My new 982 718 Cayman S PDK

Brian_Innes · Nov 16, 2018

Jeff,

In the interest of optimisation, I have always been in favour of high performance air filters. The performance gains are difficult to quantify but in my experience the throttle response is sharper when a cotton air filter is fitted. All my Caymans have had cotton air filters since 2008. True, they can be a hassle to fit in some cases, but generally it is a straightforward DIY job. The exception is the 981 and 718 Porsches, where gaining access to the engine compartment is a complete pain in the backside. No way should it be as difficult and labour intensive as it is. Not to mention the high risk of damage when levering off the multitude of delicate trim pieces.

Porsche supply high flow cotton air filters with their 911 power kits, so they are well aware of their advantages towards optimisation. For the mainstream models where its all down to cost, Porsche fit paper air filter elements. I would argue that on a premium sports car where the publicity blurb is all about driving performance, it surely wouldn't add that much to the cost of the car to fit reusable cotton high flow air filters. I would guess the block here is dealership servicing, where cleaning the cotton air filter after 20,000Km would be a deterrent. After washing and retreating, the cotton air filter needs 24 hours to dry out. This is why I do this service job in the winter season when my car is resting.

Brian

Motorhead · Nov 16, 2018

I agree with all your comments Brian. Gone are the good old days when (metal) air cleaner elements were actually cleaned in petrol, re-oiled and replaced - dealer servicing schedules just won't allow the time and associated costs. Much simpler to replace a throw-away cheap paper item.

In fairness to Porsche, whether or not you agree with them they only recommend filter replacement every 6-years/60,000 mlies which conveniently punts the prospective trim damage you mention down the road beyond the factory warranty period.

Jeff

Steve Brookes · Nov 16, 2018

I agree that access to the air filter post 987 models is a real pain. I changed the filter on my Cayman R myself in about half an hour. The official replacement time (6 years) was still over a year away. The filter was filthy. When I put in a new one (original Porsche paper one) the improved throttle response was very noticeable and got rid of the high pitched induction whistle that had developed during hard braking. With this experience I've just had the air filters changed on my GT4 because I didn't want to wait until the 6 years were up. I decided it had to be an OPC job as I didn't want the worry of damaging the trim by doing it by myself. I was also having the oil changed at the same time so it seemed a good opportunity. As it turns out, because the car is not yet 3 years old, there was no noticeable difference in throttle response but at least I'm happy to have a new one in place for the next three years when it will get changed at the official service interval.

Brian_Innes · Nov 19, 2018

In eager anticipation of my new Guards Red PPF 718 Cayman GTS PDK currently on order, I have been reviewing the YouTube videos of this model. All of those I've seen are USA based and have their own slant on Porsche as a brand and the 718 Cayman as an alternative to the usual 911 default model.

The best review I've seen up to now is the one by Redline entitled "Mid-engine perfection". Unusually, the presenter actually owns the White 718 Cayman GTS PDK featured in the review. A very comprehensive overview of the exterior and interior features is ably described by the presenter. The only criticism I would raise was his omission to mention the PSM Sport mode facility which is unique to the 718 Sport Chrono option. Pressing the PSM button for 2 seconds switches the stability control features to Sport mode which backs off the threshold for electronic intervention of power, rev limiter, and brakes. I use this feature all the time on my track days. It's a further development of the usual Sport mode selection, and it really gives the experienced track driver a real go at getting the power on early around the corners without the usual electronic interference of backing off and applying brakes when you really don't need it.

I'm really looking forward to my new 718 GTS PDK with PCCB. The PDK has an extra 10Nm of torque compared to the 6 speed manual versions. As the Tesco mantra says, "Every Little Helps". It will bring my 718 GTS a bit closer to the track performance of the 981 GT4. Little wonder Porsche is moving to a 4.0 GT4. The 718 GTS is no slouch.

I'm counting the days to January 2019.

Brian

Motorhead · Nov 20, 2018

Brian,

It would be interesting to see your final GTS spec but I note that "modern essentials" such as auto headlights, a DAB radio, PCM and mobile phone preparation and a Sound Package Plus sound system are included now in the base price, equally important items such as folding external mirrors, parking sensors, cruise control, auto wipers/dimming mirrors and even a decent auto aircon system are still considered by Porsche to be non-essentials in a premium product. Rather disappointing but not unexpected.

Jeff

Steve Brookes · Nov 20, 2018

If the spec is still to be finalized I would advise against selecting front parking sensors. On the 718 I borrowed I found them to be a hindrance rather than a help when parking in tight spaces. Especially parking in my garage because it thought I was about to crash into the wall so would set the horn off. Both noisy and embarrassing!

ChrisW · Nov 20, 2018

Couldn't the horn be turned off ?

If not, that could be really embarrassing ...

Steve Brookes · Nov 21, 2018

ChrisW said:
Couldn't the horn be turned off ?

If not, that could be really embarrassing ...

You're probably right Chris if one could be bothered to trawl through the PCM but that would beg the question why pay extra for something that you would subsequently disable? [

]

ralphmusic · Nov 21, 2018

The 718 must be different to the 981, that just has warning chimes and PCM display

Brian_Innes · Nov 21, 2018

Motorhead said:
Brian,

It would be interesting to see your final GTS spec but I note that "modern essentials" such as auto headlights, a DAB radio, PCM and mobile phone preparation and a Sound Package Plus sound system are included now in the base price, equally important items such as folding external mirrors, parking sensors, cruise control, auto wipers/dimming mirrors and even a decent auto aircon system are still considered by Porsche to be non-essentials in a premium product. Rather disappointing but not unexpected.

Jeff

Jeff,

I entirely agree with your view that the "modern essentials" you listed should be included as standard in a Porsche premium product. The 718 GTS still requires a fair amount of box ticking on the configurator. Interestingly, the 20mm lower Sports PASM on the GTS is only a £168 option, while Cruise Control costs £228. It's difficult to reconcile the reasoning behind the latter pricing option. Cynical profiteering springs to mind.

I have specced the Park Assist front and rear with reversing camera again. I agree the over-anxious warning siren is often obtrusive. I am frequently reaching for the cancelling button on the roof console to silence it. I have the same issue when parking and reversing out of my garage. Like it or not, I decided to spec this option again.

For those interested my final agreed spec for my PPF 718 Cayman GTS is shown below.

Brian

Motorhead · Nov 21, 2018

That looks a very tasty spec Brian. I'm sure it will look great in red with glossy black trim items - I always think it adds that extra sparkle to the black plastic bits.

Interesting that you chose the Power Steering Plus option. Have you had experience with it on your current 718?

Looking forward to your appraisal when the new car arrives.

Jeff

Brian_Innes · Nov 21, 2018

Jeff,

The Power Steering Plus option is already fitted to my current 718 CS. I find it an excellent feature. Not only does this option provide improved steering feel at speed, particularly when on the track, but it also has advantages for me with my weaker grip on my right hand when parking and at low speeds.

I also take the view that Power Steering Plus enhances the already improved EPS on the 718. This option is a tried and tested feature which I had no hesitation including on my spec.

Brian

Brian_Innes · Nov 23, 2018

On the same steering topic, I am pleased to hear former F1 driver Robert Kubica has been signed by the Williams team for 2019. This is despite his severely weakened right arm and hand as a result of a horrific rallying crash 8 years ago. Extensive back to back tests in the Williams F1 car proved that Robert had lost none of his prodigious pace due to the limitations of his weaker grip on the right hand.

Power steering and paddle-shift gearboxes neutralise physical deficiencies which may otherwise impair the confidence of the skilled motorsport driver. As someone who also has a deficiency of grip in my right hand due to monomelic ALS, I am very appreciative of the on-going technological aids which Porsche continue to develop in their range of sports cars. This is the principal reason why I made the move to PDK after more than 50 years of driving manual gearbox cars. The Power Steering Plus option as previously discussed is another development which provides significant benefits to my particular needs.

High performance driving is all about smoothness and fineness, rather than physical strength and vice-like grip. Observe any skilled professional driver and you will see that their grip on the steering wheel is light and delicate, allowing the feel of the tyres and road surface to be transmitted more sensitively to driver.

I shall be keeping a close eye on Robert Kubica's progress with the Williams F1 team, and I hope they are amply rewarded for their decision of faith in employing him to race their F1 car.

Brian

Motorhead · Nov 23, 2018

Brian,

As someone who is ages with yourself I agree wholeheartedly with your comments about technological aids. I was interested to read your comment about the Power Steering Plus option - I was of the opinion that it only provided additional assitance at parking speeds - and note that you've also selected the PDLS, an excellent option which I chose for my 987.2 CS thinking that it might just be a gimmick. Apart from the extra brightness (very useful since night vision deteriorates significantly with age!) I find it both safer and more intuitive that the beam points in the direction of travel - you drive looking round rather than at the corner, just as you would do in daylight.

Can I say that I concur with your sentiments about Robert Kubica, an emerging talent nearly lost to motor racing and now making a deserved comeback. Let's wish him every success and hope that he adds some sparkle to a Williams team which has suffered a very lack-lustre season.

Jeff

Brian_Innes · Nov 23, 2018

I appreciate your supportive comments Jeff.

I cannot help but smile when forum posts with sniffy and disdainful comments about how PDK, EPS, PTV, etc are removing the "driver involvement" element from modern Porsche sports cars. That may well be true, and it is an opinion I myself once held when I were a few decades younger.

Time, along with physical and mental health moves on relentlessly however, and is no respecter of personal preferences, particularly when it comes to driving cars. Automotive technology, and not forgetting e-bikes, extend the years of enjoyment we used to take for granted not so long ago. I have no qualms about including electronic aids in my new 718 GTS spec which hopefully will keep me enjoying Porsche driving on the road and track for a wee while yet.

Brian

Ray · Nov 23, 2018

Personal preferences. People use their money to purchase whatever they feel the need. Their choice, their money. One car is not better to use than any other.

I have moved onto a semi-automatic because it is easier to drive. I still have a manual Boxster but I am looking to buy a new truck for the winter and I default in my searches to an automatic gearbox.

Drive what you like and allow others to do the same without questions.

Ray

Brian_Innes · Nov 23, 2018

Exactly Ray. Sometimes the decisions are made for you by other influencing circumstances.

Brian

Ray · Nov 23, 2018

BJ Innes said:
Exactly Ray. Sometimes the decisions are made for you by other influencing circumstances.

Brian

Brian,

In my case two replacement knees.

Ray

gtipirelli · Nov 23, 2018

Totally agree with the above

i have just had 10 years of manual Golf GTi ownership and as fine as those cars are, they are quite tiring to drive on long busy journeys. The Cayman S PDK I now own makes those long laborious journeys so much easier and PASM smooths out the bumps. The other driver aids the car has as well as the up to date PCM also helps

then when the roads and mood allow, it turns in to a fabulous all weather sports car that puts a big smile on your face

Brian_Innes · Nov 24, 2018

Still on the subject of electronic driver aids, I have Lane Change Assist fitted on my current 718 CS and have also specced it on my new GTS.

Touring throughout the UK and Europe, I find this option particularly useful on motorways and autobahns. In my experience on these roads it is not unknown for some drivers to overtake on either side. All Cayman models have a "blind spot" at the rear three-quarter corners, and motorbikes for example can be particularly difficult to see when lurking in this blind area. When a vehicle is within range of the Lane Change Assist sensors, a red LED flashes and a beep sounds on the A-pillar to give warning of another vehicle in nearby proximity at either side.

On several occasions this year I have been thankful of the warnings given by Lane Change Assist, particularly when driving in the vicinity of M25.......

Brian