997/998 enhancement requests

[Alex L]

I know my voice alone won't do much to influence Porsche's strategies; but as we met Wayne, the head of Porsche GB Brand Communications and Strategy this weekend, he seemed very open to suggestions from all 997 owners.

So I wanted to compile a wish list of all suggestions (sensible or otherwise) that I could send him. Worse thing that could happen would be that he could say no, or even "yes, Porsche are already working on that". I know some of you are actually invited to customer clinics where Porsche do this type of thing, but for those of us that are not quite so fortunate I thought this might be a good thread to air our collective opinions.

Here's the start of my wish list:
[*]Sports Chrono Clock should either be optional or part of PCM on all 911s
[*]Sports Exhaust specifically for Turbo (the titanium one from the GT2 would be nice)
[*]Sports suspension specifically for Turbo (not that I would get this, just to silence those that say the Turbo doesn't handle well on its limits)
[*]Port for iPod
[*]Bluetooth
[*]Launch control as standard
[*]PDK (to replace Tiptronic)
[*]A flashing warning light when to change gears like on the GT3
[*]Direct Injection (more fuel economy + 4-6% extra power)
[*]A specific mute button on the PCM (for those that don't have the MF steering wheel)
[*]The sports button activated from the MF steering wheel so you don't have to reach down to activate when you want a bit more boost.
[*]Longer warrantees here in Europe (only 2 years here compared to US 4 "" but would require making European standards changes for all car manufactures apparently)
[*]Updateable Sat Nav on PCM with new roads and also speed cameras
[*]Sat Nav option that tells you ON YOUR ROUTE where a Shell petrol station is within range
[*]Sat Nav that has an acceleration meter in it like many other do now (I know GPS is not hugely accurate, but fun all the same) plus a G-Meter
[*]Head up display when in sports mode

I will keep thinking as these are just off the top of my head for starters. Please feel free to add to the list"¦

(note: I am trying not to list things that would add TOO much extra weight)

 

[Alex L]

• Better designed ignition key

 

[snarf]

Of the suggestions already made I would cast my vote for:
[*]Less sensitive (better designed) ignition key
[*]Updateable Sat Nav on PCM with new roads and also speed cameras - Also with automatic link to the audible speed limit exceeded warning (which could be switched off if not required)
[*]Unfortunately my experience of both the Sat Nav and Shell's own web site is that the accuracy of the Shell petrol station locations leaves much to be desired, too often stations are either closed or no longer Shell. But in principle the on-route option would be useful.

In addition I would really like:

The ability to programme Sat-Nav "off-line" i.e. using say a lap top to input, set-up and verify complex routes. I find the existing Sat-Nav "tour" option user-unfriendly with the map only showing the route to the first destination. A simpler way of inputting way points to force the Sat-Nav to take a desired route would be an improvement.

Gear shift gate. Although slightly hesitant to suggest this because it probably says more about my lack of driving skill but in the first thousand miles or so I caught myself downshifting into the wrong gear (just once or twice and before fully releasing the clutch so no over-revs). This is my first Porsche and my first 6 speed manual so it may have been a learning curve issue for me but I think a gate would make this less likely for similarly challenged individuals.

 

[sidicks]

I agree with the comment above that the key could do with a redesign, to be made to feel a bit more special.

The main other requirement would be to have a class-leading Sat Nav system, including speed camera warnings and full postcode input plus other facilities available on even the cheapest stand-alone systems. The option of a digital/analogue TV tuner would be nice, albeit adding unnecessary weight!

Providing a more sophisticated dash computer might also be nice.

What about adaptive (LED) lights?

Apart from that keep it pretty much like it is!!

Sidicks

 

[frankgosling]

Hi Alex
I see a few comments about the expensive and inadequate sat nav, we have a Porsche unit in the C4S and a small handheld. The £130 handheld is about 1or 2 seconds slower than the 2006, £2000 Porsche unit but it has postcode input which is a big benefit.
My car is a second hand MY 2006 without the upgraded Nav.
If I was buying new I would not spec Sat Nav there are much better units on the market at a fraction of the cost, even the upgrade at £497 is poor value.
Another dissapontment is the 997 Cabriolet wind deflector, when not in use it takes up a third of the boot, when in position you can't use the back seats, it impares the view from the rear view mirror, and is a piece of fold up plastic mechano.
But the car is Brill
Frank G

 

[Lancerlot]

Alex,
One simple but practical addition would be electric folding door mirrors. Useful in tight situations and kerbside parking.
Regards
Clive

 

[OK1904]

A good list Alex and thanks for starting this one off.
Does anyone agree with me that the sun visors are too small? There seems to be plenty of room to make them deeper and wider. Also, did anyone raise the issue of the 666 Telephone Module during discussions in Reading? I have written to Andy Goss about this (again!) because mine has never worked properly in the 16 months since I took delivery. I'd be interested in any news if you heard any.

John

 

[Geoff_Fields]

Good list, if I think of any additions I'll be back. As for the crap SAT NAV, my views are well known. Any updates to that device will need to be extensive to convince me to ever purchase another one.[]

 

[robert997]

Rob,

Nearside door mirror already folds down when reversing - twist the adjustment knob to the nearside, as if you were going to adjust the mirror - and next time you select reverse it will point to the kerb !

Rob

 

[robert997]

My requirements for 998 would be:

• Ipod/MP3 interface
• Smarter navigation as above (incidentally it is one of the fastest at calculating routes, compared to our other cars, but then it is a Porsche !)
• Bluetooth phone that actually works !
• Much longer warranty
• Lower production so there are less on the roads !

 

[Geoff_Fields]

Nearside door mirror already folds down when reversing - twist the adjustment knob to the nearside, as if you were going to adjust the mirror - and next time you select reverse it will point to the kerb !

I thought that facility was only active with the memory seat option?

 

[MarcBC]

ORIGINAL: Geoff997

Nearside door mirror already folds down when reversing - twist the adjustment knob to the nearside, as if you were going to adjust the mirror - and next time you select reverse it will point to the kerb !

I thought that facility was only active with the memory seat option?

I think you are right. You also have to programme it in with the driver seat position.

I have it, but also wish it for the driver side. I cannot always park on the left side of the road!

 

[Adam2S]

VTS
- replace Cobra system (or at least get Cobra to improve the irritating little gizmo that keeps switching itself off!)

Am I to assume that I am not the only one with this problem then? I have had more false altert calls from Cobra re the damn thing turning itself off than I've had hot dinners. I had a long call with the customer services rep who said that nobody else had reported a problem with the fobs and mine must be faulty. P*ss poor design more like and just where are you supposed to keep it? Not in the car, not with your keys and not in your wallet / near coins or credit cards - seems to rule out all the possible locations that would mean it is always with me - other than cramming it up my a*se that is.

/rantoff

 

[Geoff_Fields]

You are not alone. A freind receives frequent calls from Cobra re: his 997 Turbo is being stolen again and again!!! Fortunately he is the one behind the wheel each time. The saying about "Crying wolf" springs to mind.

 

[chrismouzou]

auto lights

 

[Monty2]

ORIGINAL: robert997

Rob,

Nearside door mirror already folds down when reversing - twist the adjustment knob to the nearside, as if you were going to adjust the mirror - and next time you select reverse it will point to the kerb !

Rob

Good one Rob, now off to the garage to try that one out.
Pointed question to Wayne on Saturday about baby Cayenne aka VW Tiguan platform, HM said not going to happen so will just have to persuade the wife for a another Cayenne (return journey from Reading needed a Porsche boat really).

Paul

 

[garyw]

I worry that a lot of the addition requests are not really driving related [&:]
BMW have launched a new M3 in case you hadn't noticed [] or maybe the new 4 door for you sirs.....!?

Proper key thats big and loud when you chuck it on the table in the pub would be nice though[]

garyw

 

[Ronnie C]

ORIGINAL: garyw

I worry that a lot of the addition requests are not really driving related [&:]
BMW have launched a new M3 in case you hadn't noticed [] or maybe the new 4 door for you sirs.....!?

garyw

Hear hear. I'm all for improvements but not at the expense of huge weight gains that would spoil the dynamics that are unique to the 911.

Bloated GT... M6 anyone?

 

[Chris5150]

My first request would be to make a GT3 with back seats, obviously just small & light ones so as not to upset the car too much, but that would be most useful.
Next up as has been mentioned sort out the rubbish ignition key, it really is way too sensitive & appaulling in its design. Next come into the 21st century and add bluetooth & an Ipod connection.

 

[Guest]

A button to lift the front suspension to help get over oversized speedbumps / awkward driveways

Those clever Italian chaps do it on their cars, so why can't Zee Germans do it ????