Jonathanbr:
Thanks Dreamcar
I'm aware PSE isn't available until July build and looks like it will be £1750 or so as a factory option. Will drive the car and decide whether it really needs it first. Haven't gone for 20" wheels so didn't feel the need to specify PASM , the tyre dimensions are different to 19's on the 987 and I was happy with those - although having gone through the historic postings I think you have been unhappy your Cayman S because it didn't have PASM?
if I'd gone with PASM I'd have wanted sport chrono and then you've added another 5% or so onto the cost. My regular drive is a Mini Cooper S with 17" run flats and sports suspension, so ride on the 981S will be like a manic carpet by comparison.
Hi Jonathanbr
I've read reports that the suspension on the 981 is more compliant than with the 987 range. Certainly the Cayman rides a lot harder than the equivalent Boxster, no doubt about it, although both our previous Boxster S had PASM. Frustratingly the Cayman would be absolutely perfect had we specced PASM (and comfort seats as my wife has back / hip issues, although she has never had hip problems until we got the Cayman). As a driver you don't notice the ride so much and I would find it acceptable - it's not much firmer than the 1 series BMW on run flats was we used to own. But SWMBO really suffers so if we can't both enjoy using the car then it had to go. In a nut shell, it is truly amazing how well PASM absorbs the UK's badly surfaced roads compared with the standard set up and I personally wouldn't be without it, even on a Boxster. But you are right you can go on for ever ticking boxes on the order and unless you've good discipline you end up going daft. But NOT ticking the right boxes with the Cayman was an even bigger mistake in our case.
If you are having PDK then sport chrono is a MUST have, not because of the gimmicky launch control that you're never likely to use but because of the shift program options. The Normal program that you'd be lumbered with without sport chrono is purely set up for economy and is not the slightest bit sporty even though PDK is intuitive. Sport Plus on the other hand is way too extreme for road use in auto but gives fantastic lightening fast changes in manual. Sport is the best compromise and we use it all the time.
We retrofitted PSE on our last Boxster and never regretted it, the sound going under bridges, througfh tunnels or just reverberating off walls and buildings is worth every penny, although on that pre DFI Boxster it was only £1,400 to retrofit which made it good value. At £2,500+ which is the DFI retrofit price we would probably have thought again.
The PSE on the used 997/2 we hope to collect this weekend was very disappointing, however, you can just hear the baritone note in the background, I'm told it gets louder under hard acceleration which we didn't try during our 25 mile test drive. May be I'll fit the Carnewal "always full on " gizmo that's been talked about here on Rennteam as it's not expensive.To be honest in a lot of ways I'm going to miss the Cayman it's by far and away the best drivers car I've ever owned. I'm sure the 997 will be good as well, but it may take me a while to aclimatise to the rear engined ways after that amazing mid engined kart like precision of the 987's.
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Porsche Cayman S PDK Aqua Blue / Ocean Blue going soon Toyota Yaris D4D "Clockwork Rat"