Cayman Experience day 13/04/17

[Dreo]

So on Thursday I travelled along to the Porsche Experience Centre at Silverstone to drive the manual version of the Cayman 718.
Overall it was a fantastic day and as always the staff were welcoming, informative and very professional. On the day I had a chap called Mark to guide me around the track area and provide useful information about how to get the most out of the vehicle. Even though my technical driving ability is fairly low Mark still managed to teach me how to heel & toe and got me on the right path on learning how to drift and slide with a good level of control.

BUT...Before I managed to learn all of these skills and experience the Cayman on a deeper level we came across a problem. I did a number of laps around the main circuit to get used to the car and as we left to go around to the handling circuit suddenly the gearbox gave up. Specifically third gear. At first I thought I was at fault, maybe I didn't engage the clutch properly or maybe I didn't move the gear lever into the correct position but nope, not having it. We tried driving around a bit more to see if the problematic third gear would sort itself out, then we tried the classic turn it off and then on again trick but nope. Mark said that's one for the techies and off the Cayman went. As for me it wasn't all bad as Mark was kind enough to organise a 911 4S to drive while he sourced another Cayman to take out and the day carried on as normal.

This problem did have me thinking though, will this become a problem in the 718 range in the future or is this just a one off. What does everyone think? has anyone heard of this problem with the 718 model ranges so far? Feedback/information would be appreciated.

p.s my feet are itching to get back to the Porsche Experience Centre to keep practicing.

 

[tscaptain]

Now where have I read something similar? Oh yes......

https://www.porscheclubgb../forum/tm.aspx?m=957172

 

[Motorhead]

Shane,

As Alan has pointed out, someone on this forum has reported the same problem on his GT4 and there are a number of reports on the US forums of the same thing happening to GT4s whilst on the track. As far as I know the 981 and 718-series cars share the same basic transmission - but most probably with slightly different ratios - so it looks has though the problem is still hanging around, and the 718 you were driving has been subjected to significant hard track use at the PEC.

Porsche doesn't normally comment on failures such as this, preferring to exchange the item and carry out further investigations back in Stuttgart along with the original supplier, but I'm sure that they're on top of it. I suspect that it may just be a bad batch of components rather than a fundamental design fault, so I wouldn't be too concerned for your forthcoming delivery. And this type of fault is warrantied, so you're covered for at least 3-years.

Maybe the PEC experience has given you a taste for exploiting your new car's performance to the full on the track, and we look forward to hearing that you've signed up to a PCGB Track Day - after the running-in period, of course..!

Be sure to keep us posted on delivery progress.

Jeff

 

[Dreo]

Thanks Alan, not sure why I didn't notice the thread you provided. Still I suppose my information does still highlight the same sort of problem with the newer models of Cayman.

I'll certainly keep you all posted on the delivery of my car. I'm hoping it'll be around mid May when I'm able to go and pick it up. The first club meetings I'm hoping to attend will be at Porsche at Beaulieu, R21, R10 or Duxford on the 8th of June.

As for track days Jeff I may look into doing a couple next year. Would be good to go with someone that can show me the ropes a bit though.

 

[tscaptain]

Have Exeter given you at date yet, Shane?

 

[Dreo]

Hey Alan, no I've not heard anything from PC Exeter yet. I've stayed extremely patient somehow but now I'm itching to take delivery of it, probably because of the Cayman Experience day. Not knowing a date does add to the excitement to some extent but it would be nice to know so I can organise the trip around my work calendar. It may also be difficult getting a place to stay if I request a hotel room at short notice. Hopefully you'll be able to make it on the day of delivery if you aren't busy.