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Cayman 718T Anyone?

Jeff,

If Porsche choose to develop the flat-4t to somewhere near its potential, and offer PDK, I'd sign up in a heartbeat.

The Flat-6 n/a 4.0 and manual is a no, no, for me in my current circumstances. If I were 20 years younger maybe....

I'm waiting in eager anticipation.....

Brian

 
Today I received an email from Porsche Life announcing the Taycan. The name means "small lively horse" apparently, and is the moniker chosen for the new all-electric Porsche sports car which is currently being developed.

Could the Taycan's launch end the production of the current Cayman/Boxster range I wonder? I could see Porsche's logic in introducing the Taycan as an early replacement for the current mid-engined coupes and rag-tops. It would be a good fit with the model range strategy.

This could mean that whatever power unit is configured for the forthcoming GT4, CR, 718T, it will be the swan-song of the petrol engine for Porsche's small sports car range.

This is getting curiouser and curiouser as the months go by.

Brian

 
I wonder whether this rumour of a 718T is what was originally thought to be a 718CR?

Personally I think Porsche have muddied their history by the new use of the T badge. The original 911T was always the budget version of the 911 but now they're trying to use it to signify a more sporty focused model and charge more for it. [&:]

 
Absolutely agree Steve.

Porsche should keep the "R" moniker as a lightweight, driver focused, track orientated evo of the mainstream model. I also viewed the "T" versions of the 911 to be a dumbed down budget version of the "real thing'.

Why don't Porsche enlist a "focus group" from this PCGB forum for their model development strategy. We would make better suggestions than the "suits' any day.

Brian

PS. I'm still eagerly awaiting what Porsche decide to do with the 718 before electric takes over.



 
Agreed chaps.

I think that whatever Porsche are lining up for us this year and next probably it'll be the last pure IC engine version, the next variant taking its lead from the 992 in having a chassis capable of accepting a mild hybrid powertrain; most likely with a motor/generator at the flywheel. One advantage with this set-up is that the starter motor (and alternator?) can be eliminated, which can't be bad. However, could a hybrid powertrain sound the death knell of the manual transmission?

Also I don't subscribe to the rumours that Porsche will drop the Cayster range - it's still very profitable with ~25k sales in 2017 (up 6% on 2016) - although it's inevitable that there will be more component sharing within the premium VAG. Having invested heavily in the flat-4 turbo development and production facilities I can't see Porsche abandoning it just yet despite the fact that it doesn't suit the VAG mould.

Jeff

 
Your comments are probably pretty close to what will happen Jeff.

I also subscribe to the view that Porsche have invested so heavily in the current flat-4 development they are unlikely to bin it just yet. The fact that this motor doesn't fit the VAG mould is in it's favour. It keeps Porsche individual and exclusive.

I have a car tour of Germany planned in late September, early October in my 718CS. I have already arranged a Porsche factory tour as part of my schedule. While I'm there, I will take the opportunity to raise questions as an interested owner and PCGB member, regarding the future of the Cayster range and potential power plants.

Whether or not I get any meaningful answers remains to be seen. Even a hint would be regarded as helpful.........

Brian

 
"Speculation" is that the 911 engine location is unhelpful when you replace ICE with lots of heavy batteries but that the mid-engine/battery layout is much less of an issue. Following on from this we might see mid-engine platform used first for electric power in sports cars, with 911 having performance boosting, but not big battery pack electrification.

 
Interesting, but shouldn't the price point be between the base & S as per the 911T, not the S & GTS... if it's got the 2.5 motor, is only slightly cheaper than a GTS with a 20kg saving (most of which will be returned by adding the ICE back in) and has all the GTS performance options what's the point?

 
I agree Jon - a pointless exercise in attempted weight saving too as most people will want to add the audio system. Much the same arguments for and against as for the 911T, but with WLTP I suspect we'll be seeing more "specials" from manufacturers as they group together certain options which can then be tested and validated as a package.

Ralph - I read the same article. The 2-seater mid-engine configuration certainly would be better suited to electric traction, but I can't see Porsche taking that leap just yet. In line with Porsche's conservative step-by-step approach it's more likely we'll see a Cayster hybrid beforehand with the flat-4 turbo used perhaps in conjunction with a motor-generator at the flywheel - and PDK only? Or, according to AutoExpress:

Significantly, the (992) PDK transmission now has eight gears, this leaving some space in the gearbox casing for an electric motor. That gap will remain empty for now..

I can't quite understand the logic that adding an exta gear leaves space for an electric motor, but that's hacks for you..!

Jeff

 
Motorhead said:
.......according to AutoExpress:

Significantly, the (992) PDK transmission now has eight gears, this leaving some space in the gearbox casing for an electric motor. That gap will remain empty for now..

I can't quite understand the logic that adding an exta gear leaves space for an electric motor, but that's hacks for you..!

Jeff

..here you go..

"Known as PDK 2, the eight-speed is based on the unit in the Panamera, it features a four-shaft design rather than the two-shaft design of the 997's and 991's PDK 1. This arrangement is shorter and, when fitted to a housing the same size as the current one, leaves room for an electric motor."

 
Thanks Ralph - that would make sense.

The 991 manual transmission is based upon the twin-shaft 7-speed PDK 1. I wonder if it will be as straightforward to adapt the new transmission for manual operation or, since take-up is relatively low, will it be dropped quietly in advance of hybridisation? The US wouldn't be happy with that.

Jeff

 
Curious that it has the same exhaust exit layout although I suppose a F4 and F6 both have two manifolds so is it connected to the diffuser design. Is the diffuser the same or same style?

The GT4.2 Nordschliefe track car with small underbody vertical slats

718-GT4-2.jpg


The 718"T"

porsche-cayman-t-10.jpg


I am not sure the diffuser is more than a styling nod to the GT4.2

Is this a sort of "R" equivalent using the F4T engine with S model underpinnings (no 987.2 GTS) so the range would be Base, T, GTS, and with N/A engine, the GT4?

 
Ralph,

The two pics show clear differences between the rear PUs. The GT4 appears to have a proper (small) diffuser whereas the other car's looks like something tacked on to a standard PU to cater for the revised exhaust system - the fastenings are visible.

A Base - T - GTS - GT4 would seem to be a logical progression and in line with the trend towards packages to make WLTP compliance easier.

Jeff

 
The latest published comments from AP seem to confirm the new Cayman GT4 will indeed be a flat-6 4.0 n/a with a manual gearbox.

Porsche cannot possibly designate this car a 718 if they want to retain credibility with their marketing on the origins of the 718 as a flat-4 powered machine.

They should call it a Cayman GT4 like the previous model.

For my current requirements which is 90% touring, that rules the new GT4 out as dead-in-the water for me. Such a shame, as I didn't get the chance to own the last GT4. A car made in heaven for me 3 years ago. OPC preferential pecking orders excluded my enquiries. I have now moved on.

My interest is now fully focussed on developments of the 718 flat-4 turbo. Provided Porsche don't make the evolution 718 too track-focussed extreme, and offer a PDK option, I will be very interested in considering a possible upgrade from my present 718CS, which is coming up for 2 years old, with 17k miles up and counting.

Early 2019 suits me perfectly for the launch of this new evo 718 Cayman. I consider the 2.5t engine to be the right choice. The current 718 Cayman GTS has 365bhp. Hopefully the evo 718 will at the very least exceed this figure. I don't see a problem with positioning such a car above the 718 GTS in power, but with the emphasis on lightness rather than heated seats and steering wheels etc. Customers can then decide which suits their needs best.

I'll also be interested in the choice of designation for this new model. Traditionally the "T" moniker was for "Touring" on 911 models. I would suggest Porsche designate the new 718 evo as the "R". That would tie-in well with the lightweight, track focussed appeal. My ideal 718 Cayman R would be 2.5t, PDK, lightweight panels, and 375bhp.

Brian



 
Over on the Spyder thread, a poster indicates it will have the 2.0T engine, which would be consistent with the 991T being base engine.

 

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