Magazine articles on 718 Boxster (or Cayman) GTS 4L

[Steve Lyle]

I am thinking of buying a new 718 Boxster GTS 4L. Does anyone have back issues of any magazines with articles on this specific model (or the equivalent Cayman) please? I have tried Evo for relevant back issues but they no longer have any stock. I would be happy to send a stamped self addressed envelope for photocopies or would be very grateful for scanned copy by email. Many thanks, Steve.

 

[AndrewCS]

Have you seen … https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_0OmNUcdCM

 

[Chappelle]

I'll PM you with a link

 

[Steve Lyle]

Hi Andrew, yes I have but thanks for reminding me to re-view it.

 

[Bigcol]

Hi Steve, I ordered one on Saturday. Car that is not a magazine. Lots of reviews on YouTube, thankfully all appear to like the car.
Without going into detail I cancelled My first choice of an S and am going for GTS 4.0 Instead.
Wish you luck in getting one as there seems to be a bit of a waiting list just now.

 

[Wollemi]

I should be able to either screen shot from a digital copy of Evo or even photocopy the print magazine.

I’ve yet to see any review which is not favourable.

Is there anything specific you want to find out? I might be able to help.

 

[Motorhead]

Steve,

Closer to home, have a look at the September PP, page 28. There’s a short review for both the Boxster and Cayman.

Jeff

 

[Steve Lyle]

Many thanks to everyone who has replied so far. In particular:
BigCol - good for you! Did you manage to get any sort of a discount or deal? What delivery have they quoted?
Wollemi - I have already been sent the two Evo articles thanks. Still looking for general background info so anything you come across would be of interest.
Motorhead - Thanks for the reminder on the PP article. I did see it but will re-read and drool some more.

 

[Steve Lyle]

Hi Graham/Wollemi, I have just noticed that you appear to already have one of these, you lucky man! How long have you had it and any views yet, good or bad? Did you spec anything extra which you are really pleased with or was there anything you omitted but wish you had included?

 

[Bigcol]

Hi Steve,
Regards discount and deals - not a lot. More little sweeteners to keep interest. I think it’s a matter of the demand outstripping supply. After fishing around I soon found that lots of the larger centres are run by groups that capitalise areas. This means they can look within there group For supply but they tend to have more punters so there is not necessarily any advantage in going to them. I was told at one centre that I was number seven on the list with six deposits already paid. In reality that means not seeing a car until, at best, May/June. I managed to find a centre where I am further up the pecking order and, fingers crossed, we hope to have a car for the 21 registration date. I am happy enough with that so I get the car after the winter weather is gone and the salt is no more. I Enquired if there was anything available at present but there was nothing near the spec I wanted so I thought better to buy what I want.

 

[Wollemi]

I've had the car three months, 4000 miles and three trackdays now. I ordered it the day it was announced; I'd been trying to get a 718 Spyder but it was never going to happen, as I'd never bought a new Porsche before, no history. Was offered a GT4 but I have to have a soft top.
It's completely met all expectations and more. The ride ia almost ridiculously good, and I have the standard full 20mm drop; I don't know why anyone would specify the reduced 10mm drop.
The running in for 1865 miles was an exercise in frustration. I had to apply myself to get done as quickly as possible
It's a first and last new Porsche for me and I intend to keep it a long time so I was prepared to spend to get what I wanted. Steering feel is a big thing for me - its why I never considered moving from my 987.2 to a 981, so I opted for PCCBs (lower unsprung weight) and Power Steering Plus. I also drive all year round, often in the dark, so the best headlights are essential. Full leather instead of alcantara because we both hate it. Heated steering wheel is more of a boon than I thought it would be, haven't needed to wear gloves yet this year. (My roof only goes up if it's really raining hard). The speed limit indicator is more use that I thought it would be. My wife insisted on the lane assist rear facing radar which is again surprisingly useful on motorways and trackdays.

Things I haven't used. I specified the Bose. Only turned it on once to check it was working, but maybe on a long motorway journey I might use it.

Shortcomings? Even with the PSE engaged the exhaust valves are closed between 2,000 and 3,800 rpm so it's a bit quiet then. There is an electronic device called a Cargraphic which plugs in so you can choose to keep then open at all revs. Might consider one of those. The radiators are ridiculously exposed and get filled with insects and leaves etc. Having some Zunsport grilles fitted.



If you're disappointed in one of these cars then you must be a very hard person to please!

 

[AlistairF]

Take a peek at Harry's Garage on youtube if you haven't already.

 

[Steve Lyle]

Thank you all for yet more useful and interesting feedback. In particular:

Bigcol - so far I have been quoted anything from March to May off the cuff but more accurate dates to follow (4 dealers contacted)
Wollemi - 1865 miles seems an odd distance for running in - did you just run out of patience? What do you think of the Power Steering Plus? I have Bose on my current car and would never specify it again as the vibrations from the sub-woofer make my insides feel funny (and I don't think it can be turned off).
AlistairF - already seen Harry's Garage entry but now you have reminded me I will watch again.

More generally, does anyone have any views on the -10/-20mm option? -20 is clearly best for handling and attractive as I intend to use the car for sprints and hillclimbs. However, it is also my every day car as well and a colleague found ground clearance issues with his 981 on -20 suspension. I assume the ride will be similar in either case.

 

[Wollemi]

1865 miles to run in is as per the handbook. It’s 3,000 km. Although not specifiec I had an oil change done, and then did my first track day.


Power steering Plus most noticeably makes the steering lighter for low speed manoeuvres (below 15mph from memory) but also firms and improves feel at higher speeds. It’s a software only change and can be retrofitted.


As I said I have the 20mm drop and I do occasionally catch the plastic brake cooling ducts when pressing on on the very bumpy back roads in the Yorshire Dales, but no more than my 987.2 on standard height suspension did. Nothing important has even touched. Things like sleeping policemen and speed bumps are absolutely fine. It certainly doesnt catch the ground the way a Spyder or GT4 does.
The -10mm gives a softer ride, so surely must be less precise. (for the US market?)I wouldn’t consider the -10mm drop

 

[Steve Lyle]

Hi again Wollemi,

Many thanks for your further feedback. All good stuff and very useful to know.

 

[AndrewCS]

Steve … manual or PDK ?

 

[Steve Lyle]

Hi Andrew CS,
Definitely PDK as my current 981 S is so equipped and I love it!

 

[AndrewCS]

Just the job for competition [] … where do you run it ?


Am currently comparing the previous 981 CS PDK vs the GT4 of five months and 2,000 miles … well interesting and great fun !

 

[Steve Lyle]

Hi AndrewCS,

I compete at any venues with a 2 hour drive of my base in Solihull. This includes hillclimbs such as Prescott, Harewood or Loton Park and sprints at Curborough, Castle Combe, Blyton Park and Llandow etc. Last year I did the Classic Marques Championship and this year I was going to try the Midland Speed Championship - but that all went Covid shaped!

Do you compete with the GT4 or just track day it? How does it compare with your previous car?

 

[AndrewCS]

Thank you Steve

Not yet ventured on to the track with the GT4, intending some instruction first … no plans to compete it

I used to compete similarly with my Mk1 Golf GTI … previous base was South Wales, went all over with it. Also did a few years up here with it and a Mk2 16v version. The Mk2 has gone, the Mk1 has been laid up for a long while but due back soon. Regs it was built to have since changed up here so only place for it now is Saloon Libre, a liquorice all-sorts class. Still, it`ll be fun on the road ... have to chuckle when the long gearing of our Porsche`s is discussed as the Golf runs a 55mph first gear up to 105mph in fifth !

The GT4 vs. the CS PDK … biggest difference is the `feel` of it and of the road, crazily it reminds me of the Mk1 Golf - in that you are so connected to both the car itself and the road surface

Comparing them `on the road`running some favourite sections, overall - they are much the same terminal speed wise, you can really hustle the softer set up PDK whereas the stiffer, track focused manual requires a more planned, relaxed approach. 20k in the PDK and just 2k in the manual ... learning all the time []


In these favourite sections … I would run the PDK in full sport auto then sport manual and then back to full sport auto, it would learn and adjust the gearing / change up points whereby leaving it to it`s own devices it was quicker, easier to drive

I do keep thinking ... PDK in a GT4 [:-] !!!!!!!!!