Hot Laps In A 981

[daro911]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNNS7AWQHPs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig4JKHGl7KI&feature=related

Enjoy []

 

[flat6]

I like everything about this car except that Porsche won't make the most of it. The car is clearly good for more than 315bhp. I'm not so concerned about comparing the bhp figures with others roadsters (I buy a Porsche for a number of reasons, not bragging rights) nor am I expecting a 400+ vhp with a price point to match. However, I think Porsche are in danger of concentrating on their own market and positioning the car in light of the 911, rather than in spite of it. I know some of the other roadsters with more power and straight line speed are blunt tools compared to a Porsche, but I do think some extra power and torque is not too much to ask, to add to the thrill, without waiting for a gen 2.

Yep I know Porsche will never allow the junior car to tread on the toes of the 911. So, ditch the base 911 Carrera I say and let the Boxster / Cayman have 350bhp. They might sell more 981's than Carrera's, even if at a lower profit margin per unit. Does the base Carrera do anything for the 911 'supercar' image anyway?

 

[Rodney Naghar]

And then they can sell the company entirely and give the money to charity.
Their top priority is the bottom line.

The desire for more power never ends, you get 30 more bhp, get used to it in a few months, then what? See how many turbo owners upgrade their bhp as if they don't have enough as it is.

The Boxster is an amazing machine in its own right and entirely different to the 911

 

[flat6]

I agree that it's all about the bottom line, which is why Porsche makes Panamera's etc. which are great cars and have significantly increased the production numbers. That's why I say they should do something that may actually increase the bottom line, as it might sell sufficiently more Boxster's/Caymans than Carrera's, to actually increase the bottom line. How many Carrera's do they sell vs Carrera S's? I have no idea to be honest. Would be interested to know.

If they were worried about the supercar prowess of the 911, they wouldn't have made the Panamera GTS, which is quicker than the Carrera. (OK, they charge a premium for it). However I don't think maintaining a 0.3s 0-62mph time between the Carrera and 981 S is what makes people choose one over the other (is it?). 0.3s is so barely noticable that they already occupy the same space, so Porsche shouldn't keep trying so hard to keep the Boxster back. (It's not all about 0 to 62mph times and the Panamera wouldn't beat an equally powered 911 around a track, just referencing it as a quantitative measure that I think Porsche are too hung up on between the 911 and Boxster).

So, i'm not caught up in an endless pursuit of more power, but I think the new package could use a bit more power to maintain the thrill in what is now (according to those who have driven it) a more accomplished and effortless car to drive. As you say, the Boxster is great car in it's own right and entirely different to a 911. However, that being the case, they needn't de-tune the engine that they share when they drop it in the Boxster. Sadly, it doesn't work like that.

 

[Rodney Naghar]

The 911 costs not much more than a Boxster to make but they charge so much more for it, so I don't think they'd ever consider that - their bottom line would be hit.

The Boxster is much better value than a 911. Some of the premium they charge for the 911 is due to the kudos it has because It's Porsche's defining product. I think another reason for the 'lack' of power is the ever approaching limit to the power output of the flat 6 before they have to go V8 or turbo charge.

 

[flat6]

.

 

[flat6]

Just thought of something else. They are probably saving a few engine tweaks back to slot the 981 Cayman in above the Boxster. Then they can market a few extra bhp and a couple of extra tenths of second for the Cayman and charge a few extra £grand. So the Boxster has to be held back a plenty to create the hierarchy. It's all a bit contrived, but still, they are all great cars. I'm not being negative, just wanted to hear what others thought about it.

Can't wait to see the 981 Cayman undisguised. From the latest spy shots and renderings it's going to be a corker!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=CPGycSQb6tQ

 

[berty987]

Porsche have managed to successfully market the cayman for more than the cabriolet equivalent ( the reversal to the norm in every other car manufacturer) and make it work for a number of years. The cayman and the boxster are not different in terms of real world road performance, typically the 0-60 differential is achieved through different gearing in second gear and a higher rev limit. The Cayman and boxster continue to sell well, not because the Bhp figures eclipse the competition , but because the cars consistently out drive the alternatives in terms of driver feel, balance and enjoyment. 5, 10 or even 20 hp won't make the boxster or cayman any better to drive , it will just cost more to run and push the power figures of the 911 even higher to keep its advantage. In contrast to the musings above, I have been told by porsche sales staff that a number of 911 owners are moving back to the boxster with the release of the 981. Whether this is because the boxster offers a completely new and edgy look (rather than subtle make over of the 911) or the fact its performance and build quality is now sufficient to no longer feel a poor relation , is hard to say. Maybe even the 911 owners are realising the 20-30 K premium for the 911 image is no longer justified in the current economic climate.

 

[flat6]

ORIGINAL: berty987

The Cayman and boxster continue to sell well, not because the Bhp figures eclipse the competition , but because the cars consistently out drive the alternatives in terms of driver feel, balance and enjoyment. 5, 10 or even 20 hp won't make the boxster or cayman any better to drive

True. That's what has me hooked[].

ORIGINAL: berty987
In contrast to the musings above, I have been told by porsche sales staff that a number of 911 owners are moving back to the boxster with the release of the 981. Whether this is because the boxster offers a completely new and edgy look (rather than subtle make over of the 911) or the fact its performance and build quality is now sufficient to no longer feel a poor relation , is hard to say. Maybe even the 911 owners are realising the 20-30 K premium for the 911 image is no longer justified in the current economic climate.

Interesting to hear. I think the 981 Cayman, if it looks anything like the 981 Boxster, will carve out more of an identity for itself, something Porsche didn't do too well with the 987 Cayman. The Boxster was always more differentiated from the 911, being a roadster. The 987 Cayman was the best kept secret and probably didn't sell as well as it should - some say it is the best sports car platform in the world. I'd have to agree. I think in 981 guise its new look will take it out of the 911's coupe shadow as they'll look completely different. Great times ahead!