Cayman and Boxster 718-6?

[ralphmusic]

Jeff,

I think the main reason for introducing the 4.0L GTS is to address market resistance to 4T versions in the USA and similarly to a lesser extent in Europe. I think the reason that we still have manual boxes is mainly due to USA market demand. I don't know the statistics but I would guess paradoxically, that PDK is still the majority choice to date.

There have been only a few PDK N'ring sightings so one might assume PDK gets introduced across all 4.0L drive train models in one go. It has to be same engineering save for any minor chassis work which I guess might be rear roll bar location (PDK box longer than manual) and damper revalving and shift point settings.

Ralph

 

[Motorhead]

Ralph,

Those are my thoughts too. The Americans love their "big old nasp engines" mated to a "stick-shift" - a cultural thing I'm sure. It'd really be interesting to see a worldwide manual vs PDK breakdown for the boxster/Cayman, but like you I've a feeling that PDK is now the transmission of choice. The majority of 718s on Porsche UK's used car site appear to come with PDK, which says it all.

Incidentally, after introducing the auto-only F-Type, Jaguar must have spent a lot of time and money developing the manual gearbox option only to withdraw it quite quickly owing to low demand, so if it was introduced mainly for the US market someone in Jaguar marketing must have got their sums very wrong.!

Jeff

 

[AndrewCS]

Last week`s local OPC conversation … limited UK availability / no demonstrators apart from PEC.

Have now gone elsewhere for my 420Nm, plus I get to keep my F6 and maybe renew the membership []

Regarding the ECU restricting the TB, I assume that this can be `mapped out` ?

 

[ralphmusic]

....Regarding the ECU restricting the TB, I assume that this can be `mapped out` ?..

It can indeed once the ECU encryption is broken (seems the same ECU as 981 but with additional encryption layers) and like the 981 any changes are logged by the ECU and can be seen by Porsche.

 

[Gazoak]

They look great but I'm sure with the GPF like the Spyder & GT4 won't sound as good as my 981S with PSE!

 

[woodstock]

or my 981 Spyder.....

 

[Motorhead]

Chaps,

Some might say that a better (bespoke) engine and improved chassis and steering count more than a blaring, "Rice Krispies" exhaust.! []

Jeff

 

[adrianb]

What great news to start 2020. I did start to wonder if I would ever be able to trade my 981S for another 6cyl. Looking forward to 2023 and finding a nice low mileage Boxster GTS for say 40k ? Let's hope enough are produced / sold to give some choice in the used car market. To those of you lucky enough to buy a new one, I am sure you have lots of fun, enjoy !

Adrian.

 

[Gazoak]

Chaps,

Some might say that a better (bespoke) engine and improved chassis and steering count more than a blaring, "Rice Krispies" exhaust.! []

Jeff

I'd hardly call it a "bespoke" engine Jeff but I'm not knocking it. Agreed that the chassis and steering are also improved but I'm happy with my lot.

 

[Motorhead]

Here's an interesting reflective on the general introduction of the F-6 into the 718 range by PH's Dan Prosser:

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/blog/the-porsche-718-gts-bombshell---ph-footnote/41676

Just one person's view of course, but the points he raises will strike a chord with many other Porsche-watchers.

Jeff

 

[edseds]

I'm locking down spec on one of these (Cayman, GT Silver, PCCB), having been fortunate enough to have placed a deposit. A few options I'm struggling to decide on: Wheels: Satin Black or Satin Platinum? Calipers: Yellow or Black? PASM: -10mm or -20mm (confusingly in the configurator, this is now the opposite way round to the old 2.5 GTS. -20mm is now the "default" option, and you have to select -10mm as a no-cost option)? Any thoughts appreciated!

 

[Gazoak]

Well done! If you're going for PCCB and spending all that money, it has to be yellow calipers and they will look great with GT Silver. Gloss black look undefined and too similar to the base Cayman. I'd go for satin wheels rather than black and -10mm which will be more forgiving on todays horrendous roads.

 

[Motorhead]

I'm with Gary - but then I hate black; period.!

The -20mm PASM certainly will be stiffer, but I've no idea how that will relate to real-world ride comfort on our roads and it very much depends upon how and where you plan to use your car: have you spec'd PCCB because you plan to do a lot of track-days, in which case the lowered suspension could be useful?

-10mm PASM will be a safer bet and will give you more ground clearance for those speed-bumps. Maybe your Porsche Centre can find a 718 with the -20mm Sport PASM for you to try before you commit?

Jeff

 

[COD981]

Just my opinion but I would go with satin wheels, yellow calipers and the 20mm suspension, I've driven a 718 S loan car with the - 20mm suspension and it was fine comfort wise at least for me

 

[Brian_Innes]

To enjoy the Cayman GTS chassis at its best, the -20mm PASM is essential.

By my experience anyway.

Brian

 

[edseds]

Thanks for the input.

does anyone know when journalist "first drives" Will be taking place?

 

[ralphmusic]

Maybe PH know..

 

[AlistairF]

All we need now is a 3.8S and 3.4...

 

[Motorhead]

All we need now is a 3.8S and 3.4...

Not quite sure what you're thinking there Alistair, but if you're hoping that the F-6 will trickle down the range into the base, T and S models (in any capacity), dream on! The GTS is an expensive, niche car with a somewhat bespoke engine which it shares with the GT4 and I'm sure Porsche will want to maintain that exclusivity compared with the lesser models.

Jeff

 

[Technetium]

There was an interesting 'side note' in an article in Autoexpress this week about the return of the F-6 to the 718 range.

To quote, "while the switch to a flat four angered enthusiasts, it doesn't appear to have put off people who actually bought the cars", adding that UK sales figures (I assume for the whole 718 Cayster range) remained fairly constant before and after the switch. The peak was actually in 2013 (2971 units), well before the switch. The journo speculates that the U-turn may not do that much for GTS sales, but "will at least keep the internet forums a little quieter".

This sales figures stuff seems to bear out the comments on here. The negative comments (mostly about the lack of "noise") about the F-4 seem to be from people who don't actually own one. Owners, on the other hand, seem generally delighted with their purchases. May be a good time to pick up a nice 2 year old S or GTS...