Are Spyders Becoming Extinct At OPCs!

[daro911]

Strange call from an OPC very late yesterday .... Q:I see your car is due for an MOT shortly and was wondering if you could be interested in a new 981 A: I am extremely interested in a new 981 but must be a Spyder [] Q: We could do a good deal on a px today would you like to borrow a 981 for an extended test drive [:-] A: Spyders are extremely thin on the ground these days so not sure your good deal maybe good enough but we can discuss further at the 981 C launch next month []

 

[flat6]

And they'll make a pretty penny out of your PX 987 Spyder too[] This guy does quite an informative review of what the 981 is like to drive. Imagine what a 981 Spyder would be like[] But don't spend too long imagining cos there aint gonna be one[8D] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0e5cml_2_A

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: flat6 And they'll make a pretty penny out of your PX 987 Spyder too[] This guy does quite an informative review of what the 981 is like to drive. Imagine what a 981 Spyder would be like[] But don't spend too long imagining cos there aint gonna be one[8D] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0e5cml_2_A

They couldn't afford it ... Currently It's going up each month and when the sun returns the sky will be the limit If you could find a 981 Sport Chassis review that would be as close to a 981 Spyder we can get for now[] If a Spyderman ever went to a stock 981 it would have to be PTS example [8D]

 

[flat6]

ORIGINAL: daro911

ORIGINAL: flat6 And they'll make a pretty penny out of your PX 987 Spyder too[] This guy does quite an informative review of what the 981 is like to drive. Imagine what a 981 Spyder would be like[] But don't spend too long imagining cos there aint gonna be one[8D] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0e5cml_2_A

They couldn't afford it ... Currently It's going up each month and when the sun returns the sky will be the limit If you could find a 981 Sport Chassis review that would be as close to a 981 Spyder we can get for now[] If a Spyderman ever went to a stock 981 it would have to be PTS example [8D]

Plenty of written reviews on the Sport Chassis but no videos. That PTS looks much much better on the 981 than the Panamera[] Sport Chassis wouldn't be enough for me although would be a brilliant drivers car and a good gauge of what a 981 Spyder would be like. I'd want some weight saving and engine tweaks. I'd want a car with exclusive looks that make it mistaken for a turbo[&:], like my own (http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=719756&mpage=70)

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: flat6 Plenty of written reviews on the Sport Chassis but no videos. That PTS looks much much better on the 981 than the Panamera[] Sport Chassis wouldn't be enough for me although would be a brilliant drivers car and a good gauge of what a 981 Spyder would be like. I'd want some weight saving and engine tweaks. I'd want a car with exclusive looks that make it mistaken for a turbo[&:], like my own (http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=719756&mpage=70)

Agree about exclusive looks having owned a Speedster and now a Spyder it's great to own a limited run and different looking animal from the rest of the herd Now here is a dilemma I am sure others not in the know might find a hard call to make [&o] OPC had these two for sale the other day for a few hours only:- 07/12 ... 981 2.7 1699 Miles White £38850.00 Still For Sale 05/11 ... Spyder 7700 Miles White £39850.00 SOLD in hours!

 

[flat6]

ORIGINAL: daro911 Agree about exclusive looks having owned a Speedster and now a Spyder it's great to own a limited run and different looking animal from the rest of the herd Now here is a dilemma I am sure others not in the know might find a hard call to make [&o] OPC had these two for sale the other day for a few hours only:- 07/12 ... 981 2.7 1699 Miles White £38850.00 Still For Sale 05/11 ... Spyder 7700 Miles White £39850.00 SOLD in hours!

Wow, it's certainly a sign of supply and demand working.

 

[flat6]

ORIGINAL: rob.kellock A quick check on Pistonheads reveals just the following cars available: Mid-Sussex OPC - 4k miles, silver, £41850 (sold?) private sale, 2010 car, silver, 13k miles £36950 Indie, 16500 miles, white, £34750 - carbon wrap bonnet / hard top Czeck republic (!) white, 8000 miles, LHD £41800 Indie - black, 12600 miles, 2010 car £35950 private sale white, 7k miles £40000 For some reason the Wilmslow OPC car isn't there:- 2010, silver, 14774 miles and £37366 today! Autotrader yields 3 more: Indie white, 2010, 7k miles £34850 private, black, 2011, 9k miles, £38995 private, white, 2011, 6500 miles £43490. This gives an average asking price of £38600 for cars with an average mileage of 9830.

The car at PC Mid-Sussex is back.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: flat6 The car at PC Mid-Sussex is back.

Did you see they are running FIVE (5) 981 DV all January 13 all PDK and all for sale today! Having said that 122 cars on the locator nearly half current DV and probably a very high % of the balance are ex DV[]

 

[flat6]

ORIGINAL: daro911

ORIGINAL: flat6 The car at PC Mid-Sussex is back.

Did you see they are running FIVE (5) 981 DV all January 13 all PDK and all for sale today! []

Five DV at one OPC is not a good sign. I guess Porsche's production figures were a little ambitious but they will no doubt sell all these cars and be very successful. When getting into mass production, they can no longer try to control residuals, even if they want to be concerned about residuals. That is of lesser importance when you have a product that will appeal to so many and will successfully sell almost at the rate of your maximum output. I doubt a small over supply will worry them. They have said that they are reducing the numbers coming into the UK this year but, whilst I can't recall the figure, it was a small reduction. I think Porsche's new direction will not allow us to compare the cars fairly on value & residuals because of the production numbers of the new cars vs the Spyder numbers, but for the benefit of our own pockets as used car buyers I wouldn't replace my Spyder with one. I don't want to appear negative against those who are buying 981's. Where would used car buyers be without new car buyers. Porsche will have plenty of happy new car buyers as it's a great product and many of them will turn over their cars every 3 years as they would any other marque and won't concern themselves with residuals. I still haven't seen many on the road so their still pretty exclusive. The only problem is for those who may feel that their dealer is insulting them with a part-ex value that will no doubt be more jaw-dropping than they are now. As we've seen, you've got a chance of selling your Spyder privately for decent money, but it must be tough to shift a high volume car privately, and then your stuck with part-ex.

 

[flat6]

ORIGINAL: daro911

ORIGINAL: flat6 And they'll make a pretty penny out of your PX 987 Spyder too[] This guy does quite an informative review of what the 981 is like to drive. Imagine what a 981 Spyder would be like[] But don't spend too long imagining cos there aint gonna be one[8D] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0e5cml_2_A

They couldn't afford it ... Currently It's going up each month and when the sun returns the sky will be the limit If you could find a 981 Sport Chassis review that would be as close to a 981 Spyder we can get for now[]

On a more pleasant note[] this guy seems to think like me about whether there'll be another Spyder[] http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/987-981-forum/681652-predictions-on-981-production-will-include-a-spyder.html "I posed that question to some Porsche executives I met during Rennsport IV at Laguna Seca and didn't get a 'straight' answer. The new CEO of PAG (an ex-VW executive) has publicly announced that they want a record numbers of Porsches produced & sold, so we know they are going to be pushing out cars in 'volume'. At first, it would seem obvious that they would eventually get to do a new Spyder version of the 981, just as there will be a gt3 version of the 991. But the one thing to remember is that from a sales perspective the Spyder was NOT an overwhelming success for Porsche. I have been told that around 2000 were sold worldwide in the two years of production, with the US market taking approx. 700 in MY2011 and only 125 in MY2012 (an abbreviated production that lasted 4 months). Those are extremely low production & sales numbers for a recent Porsche model. If they want to sell in 'volume', PAG would NOT be looking to duplicate the Spyder on the 981 platform...and they may not think it's worth the effort! And then there is the top design! If you examine closely at the biggest 'objection' to the current Spyders among potential owners, the two-part 'manual' top has to at the top of the list. As brilliant a piece of engineering as this top is on the Spyder, I predict that Porsche will NOT repeat this super light weight top ever again on any new model! So the next 'sport' & 'light weight' version of the 981 will probably have a lighter version of the current 981 auto-canvas convertible top, but perhaps with a manual operation similar to the one used on the new Mini Roadster, which comes up from behind with a spring-assisted gizmo and is closed by the driver reaching over & closing it by hand. This is simply the traditional way that the 356 Speedster and Roadster tops operated, although those old metal frames weighted quite a bit. If so, this manual canvas top (even if made with super light weight materials) will have major design implications for the rear deck of the next 'sport' and 'lightweight' version of the 981! With that top to worry about, they will not be able to easily duplicate the sensuous double-hump rear deck of the Spyder and it's mini Carrera GT signature look! Thus, I think there might be a good chance that the special look of our '11/'12 Spyders will remain 'unique', regardless what 'sport' version of the 981 is finally approved for production. Newer is not always better...nor necessarily more attractive!" If they use a manual roof like the 997 Speedster, I expect it'll be a more reserved rear end look with the roof up. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H1rAzaM8gY

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: flat6 And then there is the top design! If you examine closely at the biggest 'objection' to the current Spyders among potential owners, the two-part 'manual' top has to at the top of the list. As brilliant a piece of engineering as this top is on the Spyder, I predict that Porsche will NOT repeat this super light weight top ever again on any new model! So the next 'sport' & 'light weight' version of the 981 will probably have a lighter version of the current 981 auto-canvas convertible top, but perhaps with a manual operation similar to the one used on the new Mini Roadster, which comes up from behind with a spring-assisted gizmo and is closed by the driver reaching over & closing it by hand. This is simply the traditional way that the 356 Speedster and Roadster tops operated, although those old metal frames weighted quite a bit. If so, this manual canvas top (even if made with super light weight materials) will have major design implications for the rear deck of the next 'sport' and 'lightweight' version of the 981! With that top to worry about, they will not be able to easily duplicate the sensuous double-hump rear deck of the Spyder and it's mini Carrera GT signature look! Thus, I think there might be a good chance that the special look of our '11/'12 Spyders will remain 'unique', regardless what 'sport' version of the 981 is finally approved for production. Newer is not always better...nor necessarily more attractive!"

OK Any Spydermen who use their tops on a regular basis (unlike me) can probably decide how good bad or ugly the design team ended up making it. In the meantime this is what the factory had to say about the concept:- The approach of our designers, something that makes the Boxster Spyder even more distinctive, is reflected in the canvas hood. A two-piece combination of canvas and weatherresistant fabric, the hood has no sophisticated electronics, no control motors and as a result, a weight saving of 21 kg. It’s a hood that protects you from the sun with the windows down, giving you an authentic sense of open-air driving. With the windows closed, it enables you to continue your enjoyment of a pure roadster experience to the full, even on those inclement days. Yet it is it’s simplicity which makes it fundamental to the appearance of the Boxster Spyder. So as not to limit luggage space, the hood stows in the forward section of the rear luggage compartment. How is it operated? By one person alone, in just a few minutes. To make things even easier, all parts relating to hood assembly and disassembly are finished in striking red. Something else on which we were decided was an open vehicle concept, which – as the name suggests needs no roof. Certainly not an electric one. If there had to be any hood at all, it should be a manual one made from canvas. This radical measure gave our designers free rein to change the car’s overall appearance. One of the most striking results is the extremely sporty rear end, characterised by two muscular haunches. In summary, the Boxster Spyder is a sportscar that evokes strong emotions. It captures the essence of sportscar history. It was built by people who were themselves a part of this history and for people who now find themselves transported back there.

 

[rob.kellock]

ORIGINAL: daro911 It was built by people who were themselves a part of this history and for people who now find themselves transported back there.

Edited for accuracy - it should read: It was built by people who were themselves not expecting anyone from the North of England to buy one. []

 

[kitchens]

Got a call this evening from the dealership that i went to see the White Spyder at and they offered me a Black car that was available no idea as to price as they had still to negotiate a deal and get full spec just wanted to know if i was still in the market . I declined it as defiantly could not live with that colour .Spoke about the car i turned down and informed me that they reckoned they sold it too cheap as the demand was staggering . Also said they had been offered one in Scotland but when they got it checked out at the OPC in Aberdeen it was found to have over revved and showed up on the diagnostic machine and said they cannot take any car that fails this test into stock and cannot offer any warranty. Still on the look out

 

[flat6]

ORIGINAL: daro911

ORIGINAL: flat6 And then there is the top design! If you examine closely at the biggest 'objection' to the current Spyders among potential owners, the two-part 'manual' top has to at the top of the list. As brilliant a piece of engineering as this top is on the Spyder, I predict that Porsche will NOT repeat this super light weight top ever again on any new model! So the next 'sport' & 'light weight' version of the 981 will probably have a lighter version of the current 981 auto-canvas convertible top, but perhaps with a manual operation similar to the one used on the new Mini Roadster, which comes up from behind with a spring-assisted gizmo and is closed by the driver reaching over & closing it by hand. This is simply the traditional way that the 356 Speedster and Roadster tops operated, although those old metal frames weighted quite a bit. If so, this manual canvas top (even if made with super light weight materials) will have major design implications for the rear deck of the next 'sport' and 'lightweight' version of the 981! With that top to worry about, they will not be able to easily duplicate the sensuous double-hump rear deck of the Spyder and it's mini Carrera GT signature look! Thus, I think there might be a good chance that the special look of our '11/'12 Spyders will remain 'unique', regardless what 'sport' version of the 981 is finally approved for production. Newer is not always better...nor necessarily more attractive!"

OK Any Spydermen who use their tops on a regular basis (unlike me) can probably decide how good bad or ugly the design team ended up making it.    In the meantime this is what the factory had to say about the concept:- The approach of our designers, something that makes the Boxster Spyder even more distinctive, is reflected in the canvas hood. A two-piece combination of canvas and weatherresistant fabric, the hood has no sophisticated electronics, no control motors and as a result, a weight saving of 21 kg. It’s a hood that protects you from the sun with the windows down, giving you an authentic sense of open-air driving. With the windows closed, it enables you to continue your enjoyment of a pure roadster experience to the full, even on those inclement days. Yet it is it’s simplicity which makes it fundamental to the appearance of the Boxster Spyder. So as not to limit luggage space, the hood stows in the forward section of the rear luggage compartment. How is it operated? By one person alone, in just a few minutes. To make things even easier, all parts relating to hood assembly and disassembly are finished in striking red. Something else on which we were decided was an open vehicle concept, which – as the name suggests  needs no roof. Certainly not an electric one. If there had to be any hood at all, it should be a manual one made from canvas. This radical measure gave our designers free rein to change the car’s overall appearance. One of the most striking results is the extremely sporty rear end, characterised by two muscular haunches. In summary, the Boxster Spyder is a sportscar that evokes strong emotions. It captures the essence of sportscar history. It was built by people who were themselves a part of this history and for people who now find themselves transported back there.

For the avoidance of doubt [] from one who uses the hood regularly in the North of England[] the hood is a brilliant piece of engineering. How to get it so robust from so few components and very little framing structure is very impressive. It's quick and easy to use. It'll be a shame if they don't repeat it but I doubt they will. As others have said the only flaw is wind noise, which i've become immune to unless there's a cross wind that exacerbates it. But also as others have said, I should get the roof off more[] but it's very good considering its purpose as a item expected to be off more than on (unless you live in the North of England[] )

 

[flat6]

ORIGINAL: kitchens Got a call this evening from the dealership that i went to see the White Spyder at and they offered me a Black car that was available no idea as to price as they had still to negotiate a deal and get full spec just wanted to know if i was still in the market . I declined it as defiantly could not live with that colour .Spoke about the car i turned down and informed me that they reckoned they sold it too cheap as the demand was staggering . Also said they had been offered one in Scotland but when they got it checked out at the OPC in Aberdeen it was found to have over revved and showed up on the diagnostic machine and said they cannot take any car that fails this test into stock and cannot offer any warranty. Still on the look out

Thanks for the insider info Brian. I guess it shows that if you want to sink a wedge of cash into a car then the Spyder aint a bad choice and if you ran into some trouble your OPC would gladly have it back (or better still you could shift it privately fairly quickly). Last summer the Spyders were shifting slowly but over the last few months there's been a change of heart in the market. I'm not saying prices are going to shoot up, but the asking price of 6-10k milers that are now a year older, are the same as 2-4k milers a year ago. John did good to seize that low mileage car but in general i think this year is the last to get a fairly unused car. Next year the average mileage will be higher but the asking price will be fairly similar. Last week I contacted the OPC where I bought mine to query the history of my car. He said they were only talking about me the other day because they are desperate for Spyders and Cayman R's but i'd not had the car a year. He pointed out how on PH people are wanting them and can't get them. Well, the PH-ers aint getting mine.

 

[daro911]

Any Spydermen fancy giving their Spyder some exercise over this route .... You can count me out for starters http://www.youtube.com/embed/4T4vc1QqiPM?feature=player_embedded

 

[flat6]

You can count me out in a Cayenne! Too scary![:-]

 

[rob.kellock]

I would love to. What a fantastic video. But not in the Spyder, sideways water is a good way of beating the hood! Imagine all the pebbles sandblasting the side of the car too, you may as well go and park it in the middle of a golf range!

 

[flat6]

[]Was parked up on a street for a couple of hours so had the roof on. When I got back the sun was shining so much that the roof had to go Having been a staunch coupe driver, i'm getting more and more into going topless whenever the opportunity arises[]

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: flat6 []Having been a staunch coupe driver, i'm getting more and more into going topless whenever the opportunity arises[]

I take my suncap off to you because not only are you a coupe man at heart you couldn't have bought a more primitive form of drop top for your first venture to proper motoring. Joking aside if you were ever thinking of a 981 Cayman or 911 coupe I think that would prove to be the most serious motoring mistake on your CV to date as you are finally getting into exposing yourself at every given opportunity [8D][]