Brian_Innes
Member
A week has now passed since I took ownership of my 718 CGTS. Total mileage is still 494 miles, as I have done zero miles since last Saturday. My car is safely tucked away in the garage with the C-Tek charger connected.
In the meantime, I have been busy detail washing and cleaning the bodywork and wheels in preparation for my next door neighbour applying the Gyeon ceramic protective paint treatment. This is a similar product to the G-Tech alternative, and in my experience with having this done on my previous 718 CS, it really works. My last car was still showing robust beading of the water droplets on the bodywork following washing even after 2 years and 18,777 miles. Insects, road grime and brake dust simply washed off. Mike, my neighbour, will apply the Gyeon solution to my GTS next week.
Following that, I have my car booked-in for the application of Xpel PPF on the door sills, rear wheel arch areas, bonnet, and front bumper. Road rash and stone chips are always an issue with the Cayman. Unlike the 987, Porsche do not apply a protective clear plastic film on the side panels ahead of the rear wheel arches on the 718. With a wider track than both the 987 and 981 models, plus the 8.5" and 10.5" alloys, the tyres spray road grit like a shot-blaster on the sills and rear wheel arch panels. This is may not be a big issue for those owners whose mileage is mainly on motorways, but for where I live, rural roads are frequently spread with a mixture of salt and grit in the winter months. This grit lingers on at the edges of the road long after the winter is over and gets washed across the road when it rains. So, in my opinion this is an essential requirement on a new Porsche in this part of the UK.
I have not as yet fitted the Zunsport grills to the front outer side air intakes. I've decided to leave the grills off until I have a few more miles on the car and have the temperatures fully monitored in all driving conditions. When I was detail washing the car I had a good look at the front radiator intakes. Both the central and side intakes on the front bumper on my CGTS show 3 very exposed radiators wide open to the elements. Whether this is exacerbated by my choice to fit the optional Sport Design front bumper module is a moot point. On the plus side, at least the intake apertures are very easily cleaned of accumulated debris. My main worry is stone damage, not the accumulation of leaves. I'll keep my eye on this topic over the ensuing months.
After I have the paint treatment and PPF applied, I can't wait to get my car on the Highland roads to the Isles in the far north west. This is dream country for a Porsche and at this time of the year when the roads are empty of tourists it is is an exhilarating driving experience. My plan is to do several day trips over the coming weeks to Achnasheen, Kinlochewe, Gairloch, and Skye. All of these trips are an easy return day trip from where I live, and will help to settle the suspension prior to having the wheel alignment geometry adjusted to my preferred specifications by my local Michelin specialists GT Tyres, in Forres. My first track day experience with the 718 CGTS is Oulton Park on March 8th. Only then will I know the true comparison in performance compared to my previous 718 CS on a circuit I absolutely love.
In the meantime I leave you with a few photos courtesy of Paul Barlow, who along with Andrew-CS, joined up with me for part of my homeward trip across the Old Military Road.
Brian
In the meantime, I have been busy detail washing and cleaning the bodywork and wheels in preparation for my next door neighbour applying the Gyeon ceramic protective paint treatment. This is a similar product to the G-Tech alternative, and in my experience with having this done on my previous 718 CS, it really works. My last car was still showing robust beading of the water droplets on the bodywork following washing even after 2 years and 18,777 miles. Insects, road grime and brake dust simply washed off. Mike, my neighbour, will apply the Gyeon solution to my GTS next week.
Following that, I have my car booked-in for the application of Xpel PPF on the door sills, rear wheel arch areas, bonnet, and front bumper. Road rash and stone chips are always an issue with the Cayman. Unlike the 987, Porsche do not apply a protective clear plastic film on the side panels ahead of the rear wheel arches on the 718. With a wider track than both the 987 and 981 models, plus the 8.5" and 10.5" alloys, the tyres spray road grit like a shot-blaster on the sills and rear wheel arch panels. This is may not be a big issue for those owners whose mileage is mainly on motorways, but for where I live, rural roads are frequently spread with a mixture of salt and grit in the winter months. This grit lingers on at the edges of the road long after the winter is over and gets washed across the road when it rains. So, in my opinion this is an essential requirement on a new Porsche in this part of the UK.
I have not as yet fitted the Zunsport grills to the front outer side air intakes. I've decided to leave the grills off until I have a few more miles on the car and have the temperatures fully monitored in all driving conditions. When I was detail washing the car I had a good look at the front radiator intakes. Both the central and side intakes on the front bumper on my CGTS show 3 very exposed radiators wide open to the elements. Whether this is exacerbated by my choice to fit the optional Sport Design front bumper module is a moot point. On the plus side, at least the intake apertures are very easily cleaned of accumulated debris. My main worry is stone damage, not the accumulation of leaves. I'll keep my eye on this topic over the ensuing months.
After I have the paint treatment and PPF applied, I can't wait to get my car on the Highland roads to the Isles in the far north west. This is dream country for a Porsche and at this time of the year when the roads are empty of tourists it is is an exhilarating driving experience. My plan is to do several day trips over the coming weeks to Achnasheen, Kinlochewe, Gairloch, and Skye. All of these trips are an easy return day trip from where I live, and will help to settle the suspension prior to having the wheel alignment geometry adjusted to my preferred specifications by my local Michelin specialists GT Tyres, in Forres. My first track day experience with the 718 CGTS is Oulton Park on March 8th. Only then will I know the true comparison in performance compared to my previous 718 CS on a circuit I absolutely love.
In the meantime I leave you with a few photos courtesy of Paul Barlow, who along with Andrew-CS, joined up with me for part of my homeward trip across the Old Military Road.
Brian
]. I don't remember it being an option on the GT3 which was quite another experience...
