My new 982 718 Cayman S PDK
- Thread starter Brian_Innes
- Start date
Brian_Innes
Member
The Alpine A110 is definitely not on the cards.
An announcement of my new car choice is imminent.............
Brian
An announcement of my new car choice is imminent.............
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
Wrong again Fudgie.
Brian
Brian
Steve Brookes
Moderator
I think we should have a pic of the existing car in the thread title before its successor is announced. This one from Oulton Park will do [
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paulbarlow
Member
Good idea Steve. Here's another one from Knockhill in July this year ...
Brian_Innes
Member
Breaking News.............
The deed is done. Yesterday I paid the deposit and signed the New Vehicle Order Form for a new individual spec Guards Red 718 Cayman GTS PDK. The spec includes PCCB ceramic composite brakes, 8.5J - 10.5J alloys, and 20mm lower Sports PASM. The Guards Red with gloss black detaining on the bodywork, spoiler, and wheels looks great. The deal is with OPC Chester who have been extremely helpful throughout. The build lock-down date was November 7th, with delivery before the end of December. The new car will be registered in January 2019 when I'll take delivery at Chester and hand over my current car in part exchange.
When the 718 Cayman GTS was first announced earlier this year, I was less than enthusiastic about the car. "Underwhelming" was the word I think I used at the time. I also said the miserly 15bhp power gain was a missed opportunity by Porsche to release the huge potential of the flat-4 2.5t engine. My existing 718 CS already had all the dynamic chassis options as fitted to the GTS, including interior alcantara trim and the smaller diameter GT steering wheel. At the time I didn't think it worth my while changing.
Times and circumstances change. With my current car topping 18,000 miles and 2 years since purchase coming up next month, I decided to explore my options for a change of car. My Porsche driving is 90% touring with occasional track days as my circumstances allow. My criteria dictated that the new car had to be a step up in dynamics, performance, specification, and residual asset value. Because of where I live, I do above average annual miles, by Porsche standards that is. If I kept my current 718CS it would be showing around 30k miles by this time next year, and the manufactures warranty would be about to expire. I would also be taking a big hit in depreciation so I considered it in my best interests to go for a new car now.
The raging speculation and controversy on the new GT4 and 718T models did muddy the waters for a while, but it quickly became apparent that the new GT4 would be just too hard-core track orientated for my needs. Had my driving priorities been the other way around, with 90% track use and 10% touring, then the GT4 would have been a shoe-in. The rumoured 718T Cayman is more than likely to have the base 2.0t flat-4 engine, as the 911T has the base engine, so for me that rules that particular option out.
The 718 Cayman GTS PDK with the wider wheels, 20mm lower Sports PASM, and PCCB will be the ideal tool for my purposes. Even at 71 years old, I still have the track driving skills to make the most of the extra dynamic performance of these options. After speaking with other Porsche owners and OPC sales staff, PCCB offered considerable advantages both in braking performance, and chassis dynamics, as well as an improved residual value when sale time comes around.
So, there we have it. This particular 718 CS PDK saga will draw to a close when my car is sold. However, I shall continue with this particular thread until the handover of my car in January 2019. It's my intention to start a new forum thread, "My Particulate 718 Cayman GTS PDK" in the new year, posting my experiences with this new particulate filter evolution.
I am sincerely hoping Porsche have done their R&D work well enough so that the petrol particulate filter does not suffer the same problems that afflicted diesel engines fitted wit such a device. Time alone will tell. It's a calculated risk on my part, just as my current car was at the time. It turned out spectacularly well.
Meantime, here is a configurator image of what my new car will look like.
Brian
The deed is done. Yesterday I paid the deposit and signed the New Vehicle Order Form for a new individual spec Guards Red 718 Cayman GTS PDK. The spec includes PCCB ceramic composite brakes, 8.5J - 10.5J alloys, and 20mm lower Sports PASM. The Guards Red with gloss black detaining on the bodywork, spoiler, and wheels looks great. The deal is with OPC Chester who have been extremely helpful throughout. The build lock-down date was November 7th, with delivery before the end of December. The new car will be registered in January 2019 when I'll take delivery at Chester and hand over my current car in part exchange.
When the 718 Cayman GTS was first announced earlier this year, I was less than enthusiastic about the car. "Underwhelming" was the word I think I used at the time. I also said the miserly 15bhp power gain was a missed opportunity by Porsche to release the huge potential of the flat-4 2.5t engine. My existing 718 CS already had all the dynamic chassis options as fitted to the GTS, including interior alcantara trim and the smaller diameter GT steering wheel. At the time I didn't think it worth my while changing.
Times and circumstances change. With my current car topping 18,000 miles and 2 years since purchase coming up next month, I decided to explore my options for a change of car. My Porsche driving is 90% touring with occasional track days as my circumstances allow. My criteria dictated that the new car had to be a step up in dynamics, performance, specification, and residual asset value. Because of where I live, I do above average annual miles, by Porsche standards that is. If I kept my current 718CS it would be showing around 30k miles by this time next year, and the manufactures warranty would be about to expire. I would also be taking a big hit in depreciation so I considered it in my best interests to go for a new car now.
The raging speculation and controversy on the new GT4 and 718T models did muddy the waters for a while, but it quickly became apparent that the new GT4 would be just too hard-core track orientated for my needs. Had my driving priorities been the other way around, with 90% track use and 10% touring, then the GT4 would have been a shoe-in. The rumoured 718T Cayman is more than likely to have the base 2.0t flat-4 engine, as the 911T has the base engine, so for me that rules that particular option out.
The 718 Cayman GTS PDK with the wider wheels, 20mm lower Sports PASM, and PCCB will be the ideal tool for my purposes. Even at 71 years old, I still have the track driving skills to make the most of the extra dynamic performance of these options. After speaking with other Porsche owners and OPC sales staff, PCCB offered considerable advantages both in braking performance, and chassis dynamics, as well as an improved residual value when sale time comes around.
So, there we have it. This particular 718 CS PDK saga will draw to a close when my car is sold. However, I shall continue with this particular thread until the handover of my car in January 2019. It's my intention to start a new forum thread, "My Particulate 718 Cayman GTS PDK" in the new year, posting my experiences with this new particulate filter evolution.
I am sincerely hoping Porsche have done their R&D work well enough so that the petrol particulate filter does not suffer the same problems that afflicted diesel engines fitted wit such a device. Time alone will tell. It's a calculated risk on my part, just as my current car was at the time. It turned out spectacularly well.
Meantime, here is a configurator image of what my new car will look like.
Brian
Good logic there Brian and the result is a really nice new car.
Hi Brian, that looks great. As ever, who can argue with your lucid and personal reasoning (though I am sure somebody will be along shortly!). As a matter of interest, bearing in mind where you live and your travels around the UK, what were your selection criteria which resulted in OPC Chester? I have no experience and hence no opinion - just interested.
All the best.
All the best.
Diggit1
New member
What a great choice. You’ve kept everyone in suspense and having took the GTS for a drive from OPC Chester last month I know you’ve made the right decision. Let me know when your collecting and I’ll pop down to the garage to meet you as only round the corner. OPC Chester are very helpful and I’ve been a loyal customer there for 8 years and always have been well looked after. Which sales exec have you been dealing with? PM me and we’ll arrange to meet on the day if convenient.
I‘m sure I speak for many on here, in saying we all respect your views and your following is growing. Keep us updated of progress and your next planned excursion.
I‘m sure I speak for many on here, in saying we all respect your views and your following is growing. Keep us updated of progress and your next planned excursion.
Brian_Innes
Member
My selection of Porsche Centre Chester was timely as I was on my way to the PCGB track day event at Oulton Park on October 31st. I have had excellent service from OPC Chester over the past 4 years when attending the PCGB Llandudno and Angelsey events. Driving to north Wales from the Highlands is a long trip, and the location of OPC Chester makes it a convenient stopover for coffee and a chat. Besides, the M&S store deli across the road from the premises provides an excellent lunch.BrianJ said:
The Dealer Principal, Carl Hazleton has always been very helpful and welcoming, and I enjoyed a tour of the workshop where his race Boxster is prepared for the PCGB Speed Championship. Sharing a motorsport interest with like minded people is always good. Regarding the sales staff, Josh Whiting, Sales Executive, and New Car Sales Manager Martin Bamping have been my contacts for this particular negotiation. Both Carl Hazleton and Martin Bamping attended the Oulton park track day and I enjoyed a passenger lap in Carl's 991.2 GT3 and I gave Martin's son James a passenger tour of the track in my 718 CS. This networking has proved very fruitful and the resulting deal successfully concluded.
No doubt there will be those on this forum who will scorn my decision to go for another 718 flat-4t. I can honestly say that the 718 is a very good car indeed, and over time you get used to the sound track. The Cayman mid-engine platform suits my driving style perfectly. On the track, due to my motorsport experience and tutoring, I carry big speed into and through the corners. The 718 Cayman excels at this, as all Caymans do. The 911 platform is too bulky for my narrow Highland roads, and putting luggage behind the seats is too much of a faff compared to the hatchback Cayman. Cleaning the rear window is also easier!
I'm very much looking forward to my new particulate 718 Cayman GTS PDK.
Brian
An excellent and logical choice Brian (and incidentally exactly what I actually had in mind for you), consistent with your experiences on both road and track with your current steed.
I hope the process goes smoothly for you - I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the new car. Please keep us posted on progress.
Jeff
I hope the process goes smoothly for you - I'm sure you won't be disappointed with the new car. Please keep us posted on progress.
Jeff
OliR
New member
Lovely choice, and a great colour. Hopefully I will meet you at some track days next year, I have a lot of learning to do, mostly around cornering.
It actually answers a question me and a couple of friends were debating between us, after a Cayman, where do you go, other than another Cayman? The 911T certainly caught my eye but I think it's quite a different prospect.
It actually answers a question me and a couple of friends were debating between us, after a Cayman, where do you go, other than another Cayman? The 911T certainly caught my eye but I think it's quite a different prospect.
Fudgie
New member
Great choice Brian, glad my leg pulling on other options was unfounded!
Guards Red is obviously the best colour too! Looking forward to the new tread and following your experience/adventures, worth the membership fee alone. Glad your healths holding up and enabling you to continue with Porsche ownership, hope I still have one when I’m 71!
Guards Red is obviously the best colour too! Looking forward to the new tread and following your experience/adventures, worth the membership fee alone. Glad your healths holding up and enabling you to continue with Porsche ownership, hope I still have one when I’m 71!
Brian_Innes
Member
Thank you all for your very supportive comments on my scribblings. I cannot express how much your positive comment means to me, especially now that the dark winter days are upon us. This new car is just what I need at this time in my life, and I am really looking forward to collecting my 718 CGTS in January.
This weekend I set about the scary job of prising off the multitude of plastic trim pieces to gain access to the engine compartment. The purpose was to replace the BMC cotton air filter element I had installed at the beginning of the year. My car has to revert to OE spec for trade-in purposes so I decided to bite the bullet and replace the BMC air filter element with the OE paper version. The job took me a total of 3 hours from start to finish. This really is a ridiculous amount of time to gain access to the engine compartment for what is, a routine maintenance job. The same task on my previous 987.2 CR took less than half the time. On the 981/718 Caymans, Porsche have made it extraordinarily labour intensive to gain access to the engine. It unnecessarily adds considerable extra time, therefore hundreds of pounds to the service bill. Not to mention the risk of breakages or damage to the plastic trim if the technician is having a bad day!
After 8000 miles the airbox was remarkably free of debris. Only a few pine needles, small leaves and insect corpses were deposited there. My car does not have grills fitted to the side air intakes. I have a couple of photos to follow showing the airbox as I found it when lifting the filter. The working area of the air filter can clearly be seen in the photos.
Before reassembly, I returned the original paper air filter to the airbox after vacuuming, as the original filter was perfectly serviceable.
Would I recommend swapping the original paper filter for the BMC item? A qualified 'Yes" is my opinion. All my Caymans have had cotton air filter elements fitted. It's my choice as a motorsport and track day enthusiast. Cotton air filters are more efficient as they offer improved air flow characteristics. They are also easier to clean using the appropriate cleaning kit, and are durable for far longer than the paper elements. Whether they offer any performance gains is hard to define. All I can say is, from my experience the engine throttle responses are a tad sharper with the cotton air filters. Regarding the qualification, if you don't do track days and only do general road driving with your Cayman, I doubt whether its worth the hassle of changing the air filter. That's my opinion anyway.
Next on the agenda is removing the Michelin and GB stickers, and cleaning out all the door pockets and cubby holes. My dash cam installation will remain in place until the handover to OPC Chester. I'll remove the concealed cabling from the door trim trim to make it easier to swap over to my new car on the day.
Meantime, I'll keep this thread posted with updates regarding the progress of my new build 718 CGTS.
Brian
This weekend I set about the scary job of prising off the multitude of plastic trim pieces to gain access to the engine compartment. The purpose was to replace the BMC cotton air filter element I had installed at the beginning of the year. My car has to revert to OE spec for trade-in purposes so I decided to bite the bullet and replace the BMC air filter element with the OE paper version. The job took me a total of 3 hours from start to finish. This really is a ridiculous amount of time to gain access to the engine compartment for what is, a routine maintenance job. The same task on my previous 987.2 CR took less than half the time. On the 981/718 Caymans, Porsche have made it extraordinarily labour intensive to gain access to the engine. It unnecessarily adds considerable extra time, therefore hundreds of pounds to the service bill. Not to mention the risk of breakages or damage to the plastic trim if the technician is having a bad day!
After 8000 miles the airbox was remarkably free of debris. Only a few pine needles, small leaves and insect corpses were deposited there. My car does not have grills fitted to the side air intakes. I have a couple of photos to follow showing the airbox as I found it when lifting the filter. The working area of the air filter can clearly be seen in the photos.
Before reassembly, I returned the original paper air filter to the airbox after vacuuming, as the original filter was perfectly serviceable.
Would I recommend swapping the original paper filter for the BMC item? A qualified 'Yes" is my opinion. All my Caymans have had cotton air filter elements fitted. It's my choice as a motorsport and track day enthusiast. Cotton air filters are more efficient as they offer improved air flow characteristics. They are also easier to clean using the appropriate cleaning kit, and are durable for far longer than the paper elements. Whether they offer any performance gains is hard to define. All I can say is, from my experience the engine throttle responses are a tad sharper with the cotton air filters. Regarding the qualification, if you don't do track days and only do general road driving with your Cayman, I doubt whether its worth the hassle of changing the air filter. That's my opinion anyway.
Next on the agenda is removing the Michelin and GB stickers, and cleaning out all the door pockets and cubby holes. My dash cam installation will remain in place until the handover to OPC Chester. I'll remove the concealed cabling from the door trim trim to make it easier to swap over to my new car on the day.
Meantime, I'll keep this thread posted with updates regarding the progress of my new build 718 CGTS.
Brian
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