Initial impressions on new Turbo S

[grover]

With the snow gone for now anyway and the holidays all over I have been commuting for two days now in the new car (25 miles each way) and getting to know it a bit better.

I thought I would share some basic observations between Gen 1 car and Gen 2 S

Engine

Its feels much more immediate than the old 3.6 and certainly makes a better sound in standard form than the old car before you push the sports button, which makes the car louder on start up.

Early days but currently returning under 20mpg though, I think perhaps a mixture of cold start/town and some experimental acceleration, which is getting very addictive. the old one long term average was 23.2mpg.

Gearbox/drive train

The new car is so much better than the old turbo tiptronic I had, which always felt sloppy, waiting to get there before the power kicked in. This is now immediate, the paddle shift I love and drive it with this when I feel but leave it in auto when just on the motorway. I am looking forward to fast country driving to use it properly. It does seem to pick an occasional odd gear choice and to be expected, if in sport mode will always change down much earlier than when not. So far very happy with the improvement. Its a huge step change for the positive.

Driving feel

With the seat spec (carbon race seats) I have it feels much more like the Gen 1 GT3 to me to drive as an experience than my last one. Its very taught and feels so driving it compared with my last one which only had 20k miles on it, so wasnt worn out by any means. My last spec was very 'GT' car where as this one is less so and for me better for it. I must get back in the GT3 soon to see if this is just imagination though

Speed

It feels like a genuine leap up compared with the Gen 1 car, any burst of acceleration has me close to three figures before you blink, so the welcome addition of a newly installed speed camera detector will hopefully assist that reminder to SLOW DOWN!

Of course its much faster than you ever need (not the point though), but does it with such little fuss that you can't believe the speeds you are going and I haven't really floored it as being boring/old and sensible in the wet weather and run in period.

Again some dry weather and good A and B roads will really demonstrate how competant the car is I suspect.

Wider thoughts

Getting used to the ipod connector which is a novelty, much to learn there on settings and keeping it linked in to the car between stop and starting up again. I must be doing something wrong but occasionally it needs the ipod turned off and on again. Must find the instruction book.

Sound system is good as was the last one, good bass to it. CD's still sound better than ipod though.

Satnav much better being touch sensitive

Phone syyem is much better than the old one and it sync's ok with my HTC smart phone.

Would be useful to have controls for all this stuff on the steering wheel though, seems a bit out of date having to reach over to adjust basic controls, in that respect the old steering wheel was more useful although the new one is thicker which I prefer IMHO.

Missing the heated seats which are not an OPC option, never mind car is garaged at night where its warm anyway.

Missing the auto dipping nearside mirror which isnt an OPC option on this spec car either.

Being very careful about the front aerokit spolier, can't work out how close I am to ramps/spped humps so being extra extra cautious. Would really benefit from the lift system you now get on the GT3 and RS. Its available after market but of course impacts the warranty.

Love the carbon seats, they fold which is useful but I don't see why they cant have some adjustment to the them on the angle of the back rest, just for comfort between different drivers, it must be possible to design them to do this.

So in summary very happy chap so far and this is just the beginning, Will hit 500 miles tonight on the journey home and can start racking them up.

 

[tscaptain]

Even though I only have the boring old non-S Gen 2 I agree with all of that!
The iPod connection does seem to hang up sometimes and needs a restart, sometimes a track will just freeze - most odd.
And agree about the sound quality of CD v iPod but I guess if you look at the file size of a track on the iPod against the equivalent CD track it's no wonder there is a difference in quality!
Need to get a couple of "launches" under your belt now - purely for the grin factor as I yet to work out what other purpose it could possibly have![]

 

[lowndes]

Pretty much in accord with my own impressions though of course I also benefit from the heated seats which come with the old man's Saga spec. Each turbo I get seems perfect at the time, so how they continue to build incremental but worthwhile improvements remains a source of mystery.

Agree with the unimpressive iPod sound but think there is a CD changer somewhere though I have yet to operate it.

In my view the only thing they have got wrong is the centre locks as standard. I very nearly specced the standard turbo wheels as NCO but regret I didn't have the courage of my convictions at the time. Wrong decision and not easy to rectify and on a road car centre locks are a classic example of style taking precedence over function. Rant over!

Otherwise for me it is pretty much the ultimate real world road car, 'til the next one comes out []

 

[grover]

I also was in two minds about the centre lock wheels. Mine are full gloss black and IMHO look great with the yellow calipers and give the car the look I wanted this time.

The other thought route was when they get damaged ( I did however manage three years with the gen 1 with one scuff on only one wheel though) its going to be expensive, secondly its the puncture miles from anywhere and if the foam cant fix it, what then. But again in three years the old car or the one before never had an issue on that front.

At least black means the wheels clean up really easily and look great (not concours great but great).

On balance no regrets yet then really.

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: grover

On balance no regrets yet then really.

After 500 miles that's a relief then![] 8000 on mine and definitely no regrets.[8D]

 

[rholyoake]

Thanks for the update. Interesting to see how you're getting on. Just got to 1,000 mile mark today. Had taken it fairly gentle for first few hundred miles, then gradually increased speeds until about 900 mile mark when since have given it full throttle bursts, but not yet the launch control. Im not that fussed about this aspect of the cars performance, particularly when its too fast anyway, plus, unless you've got a veyron next to you what's the point?Frequent requests from friends to go for a quick drive have resulted in quite different reactions ranging from panic to hysterical laughter. I agree about the carbon seats - fantastic.
I have a question about the clock on the dash. What's it for and how/when do you use it?
Someone posted earlier that they couldn't find the CD changer. There isn't one, you just shove six separate CDs in the front loader.
Have averaged 20.0mpg so far on mix of mainly motorway and fast bursts.
Annoyingly noticed higher number of people (mainly crazed younger drivers in Saxo type carriages) who are happy to cut you up. Not sure if its the colour or the car that winds them up? Most people tend to appreciate it I think. Noticed number of people winding down windows when they see you about to fly past, so take it the noise isn't too bad! Had strange fan belt type squeal after being parked in rain today, but went quick enough. Already scraped lip of front spoiler on sleeping policeman but touched up OK.
Windscreen getting replaced in the morning...[]

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: rholyoake
Q. unless you've got a veyron next to you what's the point?

A. hysterical laughter.

You ask the question and give the answer![]

The clock on the dash is so that you can time your own 0-60 (100, 120, whatever) or laps of your favourite circuit. There is a valid "What's the point?" question![]

 

[rholyoake]

Sorry, I had lost my sense of humour till I reread your reply. LOL.[]

On a separate note, I have booked up the "free" Porsche Silverstone driving experience visit in a couple weeks. I understand you get same car as your own. Any tips on making the most of the day would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[tscaptain]

Same or very similar, ie may not be convertible!
The instructor (do listen carefully) will make sure you get the most from it but do ask to do a full throttle start up the ice hill (that is starting on the hill). You will be amazed how all the trickery sorts it out and propels you at an alarming speed to the top!!
With the half day you will have your fill of kick plate and handling circuit (and several launches too!)[] Have fun.

 

[carreraboy]

Wait for the Gen 3 .... it's better still!

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: rholyoake
Any tips on making the most of the day would be appreciated. Thanks.

Think about what you want to experience/get out of the day, the instructor will ask you the question and it saves you having to think on the spot.[]
Take a camera...

garyw

 

[rholyoake]

Thanks guys for the feedback, it's appreciated. Launch up the ice hill - can't wait []I'll post some photos when I get back.

 

[lowndes]

ORIGINAL: rholyoake

Any tips on making the most of the day would be appreciated. Thanks.

Though I declined when I got the S in the summer, if you haven't done one before then you should go. After all you've paid for it!

So why didn't I go?

Over the years the Porsche Driving Experience has changed. The first one I did was in 2002 when I bought a 996 turbo. In those days it was a full day with a Porsche driving instructor. He came to your house first thing and after a brief discussion about what was on offer and what I wanted out of the day we set off in my car.

During the course of the morning we did a 100 miles or so of mixed driving, windy lanes, fast A, bumpy B etc. I drove most of it but at times he took over. Around midday we were at MIRAS where we had the high speed handling area to ourselves for an hour. Sit down lunch was then on offer but we both elected for a quick sandwich and some more driving on quiet flowing roads he just happened to know were near by. Back home around 4.0pm. Brilliant day and I learned a massive amount. Wear and tear on the car? Nil. We checked the tyre tread depth before and after and checked the oil. No change.

After that the Driving Experiences (and in this I am only referring to the "free" ones that come with a new car) tended to be half days based near a circuit or proving ground. Chobam and Millbrook come to mind. Both very good in my view.

However by 2008 Porsche had set up their own dedicated centre at Silverstone. My first (and only) experience of it was in the 997GT2. To be honest I don't think I got the most out of the day. There are interesting bits such as the kick plate and ice hill but as for normal handling I found the circuit far too tight and twisty for my level of competence. I like nice straight bits between corners to recover composure.

Since then despite several opportunities I haven't been back. But if either the full day with instructor or the half day at other locations mentioned was on offer I would take it like a shot. I have heard that you can elect for some road driving when based at Silverstone. That might be an option for me but I'd have to buy another car first.

You should also be aware that you may have to sign an indemnity. I had an unresolved discussion with Porsche about whether that was fair. No competent lawyer would advise his client to sign an unqualified indemnity but there you go..... and before Alan jumps in, Yes I do sign one without a murmur for every track day so I am being somewhat inconsistent on the point!

Don't be put off by my carping. I'm sure you will enjoy the day, most people seem to.

 

[rholyoake]

Thanks for your thoughts on the day. I quite agree that the "old style" days as you describe them seem much more personalised. Thats probably the dilemma in not coming away fully appreciating the day with a sense of greater knowledge, which in my case is what I'm after. The cars way better than my own driving skills, or the roads, allow and so if I can experience just some of that in a safe environment I guess that's the tick in the box for me. Maybe track days are next!!!

 

[bobfair]

If you have not been then its definitely worth going to Porsche at Silverstone.

However I agree with Nick in that it is inferior to what Porsche used to do at Millbrook, Miras etc. Like Nick my main complaint is that the main handling circuit is too tight and the low friction circuit which ought to be great is almost a joke as there is no room for us mortals that occaisionally get it wrong. Worth doing once but then its quite limiting. The reason Porsche built this place is that they were spending a lot of money at Millbrook etc and the payback on the new facility is quite short i.e. they save money.

When they launched the Gen 2 Turbo they used part of the Silverstone circuit to do the launch control demos and that gives you much more room. Try and do this if you can and try and get on a Silverstone circuit as there is much more space and you can go a lot quicker and use the car more. Worth asking as they do this some times depending what is on on the day they can only say no. If you are restricted to the Porsche handling circuit get the instructor to show you the right lines early on then you can go much quicker. Do some laps doing minimal gear changes and then do some using the gears a lot to see the difference. The corners come up on you very quickly but try and brake harder and later than you think

My tip for the kick plate:
Keep throttle steady as you go over the plate and onto the slippery surface dont back off. Best speed to start with is 20mph
Keep looking forward. There is a michelin man at the far end it helps if you look at him
If you catch the kick then keep throttle balanced and try and do a power slide all the way down to the end very satisfying when you get it right

 

[spyderman]

ORIGINAL: bobfair
Like Nick my main complaint is that the main handling circuit is too tight...

With next to no run-off, plus lots of very harsh-looking Armco too!

...and the low friction circuit which ought to be great is almost a joke as there is no room for us mortals that occaisionally get it wrong.

A little bird told me recently that the Centre is going to be extended with the addition of a long straight, obviously for demonstrating Launch Control and braking, so they don't need to rely on using the main circuit.

If you want a nice safe circuit with tons of run-off, a track day at Bedford Aerodrome.

 

[grover]

I have not done my day/half day there yet at Silverstone either after buying the car and will do it, but have been 4 times now via different invitations from my dealer in Hatfield. When it first opened or actually just before it opened, then to try the gen 2 when it came out, then to try a Gen2 turbo on launch, then the turbo s.

The last one was pre-ordering the turbo s to get the spec right and all I did was the fast handling circuit in two variants, the black coupe they had with the carbon seats I wanted and then the white cab they had. There was no one else there that day looking at the turbo s so I had plenty of track time, probably around 50 laps in total, maybe more. They werent in a hurry to kick me out and in fact I asked to stop because it was getting quite intense concentrating and trying to be really fast around the small circuit and I wanted to be back at work for the afternoon and have a break. I asked not to bother with the other stuff as I had done that all before and I really wanted to feel if the s felt enough of an extra over the turbo to spend the money. Needless to say I did by a long way.

My observations are the generally as others, in that the old customer days at Millbrook including fast road driving were very good, this is now a different event and really focussed on proving the different things the car can do hence the ice hill and kicker plate and the polished surface corners on the small handling track.

I did my launch control on the main circuit though not the Porsche centre I guess because of space, its makes you smile although its hardly an everyday extra to use at the traffic lights unless you are 17!

The fast road part is just that, but at least its in their car and not yours. I agree you can brake much harder than I have done and later (hope to get that right next time I am there) especially on the right hander as you head back to the centre, the long straight afterwards gets you going before a few right hand sweeps and then a sharp left before the camber takes you wide as the road goes right, after that you are up a hill and then gentle bends into the flat out part, well it was too short in the turbo s, as I couldnt get to max revs before you had to brake hard and off you went again.

If you havent been though, dont miss out as you have paid for it in the car price, it is good experience on track and teaches you how the car behaves.

Talk to the instructor about what you have done and what you want to get out of the session and I find they flex around that, its a bit pot luck I guess as to how busy they are as to what time you get out on track, I think I have been quite lucky so far and got a lot. Its not a huge place but you get out what you put in.

Last year I moved into track days much more and highly recommend it, I have done the Ring a few times now in RSR prapared cars (based there) and about a dozen full on days, the most extreme being in open pit lane sessions in prepared cars via my car club with one on one instruction all day, the softest being the test sessions you get at places like Thruxton in the Scuderia and single seater most recently as a present from a family member. That was very tame, a great half way house though is the Jonathan Palmer race day, I took my 18 year old son there for a half day in November in the GT cars and we had a blast, literally. Ive done that half a dozen times now too. I have also been in Superleggara's around Silverstone last year, that was a bonus as we were there anyway in our cars and they were testing in the garage next door so I asked to try one and they obliged, simple.

I also took my old turbo on Silverstone twice last year, both times at the end of the day when the track was very quiet and we had finished with the cars on offer, these were RMA track days, also very good and well run.

Maybe see some of you on the turbo S Silverstone day this year.

 

[rholyoake]

Have you noticed any problem with condensation on inside of rear light clusters? Couldn't find much on the forum using the search, but few issues when you Google it. Maybe its just been the cold weather recently. For a month old car bit concerned, will mention to OPC when I'm seeing them Friday.

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: rholyoake

Have you noticed any problem with condensation on inside of rear light clusters?

Oh yes!
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=529193&mpage=1&key=condensation&#530278

http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=542650&mpage=1&key=condensation&#543095

 

[rholyoake]

Thanks for that. Wasn't being lazy on the search front, just not that proficient yet I guess! I have read the links and it seems a common issue on gen 2's with LED. I can't see a conclusive reason for the problem. I am to assume that the OPC should replace? If there was a mod I would have thought such a new car would have had it fitted? I'll give them a call tomm and see what they say. Thanks again.