My new 982 718 Cayman S PDK

[Brian_Innes]

I had new rear P Zero N1 tyres fitted today. The tread wear following 7586 miles is apparent from the previous photo posted on August 18th.

Those following my thread will already know I had little option but to fit replacement P Zero N1's, as due to the mileage I do in my 718 plus the forthcoming track day at Oulton Park in November, the tyres were best replaced now. I'll store the cast-offs in the garage for now just in case I suffer an unfortunate puncture. I'm still keen to fit Michelin tyres as and when my preferred type become available in the 20" sizes for my car.

I was also very grateful for the helpful co-operation of my local independent tyre supplier for taking delivery on behalf of my online order with Oponeo.com and fitting and balancing at a very reasonable cost. The tyres arrived ahead of schedule via Germany and Belgium to the UK. All carriage free to the delivery address in the north of Scotland. I was also pleased to note that the new tyres were manufactured during week 42 2016.

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

Now into 10 months of ownership and 8200 miles, I'm getting well accustomed to the 718 CS PDK sound track and chassis dynamics. The sports exhaust on my car is active most of the time as I run with Sport mode engaged as I prefer the gear-shift mapping when slowing for 40mph and 30mph speed limits in towns and villages. In Sport mode the gear mapping will hold 3rd gear at 30-40mph on a light throttle, just as I used to do with my manual CR when poodling along.

A brief word on launch control. With the Sport Chrono option and PDK, launch control is available. Following recent testing I have found the launch control facility to be of no advantage at all for blitz getaways from a standing start. Just to recap for the benefit of those not familiar with this feature. With Sport Plus mode selected on the steering wheel dial, place your left foot hard on the brake, quickly plant the accelerator to floor and the revs will stabilise around 7000rpm, and within a couple of seconds release the brake pedal to propel the car at maximum velocity (according to the ECU) towards the horizon.

In practice, the 718 Cayman S PDK needs no such brutal treatment to achieve outstanding blitz standing starts. My tested technique is as follows;

From rest, Select Sport Plus, de-activate traction control, select manual gear shifting on the central gear selector, quickly plant the accelerator in the direction of the carpet, once forward motion is underway modulate the power delivery by playing the throttle to minimise wheel-spin, when full grip is achieved, change up through the gears at full throttle using the steering wheel paddles to up-shift at 7000rpm. Result - a blitz standing start with the mechanical locking diff locked-up leaving two black lines smearing the tarmac for several metres behind you. No juddering, no PSM interference, just a rocket standing start without the over-dramatic revs and brutal treatment of the PDK clutches. It takes a fast Porsche to keep up with a 718 CS thus deployed.

It may help that I am well practiced in blitz standing starts from my hill-climbing and sprinting days, but believe me, the 718 CS does not need launch control. The 2.4 turbo engine has such massive torque available at low to mid range revs that it makes launch control an obsolete facility. Unlike the flat-six engines, you don't need masses of revs off the line for a blitz getaway. My version of self-launch control is far more effective than the ECU version.

Have fun.......

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

Now here's a thing.......

Earlier this week I swapped over the front wheels left to right to even out the tyre wear in preparation for the forthcoming PCGB Oulton park track day in November. This has been common practice on all my previous Caymans. Race tracks are normally run in a clockwise direction with a predominance of right hand corners, effectively loading the left front tyre more heavily than the one on the right.

The 718 CS is my first Porsche with TPM (Tyre Monitoring System) and I was puzzled to discover that I could not reset the TPM settings on the car according to the instructions in the driver's manual. A phone call to my OPC revealed to my astonishment that swapping over the wheels from right to left requires a visit to the OPC to reset the ECU with the new wheel location positions. I was equally astonished to learn that I was the first customer to raise this issue with my OPC. Apparently no other owners in their experience swap wheels from side to side to even out tyre wear. Incredible!

I now have two options.

1. Returning the wheels to their original position on the car therefore allowing the TPM to reset itself in the normal way.

2. Driving a round trip of 200 miles to my OPC in Aberdeen to have a techie reset the ECU TPM configuration with my revised wheel positions.

To my mind this is daft. Surely it's not beyond the capability of the ECU software programming to adapt the TPM settings when wheels are swapped right to left between the same axle. The only thing that has changed is the direction of rotation of each of the swapped wheels. A neighbour who is an Audi technician confirmed that Audis with TPM are also similarly affected by a wheel swap left to right.

Sophisticated technology systems can be a PITA sometimes.

Brian

 

[BrianJ]

Extraordinary. Another reason I have avoided TPM on my cars so far! I guess you could arrange to call in to an OPC en route to Oulton Park rather than making a fairly needless 200 mile trip? Eg Wilmslow, Chester etc.

 

[penguinman]

That is strange, I swap my wheels over on my 981S, and after a bit of playing with the menus was able to reset the TPMS system myself. If no longer possible on 718, certainly a backward step. I wonder why?

 

[s999sws]

The TPMS works differently on the 718 compared the 981. On the 981 the senders in each wheel operate every 30 seconds or so , regardless of whether the wheels are turning or not. I have changed over wheels and the system just carries on working correctly. On the 718 the senders only work when the wheels are turning, and they are programmed to send information when they are turning in the correct direction, hence the inability to swap over wheels. After 5 minutes of inactivity, they shut down to save their battery life.

I hope this clarifies the situation .

regards

steve WS

 

[penguinman]

Thanks Steve, good to have the facts, I hate mysteries.

 

[Brian_Innes]

Thanks all for your helpful comments.

Today I swapped the front wheels back to their original positions, reset the TPM menu to Fill Info and Measure Runs. I then had a 42 mile drive with the yellow TPM warning light showing on the display, and still no sign of the tyre pressure values coming up. This is a ridiculous state of affairs.

I'll email my OPC service manager and seek his advice as to a solution. The 718 is my first Porsche specced with TPM and would not have this option on my car again.

I'll report back later.

Brian

 

[s999sws]

I think you'll find that it's not an option now, all new cars have to have TPMS.

sws

 

[Brian_Innes]

For those interested in the merry dance the 718 CS TPM system foisted upon me after routinely swapping the front wheels left to right to even out track day tyre wear.

It's time to listen up........

Following returning the front wheels to their original positions, my first call was to my OPC service manager who, following consultations with the head workshop techie, suggested I try changing the wheel size settings to 19" in the TPM menu, driving a short distance, then resetting the wheel sizes in the menu to the correct 20" size for my car, and driving for at least 5 miles to enable the TPM to reboot. If this ploy was unsuccessful, I would regrettably have to take my car to an OPC for a hard re-set of the TPM on the lap-top computer. I was not best pleased at the possibility of this latter prospect.

So, here's what I did;

I started the engine and called up the TPM menu. Selected "19" summer" on the tyre sizes, (my car has 20" wheels), selected "Fill Info", and drove for a short distance with the yellow TPM warning light flashing and the tyre pressure graphic showing blank dashes for the tyre pressure values. Hey Presto! after a very short distance the correct tyre pressures displayed correctly on all 4 corners even though the wheel size settings were incorrect. Puzzling, but I was relieved to have at least a reading.

I stopped the car and switched off the engine. Restarted, and again called up the TPM menu and reset the wheel size to the correct "20" summer" setting, and drove off down the road. The yellow TPM warning light stopped flashing after 60 seconds and glowed steady yellow, while the TPM display showed blank dashes where the pressure values should be. After about 5 to 6 miles, Eureka! the correct tyre pressure values showed on the TPM display. All sorted.

It is clear from my experience, that the TPM sensors on my 718 do not take kindly to being rotated in the opposite direction from that which were hard-set during the initial TPM configuration at the factory. I have made the point to my OPC service manager that it should be made clear in the driver's manual that swapping the wheels from left to right on the 718 will trigger a fault in the TPM system. While it may well be true that most owners will not swap wheels over on their cars, Porsche marketing blurb is always harping on about "individuality and owner involvement" in caring for their cars.

Well, this particular owner has swapped over wheels on all his cars as best practice routine maintenance, and look where it got me on the 718!

As for my original plan to even out the front tyre wear following a succession of track days, my next plan is to ask my excellent, helpful, local tyre specialist to swap over the front tyres from left to right on the rims, leaving the wheels undisturbed from their original TPM positions. This is primarily for the benefit of my next track day at Oulton Park. My plan next year is to replace the Pirellis with Michelins.

As I said at the beginning, what a merry dance this simple task has led me to.

Brian

 

[ralphmusic]

I always seek out the Gold Technician, service personnel are generally a bit admin. and sometimes the Service Manager knows his product.

 

[Motorhead]

What a nighmare Brian, but glad you've got it sorted.

As Stephen says, all new cars now have to be TPMS compliant. The system on my 10-year old Golf GTi works off the ABS sensors, giving an audible warning if a tyre is deflating (running faster), but of course it doesn't give pressure or tyre location information. It's cheap, simple and robust though; plus, I can swop the tyres around with no detrimental effects..!

Jeff

 

[Brian_Innes]

I've just been reading the latest edition of Christophoros where an article on the new Porsche Track Precision app is featured.

My car being new, is one of the models compatible with the app. You need a smart phone, windscreen suction mount, PCM version 4.0 or higher, Connect Plus, and Sport Chrono package. The app works with the 718 Boxster/Cayman, all 911 models, as well as the GT cars. The app includes data on 130 circuits including 60 international tracks, and you can also add additional tracks using the map editor. Sounds very good to me.

I have downloaded the app onto my iPhone, and I already have the appropriate windscreen suction mount which was supplied to me by Michelin for the Michelin Pilot Sport Challenge at the Silverstone GP circuit in 2014. It's a very well made and secure suction mounting device.

Following the earlier palaver TPM, my next encounter with the PCM system will be syncing my phone and the app to my car. More later,,,,,,,

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

Elsewhere in this forum views were recently exchanged on the merits or otherwise of modifying or "spicing-up" the 981 and 718 Caymans with cosmetic bodywork enhancements and engine power and torque boosts. The USA market is far more adventurous in this sphere than we "limeys" are on this side of the pond.

I am not averse to gently modifying my car so long a no permanent, irreversible mods are carried out. In most cases it can enhance the driving enjoyment, particularly on the track, over the standard OE spec. Induction, exhaust, wheels, spacers, suspension, brakes, are all fair game to me.

The main drawback having a new car, is the warranty issues which void any deviation from the factory standard specification. A new power unit as in the 718 also adds uncertainty to the mix. Insurance issues are also a deterrent for many owners but these can be negotiated satisfactorily depending on your history with the underwriter company concerned.

In my particular case, I am more than happy with the performance of my 718 CS PDK as I have specced it. It really is a very capable touring and track day machine. In the last 10 months I have completed 4 track days and it just gets better, and better. My 718 is hugely faster than my previous Cayman R and every bit as playful. Of course it would be good to have even more power and torque, and the extra grip of a set of Cup 2's would be nice too. A FVD power exhaust would also be be on my list of reversible mods if I am still up for doing track days next year. Michelins are already in my frame.

The question arises of what is the sporty Porsche alternative to current new Cayman models. The new 911 T is being trumpeted as the driver's version of the basic 911 Carrera. With PDK this model starts at £88K, before you start to add paint and PCM etc. A new individual spec 911T will be approaching £100k before you get your hands on the keys. My 718 as I specced it was £64K. A £36K difference from a similarly enhanced 911T. I could modify my 718 to 400+ps for a fraction of that difference and at the end of it have a far better balanced car on the track than an 911T. In my experience on the track with all 911's, including the GT cars, the one thing that I find unsettling as a smooth precision driver, is the front end bobbing up and down when really pressing on. This is especially evident under braking and exciting corners under power. The Carrera Cup cars even do this bobbing action. It's the dynamics of a rear engine hung way out the back and a light front end. The Cayman does not do this. That is why I would never trade my 718 for a 911. Spiced or not, the Cayman is the best platform on the track and with a 911 of similar power there is no question as to which one I would choose.

Other opinions are respected as always.

Brian

 

[MrDemon]

Now GT4 are back at list a you can remap the detune out the engine, it’s the only car in Porsche line up which excites atm and you can just about buy new ones still.

still Cannot take a 4 pot car at £65k it seems very very poor value.

 

[Brian_Innes]

David,

If the GT4 had a PDK option I would consider a move. My disability with my right hand rules out a manual Porsche as I still enjoy my track day activities which are a key element in my life and will continue to be so long as I am able. My Abarth daily driver is manual, but I fear I'm already on borrowed time with that. An automatic replacement is currently under consideration.

To my surprise, I have grown to love my 718. At the time of selling my Cayman R there were few alternative options available to suit me. I regret I was not deemed high enough in the pecking order at my OPC in 2014/15 to be given an option on a GT4. It would have suited my purposes admirably. It was a car made in heaven for me.

The reality is I'm with my 718 loaded with a spec I chose to suit my driving skills best. It's a matter of opinion whether it is poor value or not, and I respect view that some just don't get the car.

In the end all that matters is that I'm happy with it.

Brian

 

[Brian_Innes]

A set of Michelin PS4S N0 tyres are on order from my local tyre specialist. They should be in stock by late December for fitting early in the new year.

Meantime, the P-Zeros N1's will have to do service one more time at Oulton Park next week. Looking forward to it, even allowing for the 1000 mile round trip from the Highlands.

Brian

 

[ralphmusic]

Brian,

Have you seen this USA video which (from 8 mins in) has Randy Pobst driving a GT4 and a 718CS PDK. Around Willow Springs about 1.2 seconds difference and concludes, if same tyres, 718CS at least as fast as GT4.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaGZ04_HLac&t=853

Ralph

 

[Brian_Innes]

Ralph,

Yes, I've already watched that video with great interest. Test 718 CS PDK same colour as my car also. With Cup 2's fitted the 718 CS PDK would be certainly be a match for the GT4 on a twisty circuit as shown on this video. Both the presenters and the race driver alluded to this at the end. For what it's worth, I considered the review a very fair piece of work.

The accessible 420Nm torque from low to mid-range revs is the big advantage with the 718 CS PDK over the GT4, which incidentally has the same torque figure but from higher up the rev range at 4500rpm.

I'm looking forward to comparing my 718 CS with my previous CR at Oulton Park. The 718 will be much faster, but what I'm interested in is comparing the playfulness in the corners between the two cars. Exiting the hairpin, the two chicanes, and possibly Cascades, should suit the big torque of the 718 CS. It should be a fun day if the weather behaves.

BTW, It'll also be good to get the flat-4 consistently revving up around the 7000rpm mark agin. This is not always possible on the public road if you want to keep your driver's licence sensible. As I've said before, the flat-4 doesn't sound too bad at high revs. It's when pottering about that the less tuneful off-beat "thrum" becomes dominant.

Looking forward to enjoying my 718 CS PDK as it is designed to be driven.

Brian

 

[Steve Brookes]

I'm looking forward to comparing my 718 CS with my previous CR at Oulton Park. The 718 will be much faster, but what I'm interested in is comparing the playfulness in the corners between the two cars. Exiting the hairpin, the two chicanes, and possibly Cascades, should suit the big torque of the 718 CS. It should be a fun day if the weather behaves.

Brian, work permitting I aim to be at Oulton next week, not tracking my CR this time but will bring me lid in the hope of getting a lift to see what a 718 is like on track.