Greenman986S
PCGB Member
more likely the beginning of a hard drive failure
My 718 CGTS 4.0 PDK
- Thread starter Boomer_Zoomer
- Start date
Now 230 miles up since the PCM reset and no further issues arising. I'm putting this glitch as coincidental to the air filter change. As a precautionary tactic, I've informed my OPC of the PCM glitch for information only. Just in case of any recurrence arising.
Meanwhile I've been enjoying driving my CGTS 4.0 with two drive days recently. The first was to neighbouring town Forres. The purpose being to climb the steep woodland walk to Nelson"s Tower which sits atop Cluny Hill in Forres. The beautiful autumn foliage was a joy to behold as were the views over to Findhorn Bay in the distance. The tower has public access to the top, but only for the months between April and September. So, on this occasion I had to do with the views from the site.
It may surprise some to learn that Nelson's Tower was erected to commemorate Admiral Nelson's victory at the battle of Trafalger. In times past the Union Jack flag was flown from the top of the tower on each anniversary of the battle. That practice has now been modified. I'll say no more on that particular subject. The local area has another connection with Lord Nelson with the grave of the surgeon who attended to him after being shot on board his ship. The surgeon's grave is marked with a descriptive plaque in Cawdor cemetery, 10 miles to the west of Forres.
My other drive day was with the R2 Highland Porsche Group for a breakfast meet at a Loch Ness hotel near Drumnadrochit. A total of 9 cars and 11 people attended on what was a very wet and cold Sunday morning. Following breakfast the group had an enjoyable drive northwards on a very wet and leaf-strewn A833 back to Inverness. It's good we have a local Porsche group up and running. The R2 Scotland North region covers such a vast geographical area, the official controlling base in Aberdeen is subdivided into two outlying groups covering Dundee Tayside and Inverness Highland areas. This seems to be working very well.
Brian.
Meanwhile I've been enjoying driving my CGTS 4.0 with two drive days recently. The first was to neighbouring town Forres. The purpose being to climb the steep woodland walk to Nelson"s Tower which sits atop Cluny Hill in Forres. The beautiful autumn foliage was a joy to behold as were the views over to Findhorn Bay in the distance. The tower has public access to the top, but only for the months between April and September. So, on this occasion I had to do with the views from the site.
It may surprise some to learn that Nelson's Tower was erected to commemorate Admiral Nelson's victory at the battle of Trafalger. In times past the Union Jack flag was flown from the top of the tower on each anniversary of the battle. That practice has now been modified. I'll say no more on that particular subject. The local area has another connection with Lord Nelson with the grave of the surgeon who attended to him after being shot on board his ship. The surgeon's grave is marked with a descriptive plaque in Cawdor cemetery, 10 miles to the west of Forres.
My other drive day was with the R2 Highland Porsche Group for a breakfast meet at a Loch Ness hotel near Drumnadrochit. A total of 9 cars and 11 people attended on what was a very wet and cold Sunday morning. Following breakfast the group had an enjoyable drive northwards on a very wet and leaf-strewn A833 back to Inverness. It's good we have a local Porsche group up and running. The R2 Scotland North region covers such a vast geographical area, the official controlling base in Aberdeen is subdivided into two outlying groups covering Dundee Tayside and Inverness Highland areas. This seems to be working very well.
Brian.
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Today my subscription Motor Sport magazine arrived on the door mat. I've been a reader of the excellent Motor Sport journal since I was 10 years old. My late dad was also an avid reader.
In the current December 2025 issue the respected journalist and former acting editor of Motor Sport, Andrew Frankel, writes a review of a final farewell drive in the Cayman 718 GTS 4.0. More smiles for your miles as he titles it, couldn't have described it better.
Among the many glowing accolades, he makes a very valid point which struck a chord with me. Andrew Frankel writes that too soon we forget how well engineered, large capacity, multi-cylinder engines behave, because there are hardly any left. How true this is. In my own experience I've owned turbo engined cars since 2016. We keen drivers soon get used to spooling up the turbo with selective gear changes to gain maximum response on road and track. The 718 GTS 4.0 engine needs none of that. The delightful combination of atmospheric instant throttle response and soaring aural accompaniment that goes all the way to pretty much eight grand on the rev counter dial is pure joy to behold. The final verdict from AF is, "The 718 GTS 4.0 gives instant, total confidence". Well said.
Brian.
In the current December 2025 issue the respected journalist and former acting editor of Motor Sport, Andrew Frankel, writes a review of a final farewell drive in the Cayman 718 GTS 4.0. More smiles for your miles as he titles it, couldn't have described it better.
Among the many glowing accolades, he makes a very valid point which struck a chord with me. Andrew Frankel writes that too soon we forget how well engineered, large capacity, multi-cylinder engines behave, because there are hardly any left. How true this is. In my own experience I've owned turbo engined cars since 2016. We keen drivers soon get used to spooling up the turbo with selective gear changes to gain maximum response on road and track. The 718 GTS 4.0 engine needs none of that. The delightful combination of atmospheric instant throttle response and soaring aural accompaniment that goes all the way to pretty much eight grand on the rev counter dial is pure joy to behold. The final verdict from AF is, "The 718 GTS 4.0 gives instant, total confidence". Well said.
Brian.
Reflections on year one with a 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK.
12 months have now lapsed owning and driving my 21 plate (22 model year)718 Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK. I can tell you, the joy has not diminished one iota. Having owned six Caymans of both the flat-six and 718 turbo-four configurations since my first 2008 987.1, I have accumulated extensive experience of this “poor man’s Porsche”, as one sniffy motoring scribe wrote at the time of its launch. Never in the history of motoring journalism has such a misplaced derisory statement been proved so inept and so wrong. The Cayman has rightly established itself as the benchmark affordable mid-engined sports coupe on the market today.
All is not rosy however. Porsche AG are apparently reconsidering their position regarding the much delayed launching of the EV Boxster and Cayman range. The regrettable demise of the 718 ICE cars has served to consolidate owners’ opinions on the importance of the tactile mechanical and esoteric involvement that only a petrol powered engine combined with a mechanical gearbox can provide.
A recent browse online searching for previously owned Caymans reveals an abundant and vibrant market covering all models in the range from the 987.1 to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Encouragingly, all models are selling well, which surely indicates that the Porsche sports coupe market is still in favour of the petrol combustion engine for true driving enjoyment. It is not only the so called “boomer generation” who are the enthusiastic owners of Porsche sports coupes. I am pleased to read in the current edition of Porsche Post the running report of a young 23 year old owning a 718 Boxster 2.0. Good.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the vast majority of Porsche sports coupe owners, including those aspiring to do so, do not relish or enthuse the prospect of EV’s taking over our much loved niche genere. We are all aware Porsche recently introduced hybrid power to the 911 992.2 range. Whether this engineering complexity is either achievable or practicable on the new Cayman EV platform remains to be seen. One thing is very clear. The Porsche sports coupe range is not a thing to be messed with. We all love our cars, with the engines being a particularly emotive subject. The very essence of Porsche’s appeal has historically been about the engines. None more so in the 911 and its more practical sibling the Cayman. It is only recently that the Cayman was “allowed” to challenge the 911 in road and track performance. The increasingly stringent Euro emissions regulations already enforced the introduction in 2016 of the 718 4-cylinder turbos. I have great respect for the 718 4-pot turbos, they are strong performers particularly in the 2.5t GTS configuration. To return to the present, recent statistics show EV sales among the mass market suppliers are up compared to last year. For example, Volkswagen EV’s up 67%, BYD up a whopping 250%. So far, this trend has not yet been reflected in the Porsche EV sales figures. A quick look at the Taycan new car sales and subsequent depressing residual values tells a very different story. The EV Macan also has a long way to go before outselling the ICE versions.
All of this must be good news for we Cayman and Boxster owners. Porsche new car prices have risen exponentially year upon year, which has had a corresponding effect on used car residuals. This is particularly apparent regarding the six-cylinder models. The 718 4.0 Caymans and Boxsters are both holding strong residuals as are the GT4 4.0 models. Only recently I heard from two separate OPC’s sales staff that the 4.0 Caymans and Boxsters used values may even increase in the short term. All will depend on the decisions made by Porsche regarding the rumoured reprieve of petrol engined “top end” versions of the 718 replacement. We can all but hope good sense prevails.
That concludes my personal reflections on this first year with a supremely wonderful car, and including my thoughts for the future of Porsche ownership as we have come to love it. My touring exploits will continue to be reported with photos, as when circumstances allow. Meantime enjoy your Porsches while we can still savour the joys of mechanical power. I can only wish that Porsche AG are listening.
Brian
12 months have now lapsed owning and driving my 21 plate (22 model year)718 Cayman GTS 4.0 PDK. I can tell you, the joy has not diminished one iota. Having owned six Caymans of both the flat-six and 718 turbo-four configurations since my first 2008 987.1, I have accumulated extensive experience of this “poor man’s Porsche”, as one sniffy motoring scribe wrote at the time of its launch. Never in the history of motoring journalism has such a misplaced derisory statement been proved so inept and so wrong. The Cayman has rightly established itself as the benchmark affordable mid-engined sports coupe on the market today.
All is not rosy however. Porsche AG are apparently reconsidering their position regarding the much delayed launching of the EV Boxster and Cayman range. The regrettable demise of the 718 ICE cars has served to consolidate owners’ opinions on the importance of the tactile mechanical and esoteric involvement that only a petrol powered engine combined with a mechanical gearbox can provide.
A recent browse online searching for previously owned Caymans reveals an abundant and vibrant market covering all models in the range from the 987.1 to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. Encouragingly, all models are selling well, which surely indicates that the Porsche sports coupe market is still in favour of the petrol combustion engine for true driving enjoyment. It is not only the so called “boomer generation” who are the enthusiastic owners of Porsche sports coupes. I am pleased to read in the current edition of Porsche Post the running report of a young 23 year old owning a 718 Boxster 2.0. Good.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the vast majority of Porsche sports coupe owners, including those aspiring to do so, do not relish or enthuse the prospect of EV’s taking over our much loved niche genere. We are all aware Porsche recently introduced hybrid power to the 911 992.2 range. Whether this engineering complexity is either achievable or practicable on the new Cayman EV platform remains to be seen. One thing is very clear. The Porsche sports coupe range is not a thing to be messed with. We all love our cars, with the engines being a particularly emotive subject. The very essence of Porsche’s appeal has historically been about the engines. None more so in the 911 and its more practical sibling the Cayman. It is only recently that the Cayman was “allowed” to challenge the 911 in road and track performance. The increasingly stringent Euro emissions regulations already enforced the introduction in 2016 of the 718 4-cylinder turbos. I have great respect for the 718 4-pot turbos, they are strong performers particularly in the 2.5t GTS configuration. To return to the present, recent statistics show EV sales among the mass market suppliers are up compared to last year. For example, Volkswagen EV’s up 67%, BYD up a whopping 250%. So far, this trend has not yet been reflected in the Porsche EV sales figures. A quick look at the Taycan new car sales and subsequent depressing residual values tells a very different story. The EV Macan also has a long way to go before outselling the ICE versions.
All of this must be good news for we Cayman and Boxster owners. Porsche new car prices have risen exponentially year upon year, which has had a corresponding effect on used car residuals. This is particularly apparent regarding the six-cylinder models. The 718 4.0 Caymans and Boxsters are both holding strong residuals as are the GT4 4.0 models. Only recently I heard from two separate OPC’s sales staff that the 4.0 Caymans and Boxsters used values may even increase in the short term. All will depend on the decisions made by Porsche regarding the rumoured reprieve of petrol engined “top end” versions of the 718 replacement. We can all but hope good sense prevails.
That concludes my personal reflections on this first year with a supremely wonderful car, and including my thoughts for the future of Porsche ownership as we have come to love it. My touring exploits will continue to be reported with photos, as when circumstances allow. Meantime enjoy your Porsches while we can still savour the joys of mechanical power. I can only wish that Porsche AG are listening.
Brian
Brian,
I always enjoy reading your exploits. As usual, you have written an articulate and thought provoking summary of your ownership year that is spot on. These naturally aspirated flat six cars are the last of a dying breed and provide such wonderful enjoyment. I'm fortunate to have a choice of a flat six, turbo V8 or full electric vehicle and there is only one that feels special and would be my first choice for a drive. I live in Northumberland and like you, I have some wonderful roads on which you can really enjoy a mid-engined sports car. I take my Boxster out as often as possible at the weekends, given decent enough weather and road conditions. Attached is a photo taken last Sunday on the Hartside Pass which the roof down even in November.
The only possible upgrade from my 12 year old 981S would be a 4.0 GTS but it is such a difficult decision as the 981S is such a fantastic car with an exhaust not constrained by particle filters!
Keep enjoying you car and posting your adventures.
Steve
I always enjoy reading your exploits. As usual, you have written an articulate and thought provoking summary of your ownership year that is spot on. These naturally aspirated flat six cars are the last of a dying breed and provide such wonderful enjoyment. I'm fortunate to have a choice of a flat six, turbo V8 or full electric vehicle and there is only one that feels special and would be my first choice for a drive. I live in Northumberland and like you, I have some wonderful roads on which you can really enjoy a mid-engined sports car. I take my Boxster out as often as possible at the weekends, given decent enough weather and road conditions. Attached is a photo taken last Sunday on the Hartside Pass which the roof down even in November.
The only possible upgrade from my 12 year old 981S would be a 4.0 GTS but it is such a difficult decision as the 981S is such a fantastic car with an exhaust not constrained by particle filters!
Keep enjoying you car and posting your adventures.
Steve
RS was pants though sadly. I still have the green machine.
Thank you Stephen, and Mr D.
Nice photos.
We Porsche driving enthusiasts are constantly under attack from ever-increasing emissions regulations, car taxation, traffic management, and speed constraints. We need to make the most of what we have now before the curtain finally comes down on driving for fun on public roads.
Driving our wonderful cars on relatively empty rural roads is one of the primary joys of ownership. Some readers of this thread, as Stephen has indicated his reply, have a choice of thrilling driving roads in our locality where we can "exercise" our cars as they were designed to handle and perform. Importantly all within the legal speed limits, which in Scotland is currently 60mph on rural single carriageway roads. Hopefully, the public consultation by Transport Scotland to reduce the speed limit to 50mph on all single-carriageway roads will gather dust on shelves of the legislative cupboard.
With the gloriously mild November weather I took a drive to the fishing harbour of Burghead on the Moray Coast. With few people about, and the sea a dead calm, the tranquility was mesmerising. The gently lapping sea against the breakwater, and an occasional vigorous flapping of a cormorant taking off with its catch, were the only sounds to be heard. A few photos tell the story better than words.
Brian.
Nice photos.
We Porsche driving enthusiasts are constantly under attack from ever-increasing emissions regulations, car taxation, traffic management, and speed constraints. We need to make the most of what we have now before the curtain finally comes down on driving for fun on public roads.
Driving our wonderful cars on relatively empty rural roads is one of the primary joys of ownership. Some readers of this thread, as Stephen has indicated his reply, have a choice of thrilling driving roads in our locality where we can "exercise" our cars as they were designed to handle and perform. Importantly all within the legal speed limits, which in Scotland is currently 60mph on rural single carriageway roads. Hopefully, the public consultation by Transport Scotland to reduce the speed limit to 50mph on all single-carriageway roads will gather dust on shelves of the legislative cupboard.
With the gloriously mild November weather I took a drive to the fishing harbour of Burghead on the Moray Coast. With few people about, and the sea a dead calm, the tranquility was mesmerising. The gently lapping sea against the breakwater, and an occasional vigorous flapping of a cormorant taking off with its catch, were the only sounds to be heard. A few photos tell the story better than words.
Brian.
Attachments
It's been a long, cold winter here in the Highlands and nothing much has been happening with my CGTS 4.0 PDK. Following the replacement of the two rear subframe bracing bars and various underside fixings due to salt corrosion, I decided to avoid the worst of the salty, grit treated roads.
Last weekend I had a most enjoyable day at a motorsport themed event organised by OPC Aberdeen. Among the invited motorsport guest drivers was former Carrera Cup GB and BTCC driver Rory Butcher. Rory was my track driving tutor at Knockhill circuit during my participation in the Super Lap Scotland Time Attack series with my Cayman R back in 2014. I was fortunate to be allocated a passenger ride with Rory on the day in a 992.2 GTS, and be seated at the same table for the delicious 3 course lunch. On the narrow winding roads of rural Aberdeenshire the 992 GTS was a big, wide, unwieldy beast. I much preferred my nimble, smaller footprint 718 GTS. With 4.0 power on roads such as these, the 718 has arguably more useable performance compared to the fat 992.
During the lunch, it was fascinating to speak with Rory about his experiences competing at national level in BTCC and historic race events at Goodwood. Professional race drivers today have to be more than just a fast driver. Sponsorship commitments, media skills, and gelling with the team, are all essential components for a successful season. Some BTCC teams pair an experienced driver with a young rookie, with the senior driver assigned to mentoring their progress and sharing data. This takes up a lot of time and effort, and is part and parcel of current team working. Team budgets are always in the forefront of decisions, with managerial politics also playing a not insignificant part.
I also took the opportunity to ask Rory about his experiences racing historic cars, with particular reference to the Goodwood Revival events. His first words were, it's dangerous! The speed differentials at Goodwood between the various categories of historic cars can be disconcerting. Sharing a fast track such as Goodwood at high speeds with cars as diverse as Ford Galaxie 500's, Ford Falcon's, Austin A35's and Mini Cooper's can be challenging to put it mildly. The big American muscle cars will come off best whenever track position is contested, with a nudge or tap commonplace. With the big American V8's lapping the slower cars, mirror watching is vital.
In the historic GT class the vintage Ferraris, Astons, and Listers, are often valued at millions of £'s. This serves to concentrate the minds of the guest drivers when dicing in close company. The driver change-overs in the GT races at Goodwood are also a challenge. Different seating settings, seatbelt adjustments, and setting off down the pit lane in a hot, thrashed car with dubious brakes, gives this category of racing an entirely different perspective. The main advantage with older, experienced, race drivers in this branch of motorsport, is that many will have well practised skills with clutches and manual gear shifting. Taking one hand off the steering wheel wheel to downshift when approaching a chicane at high speed in a heavy brake fading car worth £millions does focus the mind somewhat.
It was a real pleasure to talk with Rory Butcher and get an insight into professional race driving. Rory is currently taking a sabbatical from racing to concentrate on his family and two young children. I get the distinct impression he will be back behind the wheel in the not too distant future. It was a most enjoyable day out.
Last week I had the geo settings checked and adjusted at GT Tyres, Forres. At the back end of last year I had a suspicion something was awry at the rear axle. On damp, greasy, road surfaces power application in the lower gears while exiting roundabouts or overtaking slower vehicles caused a squirming twitch from the rear. I had omitted having the geo check done after replacing the two chassis bracing bars. Sure enough the rear toe settings were wildly skew whiff. This confirms the need to have the rear toe and camber checked after replacing the bracing bars. Lesson learnt.
Now that the clocks have changed and the daylight hours are extending, I plan to pick up on my touring exploits during the coming months. A welcome distraction from our troubled world.
Brian.
Last weekend I had a most enjoyable day at a motorsport themed event organised by OPC Aberdeen. Among the invited motorsport guest drivers was former Carrera Cup GB and BTCC driver Rory Butcher. Rory was my track driving tutor at Knockhill circuit during my participation in the Super Lap Scotland Time Attack series with my Cayman R back in 2014. I was fortunate to be allocated a passenger ride with Rory on the day in a 992.2 GTS, and be seated at the same table for the delicious 3 course lunch. On the narrow winding roads of rural Aberdeenshire the 992 GTS was a big, wide, unwieldy beast. I much preferred my nimble, smaller footprint 718 GTS. With 4.0 power on roads such as these, the 718 has arguably more useable performance compared to the fat 992.
During the lunch, it was fascinating to speak with Rory about his experiences competing at national level in BTCC and historic race events at Goodwood. Professional race drivers today have to be more than just a fast driver. Sponsorship commitments, media skills, and gelling with the team, are all essential components for a successful season. Some BTCC teams pair an experienced driver with a young rookie, with the senior driver assigned to mentoring their progress and sharing data. This takes up a lot of time and effort, and is part and parcel of current team working. Team budgets are always in the forefront of decisions, with managerial politics also playing a not insignificant part.
I also took the opportunity to ask Rory about his experiences racing historic cars, with particular reference to the Goodwood Revival events. His first words were, it's dangerous! The speed differentials at Goodwood between the various categories of historic cars can be disconcerting. Sharing a fast track such as Goodwood at high speeds with cars as diverse as Ford Galaxie 500's, Ford Falcon's, Austin A35's and Mini Cooper's can be challenging to put it mildly. The big American muscle cars will come off best whenever track position is contested, with a nudge or tap commonplace. With the big American V8's lapping the slower cars, mirror watching is vital.
In the historic GT class the vintage Ferraris, Astons, and Listers, are often valued at millions of £'s. This serves to concentrate the minds of the guest drivers when dicing in close company. The driver change-overs in the GT races at Goodwood are also a challenge. Different seating settings, seatbelt adjustments, and setting off down the pit lane in a hot, thrashed car with dubious brakes, gives this category of racing an entirely different perspective. The main advantage with older, experienced, race drivers in this branch of motorsport, is that many will have well practised skills with clutches and manual gear shifting. Taking one hand off the steering wheel wheel to downshift when approaching a chicane at high speed in a heavy brake fading car worth £millions does focus the mind somewhat.
It was a real pleasure to talk with Rory Butcher and get an insight into professional race driving. Rory is currently taking a sabbatical from racing to concentrate on his family and two young children. I get the distinct impression he will be back behind the wheel in the not too distant future. It was a most enjoyable day out.
Last week I had the geo settings checked and adjusted at GT Tyres, Forres. At the back end of last year I had a suspicion something was awry at the rear axle. On damp, greasy, road surfaces power application in the lower gears while exiting roundabouts or overtaking slower vehicles caused a squirming twitch from the rear. I had omitted having the geo check done after replacing the two chassis bracing bars. Sure enough the rear toe settings were wildly skew whiff. This confirms the need to have the rear toe and camber checked after replacing the bracing bars. Lesson learnt.
Now that the clocks have changed and the daylight hours are extending, I plan to pick up on my touring exploits during the coming months. A welcome distraction from our troubled world.
Brian.
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