Farewell CR a hard act to follow.

Brian_Innes · Jun 7, 2016

I really didn't think I would ever be writing this, but I have just traded-in my Meteor Grey CR manual to my local OPC and placed an order for a new build 718 Cayman S PDK.

After 4 years ownership and 30,000 wonderful summertime miles driving many of the best driver's roads all over the UK, it was time to move on to my next Porsche. When the 718 Cayman/Boxster models were first announced, I was with those who were underwhelmed with the idea of a 4 pot turbo Cayman. However, a short drive of a 718 Boxster S PDK on a twisty rural road in deepest Fife near Knockhill circuit, my mind was changed from the former entrenched, and prejudiced opinion I previously held.

The combination of -20mm sports PASM, quicker steering rack, retuned spring and damper settings, tweaked geometry, and a superb rapid-fire PDK gearshift in Sport Mode, was enough to convince me that this was a step in the right direction. Oh how I loved the revised motorsport downshift and upshift action of the central gear stick. Forward for downshifts, and pull back for upshifts. Bliss! How it should have been thus from the very start Porsche! I thought the engine sounded ok with the full blare switched on. Performance is hugely improved in all departments IMO.

No build slots are currently available for the Cayman S models yet, but I am hopeful I'll have my new car before the end of the year. Spec wise, I've gone for Graphite Blue metallic, 20" Carrera Sport alloys, -20mm Sports PASM, PDK with Sport Chrono Mode, PVT & locking diff, Sports Exhaust, Sports Plus seats, Alacantara steering wheel and gear selector.

I have never been looking forward so much to the end of a year before.

After owning 3 Caymans including my CR, I know the Cayman model pretty well. It will be interesting to see if I have made the right choice. Time will alone tell.

Brian

Steve Brookes · Jun 8, 2016

I'm sure it will work our for you and welcome to the PDK Cayman club! Are you getting paddles on the steering wheel? I got to grips with using the paddles on mine in the afternoon at Donington on Monday and it was fantastic. In the morning I just used auto and wasn't happy with some of the gears the PDK was selecting for me. Using the paddles put me in total control and could just get on with enjoying the driving. It took a while to get into the groove with them because the number display for the gears is too small when track driving but by just listening to the engine and glancing at the revs it became as intuitive as moving a hand to a central gear shift.

dpoynton · Jun 8, 2016

I'm torn between the 718 S PDK Boxster and Cayman, having had one of each previously. I had PC Nottingham's 718 Boxster S PDK overnight recently and was impressed, it felt even more stable and secure and I'm sure I'd have loved the up and down shifts as described above if I'd found them. [&o]

The Boxster guys have assured my on the all weather capabilities of the hood, I could order one today. Otherwise, I've been told to expect a build slot shortly for delivery in October/November for the Cayman S.

Decisions, decisions,...........

David

PS. For sale shortly; 56 plate, 9/2006 Cayman S Tip. 44k, 2 owners inc. me, recent (today) service, front springs, coil packs, tyres, exhaust clamps etc.

Brian_Innes · Jun 8, 2016

It seems the 718 Boxster build slots are up and running at all OPC's. As you say David you could get one now. It's the 718 Cayman S slots that are as yet unallocated. October/November is the current timescale UK-wide it seems.

The PDK evolution as on the new 718 Boxster/Cayman is a much improved system. Sharper, faster changes, with throttle blipping on Sport+, decent gear holding in auto mode, and at long last a meaningful choice of using both paddles or motorsport gearstick action if you are in a press on mood. My test drive of the new PDK on the 718 Boxster can be summed up in one word....Brilliant.

New smaller diameter GT Sport steering wheel and quicker rack also add to the appeal. I'm looking forward to reading the reviews of the new Cayman S PDK when the journos get their hands on it. Until then I just have to be patient and hope I've made the right choice. As my Thread title states, the CR is a hard act to follow. I'm going for the Coupe, the rag top has never really appealed for my intended use.

Brian

Sandy59 · Jun 8, 2016

I've seen your CR in the showroom Brian, looks really good in that colour.

Just wondering if you'd considered a GT4 at any point ??

Brian_Innes · Jun 9, 2016

I did consider a GT4 when it was first launched, but by the time I had made up my mind it was too late. The subsequent inflated prices ruled out a GT4 for me.

Unfortunately I now need to move on to a PDK due to a grip problem in my right hand. Having initially considered a 981 Cayman GTS PDK, I decided to take the plunge and go for the 718 Cayman S PDK after having a short road test of the 718 Boxster S PDK. This car was much better than I had expected it to be.

The chassis and PDK developments of the new 718 generation are significantly improved from the previous models. The 4 pot turbo I'll get used to with time I guess.

Brian

Steve Brookes · Jun 9, 2016

Just had a look at the configurator and see that paddles are now standard issue with the PDK whereas you had to option them over the buttons on the 987 PDK (except the R where paddles were standard).

Gazoak · Jun 9, 2016

BJ Innes said:
The PDK evolution as on the new 718 Boxster/Cayman is a much improved system. Sharper, faster changes, with throttle blipping on Sport+, decent gear holding in auto mode, and at long last a meaningful choice of using both paddles or motorsport gearstick action if you are in a press on mood. My test drive of the new PDK on the 718 Boxster can be summed up in one word....Brilliant.

My last of the line Cayman S PDK has all these features to the PDK gearbox including throttle blipping in standard and sport (I don't have Sport+) with the exception of the gear lever functions being reversed. TBH I don't know how the gear changes could be any quicker. I drove the 991 GT3RS at the Porsche Experience Centre for a morning last Friday and didn't notice any difference to how the PDK box performs.

Gazoak · Jun 9, 2016

I definitely think the 718 Cayman offer better value for money than the Boxster (unless you like driving with the roof down of course)

Brian_Innes · Jun 9, 2016

Well, I'm hoping my new 718 Cayman S proves good value for money. I know I'm taking a calculated gamble here.

My references to the new configuration PDK compares to my previous OPC loan car experience with a 981 Cayman S PDK. The shifts in Sport + are definitely crisper, harder and more motorsport like. The throttle blips also seem more pronounced and racy. That's my perception anyway, for what it's worth.

I have been reading Autocar's road test of the 2.0 Boxster manual. Mmmm, a lukewarm verdict on the engine. I'll await with interest on Autocar's verdict on the 2.5 Cayman S test.

Brian

Motorhead · Jun 9, 2016

Hi Brian,

Good to catch up with you at the Anglesey track day and great to hear that you've resolved the Cayman R sale issue.

I'm sure that the 718 Cayman S will be an excellent driver's car and look forward to hearing about your exploits hounding the GT4 brigade at future track days..!

Sounds like a great "sports" spec. Interesting to hear that Porsche has finally got the PDK central gearlever operation correct.

Keep us updated on progress.

Jeff

Brian_Innes · Jun 10, 2016

Thanks for your comments Jeff. I really enjoyed being at Anglesey and meeting so many like-minded people enjoying their Porsches. It was a new track for me which was a challenge to learn at first. I hope to return again next year.

I'm hoping my decision to go for the 718 CS PDK works out well. I've deliberately weighted my options on a "driver's" spec, in the hope that the developments in the chassis tuning and the new 4 pot turbo power delivery, will result in an acceptable alternative to my superb CR. A hard act to follow indeed.

Brian

Steve Brookes · Jun 10, 2016

Brian, if you had the buckets in your CR, you will miss them on track in the 718. I can't see the sports plus seats offering the same level of lateral support that the buckets give you.

colski1961 · Jun 10, 2016

read this thread with interest, parted with my CR last year (when it had it's 4th birthday) and put myself into a 'stop gap' Cayman 2.7 PDK as figured the GT4 too much of a track car to be used on the road where I live (CR was too low and the GT4 was lower still!). Plan was (once announced) to take a look at the 718 Cayman S PDK, so I'll be waiting for your verdict on delivery. Hope to get a test drive as soon as Aberdeen OPC have one to play with and will place the order after this.......never like ordering cars without a test drive.

Seen all the reviews on the 718 Boxster but main criticism seems to be the lack of noise, not an issue for me, it's all about how it drives and handles....certainly the extra HP will be interesting.

Motorhead · Jun 10, 2016

I'm sure that you won't be disappointed with the 718 chassis developments Brian. From what I can gather, with the bigger brakes the front end is very much 981 Spyder whilst the rear end benefits from the GT4's lateral stiffening bar. I would guess that the 718 Cayman will feature a recalibrated suspension setup compared with that of the Boxster.

Apart from the obvious change to 4-cylinders and turbocharging, 718 engine development has moved on from the 981 with - amongst other things - variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust camshafts and, I believe, steel cylinder liners (to cope with the higher temperatures and pressures). As for the sound of the 4-pot, I'm sure that given time it will become an acquired taste. Just remember that the "purists" complained when 911's flat-4 engine was replaced by a flat-6.

As for the valid point Steve makes about the seats, you could always bite the bullet and order the Sport Bucket seats for a whopping £2,226..!

Jeff

Brian_Innes · Jun 10, 2016

Thanks all for the feedback. I'm enjoying the reading and pleased my thread is stirring some interest among fellow Cayman owners.

Regarding my choice of seats, the bucket seats on my CR were very comfortable on long journeys, a frequent occurrence owing to where I live, and obviously perfect for the the track day outings. As I am intending using my new 718 CS as my daily driver, so the issue of convenience getting in and out raised it's head, especially when the door opening is restricted by obstructions. Having had my short test drive on twisty roads in the 718 Boxster S PDK, fitted with Sports Seats Plus, I found them to be perfectly suitable. Another no less significant factor was cost. At £546 for Sports Seats Plus on the options list, rather than £2,240 for the Sports Bucket Seats, had the effect of focusing my mind you may say.

I completely accept I'm taking a punt here on the new 718 CS PDK. Having already driven the Boxster version I was encouraged by its performance and poise to take the plunge. When I do get my new car, and have covered a few miles on the wonderful Highland roads up here, I will post my honest opinions on it, good or bad.

Meantime I'm keeping my fingers crossed the motoring press don't give the thumbs down to the 718 Cayman S PDK, should they test that variant following it's launch in September. I've made my choice now.

Brian

Steve Brookes · Jun 10, 2016

Fair points on the seats Brian if it's going to be a lot more road than track. I agree the buckets are amazingly comfortable when in them for everything including long journeys but are not so practical for daily driving. Luckily I've learned the trick to put my right hand on the sill and push upwards when getting out to avoid any back twinges....and I've got used to looking like a pillock at the petrol station trying to get in and out in a confined space. [

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Buddy · Jun 11, 2016

Having had sports seats in all the Porsches I've owned and never had buckets, I'm sure you'll be quite happy with them in your daily use, the spec sounds good and I'm sure the way the torque comes in with the turbo 4 pot will put a grin on you face in the twisties. Hope you get an early delivery and enjoy the new car.

I've driven each version of PDK in the Cayman and while the throttle blip is novel in the later system of he 981 in the 987.2 the throttle matches very well and although I tend to drive in manual I find that sports mode allows me the gearshifts happening when I would shift anyway apart from the occasional downshift when I will just take over coming into corners etc, you'll love driving with PDK anyway as you say driving in sport mode manual the shift is so fast.