My 2019 718 Cayman GTS PDK

[Brian_Innes]

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect Tyre.

This is something which may be of interest to serious track day drivers owning GT3's and GT4's. I received information this week from my Michelin specialist, GT Tyres, Forres, of a new development of the Cup 2 tyre. This involves a small disc shaped transponder moulded into the internal carcass of the tyre placed centrally on the inside of the tyre tread area. The transponder is connected via WiFi to a Michelin phone app which displays the tyre temperatures and air pressures for each individual tyre in real time as the car is being driven around the track. Following a few warm up laps, the app displays the recommended tyre pressures required to attain maximum performance for the track being driven. The car returns to the pit lane to have the necessary tyre pressure adjustments carried out. Michelin claim lap time improvements of several seconds per lap, resulting from following the tyre pressure recommendations on the Connect app.

Currently, the Michelin Connect tyre system is only available on Cup 2 tyre sizes which are already recommended standard equipment on manufactures models. The video is an interesting watch. Below is the You Tube link for the demonstration video showing the Michelin Cup 2 Connect tyres as fitted to a 991 GT3.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuWxQruS79I

Enjoy.

Brian

 

[ChrisW]

Pirelli were demonstrating something similar at Donnington under the name Adrenaline.

Would the Michelin App also suggest when the tyres are degrading by virtue of the number of heat cycles --- rather than just wear ?

I have between 2.5 and 3mm on my fronts which have done four track days ... and between 3 and 4mm on my rears which have done far more ... I'd love to know when they are fit only for changing ?

What tread depth do Cup2's start with ? 6mm ??

Will the transponders fit to any Cup2 tyre or do you have to buy them already "installed" ... ? I guess the latter from what Brian has said ...

I can't see anything on the Michelin website ??

Too many questions which I will endeavour to answer if nobody here already knows !!

Interesting Brian !!

 

[Brian_Innes]

Chris,

The Cup 2 Connect tyre is a dedicated special edition for track day use.

My understanding is the transponders are not retro-fitted to Cup 2's, they are manufactured as a separate product. The "Connect" logo is stamped on the sidewall. This is shown on the You Tube video.

I'm not sure about heat cycle degradation being identified on the app. Lots of questions still to answer.

I believe the Cup 2's have 6.5mm of tread depth when new.

I have asked my Michelin retail specialist at GT Tyres, to lobby the rep at his next visit due in a couple of weeks, regarding Michelin Motorsport hosting a Cup 2 Connect test session at Knockhill. If one of the OPC's from say Perth or Edinburgh were to partner Michelin at Knockhill, and supply the GT3's and GT4's, it would be a very interesting session. Knockhill is an ideal circuit for this sort of exercise. I'm keeping a close watch on developments and will report them on this thread as they evolve.

Brian

 

[MrDemon]

we are 18months on and it seems like rocking horse poo poo to get these connect tyres and then trust some on to fit to a car with centre locks on as well.

They do look good but atm I'll have to keep the pyro handy and a good mate who nips round the car on a run through the pits.

 

[Brian_Innes]

David,

That's the trouble with centre lock wheels. The centre nut torque bar is exclusively an OPC item I believe. I'm not sure if my Michelin specialist GT Tyres has such a device to hand. If I were a 911 GTS/GT3 owner, I'd purchase a centre nut torque bar for my own use at home.

At least the GT4 has traditional wheel bolts.

Brian

 

[Motorhead]

Brian,

I'm not sure many owners could be bothered with the effort required to remove and refit the centre-lock wheels owing to the fact that either you'd need to invest - at considerable expense - in a very large torque wrench or a torque multiplier. Here's an indication of what's involved:

https://www.porscheclubgb.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=804343

Standard fitment on the 911 GT3 and GTS for some time, but thank goodness Porsche hasn't chosen to fit centre-locks on the mid-engined cars.!

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

Jeff,

Thanks for posting that very helpful guide on centre lock wheels. Never having owned a Porsche with centre locks, I had no idea it involved such an extensive kit of parts, and was such a palaver to do, especially within the confines of your own garage.

My 1966 Lotus Elan S/E Coupe which I campaigned in hill climbs and sprints in the 1970's had centre lock wheels. Back then, nothing so sophisticated as torque wrenches and long bars were involved. The Lotus came with a plastic-headed heavy hammer with which you belted the chrome knock-on wing nuts with. Torque settings were not a feature. You just hammered the knock–ons until they moved no more. I had Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious with my Elan, other than wheels coming loose. Simple days back then.

Brian

PS I must ask my tyre supplier if they have facilities for Porsche centre locks. I would be very surprised if they do.

 

[Steve Brookes]

Some laps of Brian with a passenger on board at the 2019 Knockhill track day:

https://www.youtube.com/w...8&feature=youtu.be

 

[ChrisW]

I am reminded that its standard road car.

In fact, it reminds me of my Cayman R ... and very nicely driven ...

 

[Brian_Innes]

My thanks to Steve Brooks for assistance with posting the Knockhill video.

I wholeheartedly agree with Chris W's comment on the comparisons of the track behaviour of the Cayman R with my 718 CGTS. Having owned and tracked both models, I can categorically say that in my experience at least, the driving enjoyment from a chassis handling perspective, is most definitely comparable. The 718 CGTS has some CR DNA in there.

The difficulties I now experience with my right hand on the steering wheel are clearly demonstrated on the film. My left hand is doing 95% of the steering. The grip and dexterity of the fingers of my right hand have now deteriorated to the point, where for track driving speeds, it is time to draw a line under this particular activity.

Over a period spanning 55 years, I have enjoyed a reasonably successful competitive motorsport experience. From 1966 to 2015 I won a total of 18 trophies at club and national level in hill climbs, sprints, and associated speed events. My podium trophy awards are neatly split between 9 - 1st places and 9 - 2nd places. More important than the trophies are the many happy memories that will remain with me, of car preparation in the garage, travelling throughout the UK to events, and the camaraderie of fellow motorsport competitors and spectators. My subsequent PCGB track day activities were solely for fun and enjoyment. It's time to quit now.

I have a few photos to follow from the Knockhill track day, with grateful acknowledgement for superb photography by Gilles Gardner.

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

PCGB Knockhill 2019.

Photo by Gilles Gardner.

 

[Brian_Innes]

Cayman R at Fintray Hill Climb, Aberdeenshire 2015.

Photo by Gilles Gardner.

 

[Brian_Innes]

It's now September, and for me that brings touring back onto focus. My 718 CGTS has safely completed a total of three track days in 2019 and, in my opinion the car is all the better for it. The sequence of high speed, high revving laps, have certainly given the Gasoline Particulate Filter catalysers a good blow through, purging them free of any soot particle accumulations. Gentle, low revving journeys are the enemy of catalysers. We've all witnessed the brown sooty smoke trail from cars ahead when overtaking after a prolonged spell of gentle throttle openings. All catalysers need a high temperature work-out now and then. I am fully confident the GPF catalysers on my car reached the required high temperatures frequently enough to keep the units in efficient working order.

My PCCB rotors have also recovered their normal sheen following the heavy braking at Knockhill. I'm still having the front brake pads checked for wear and tear at the oil service in a few weeks time. I'll be reporting back on the results of the brake pad inspection and my oil and filter service report in due course.

Meantime, I shall leave you with a couple of photos.

Brian

Front near side PCCB rotor retuned to normal sheen.

 

[Brian_Innes]

718 Cayman GTS at Clachnaharry Locks, Inverness, by the Caladonian Canal.

 

[Sunder81]

Hi Brian,

Good to know that occasional revving the daylights out of the engine ( whem warm of course )helps prevent soot build up .

There's a You Tuber with a modified GT4 called Graham who mentioned that he did a 56 + second Knockhill lap . Judging by your non-modified 718 GTS PB time, maybe you can better that time with a GT4?

 

[Brian_Innes]

Sadly, I'll never know what time I could post at Knockhill with a GT4. My track days are now finished for ever. It's touring trips from now on.

A 56 point something lap at Knockhill with a modified 981 GT4 is nipping-on. I'm sure Chris W with his modified GT4 will be aiming to match that time when he returns with fresh Cup 2's fitted.

Brian

 

[Fudgie]

Hi Brian, sorry to hear you've had to call time on track activities, hope you continue to enjoy the touring element of 718 ownership for a long while and we will continue to enjoy reading of your adventures & experiences.

 

[JamesJ66]

Hi Everyone

New member saying hello.

I have enjoyed reading through the vast amount of posts on this forum during the last couple of weeks.

Brian, your description of ownership right from day one has been interesting and informative. You have so much knowledge and experience.

I have only just arrived at owning a Porsche, after one of those ‘life’s too short not to‘ moments.

And, after too much choice and deliberation I bought a

718 Cayman GTS PDK.

I didn’t spec the car myself, it was already built, and I took delivery in June.

I’ve only covered 1500 miles since then but am heading for Skye (from Worcestershire) next week.

I’ve been enjoying Scotland a few times recently in different vehicles, ... like so many others.

My only other what you might call sports car till recently was a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider which interestingly I think has the same engine as your Abarth.

Please keep up the good work everyone

and Kind Regards

James.

 

[Brian_Innes]

Thanks James.

I wish you well with your new 718 Cayman GTS PDK and also your forthcoming trip to Skye. Ideal roads for getting to know your new car.

Brian

 

[Dick Dastardly]

Hi James,

Hope you enjoy the trip to Skye, we are driving up to do the NC500 and Skye in mid Sept from Nottinghamshire so will be interested to hear about the trip.

I too have been following Brian’s thread with interest and found his local knowledge most helpful.

Its also good to see that Brian with his experience of Porsche ownership and performance driving can put the record straight regarding the F4 engine, why can’t we all celebrate the enjoyment of the cars without all this negative carping about cylinder count and a different sound.Engine technology moves on and all manufacturers have now gone down the turbo route ,as they will if future with electric drivetrains- Porsche included.

I suppose I should be used to this having owned a 944 about 20 years ago which was not then considered ‘a proper Porsche’ now they are sought after and becoming collectible.

You will find the Cayman a very good touring vehicle, we did a two week trip to the Italian Lakes last year and it was absolutely brilliant. You won’t regret buying it , I have had so much pleasure from mine.

Regards

Neil