - debris getting into rad space and whether unpainted trim parts are likely to wear well if they get the Porsche Exclusive paint treatment. Have a good time![] P.S. if you do ask about the 3.4, back them in a corner by asking why the 3.4 had to be de-tuned for 981 - can't the 981 design handle handle it[] I can't how they could say "no it can't handle it" but you don't want to give them that question in advance or else they will shut up shop[]
It would be interesting to hear their response to our gripes about the 2-year factory warranty Chris, and if there are plans to increase it to 3-years now that they're part of the VAG. Might be a bit contentious for an after-dinner chat perhaps, but it's an important marker because a move to a 3-year warranty would indicate Porsche's confidence in it's engineering design and development processes and programmes. Jeff
Back on-topic again. None of the cars on show at the launch had a rear wiper. I didn't bother with one for my 987.2 since it's not a daily drive and so I didn't plan to spend time sitting in traffic in the rain; I've never had a problem being without it. Perhaps the sunken rear widow helps promote airflow at speed, keeping the glass clear. However, I wonder if the same will be the case with the much more rounded rear hatch on the 981, which is more akin to the rear of the 991. I believe that many 911 owners feel that a rear wiper is essential to keep the rear window clear in bad weather. Does anyone know how Porsche are going to address the fitment of roof bars to the 981/991 now that the 4 attatchment lugs on the roof have been deleted? Clearly, the old design will not fit....! Jeff
I would not want the rear wiper, I think it spoils the clean lines and in my experience with the 987, it is totally unnecesary. As long as you have forward motion the airflow keeps the rear screen free of water droplets, nor does it get dirty, meaning it is not in a turbulent airflow. The back bumper and rear arches on the other hand pick up dirt very quickly even if the roads are dry. So a good hatch design, whether the 981 is similar remains to be seen, Jeff.
Nick, the 991 appears to use a similar arrangement to that used on the 997/987 where the bars are attached to 4 lugs in the roof but the 981 has, as far as I'm aware, a completely smooth roof structure so I'm guessing that it will require a completely different roof bar arrangement.
Agreed Chris. Let's hope that the trend is continued for the 981 - you'll soon find out..! Jeff
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