Turbo Driving Impressions
Like Atomic, I drove new Turbos in Austria last week. Here are my impressions:
1. Fantastic car, feels like a V8, much more linear and powerful throughout the rev range than my modified 996TT. The car feels solid and integrated, in addition to being extremely fast. The exhaust and engine sound is far better than on my 996TT. You get the feeling that everything is working to make the sound--not just the exhaust.
2. Tremendously secure in all conditions--from 160mph on the autobahn, to hard rain, to snow, to all sorts of curves and bumps. If there is a more secure and confident sports car in all conditions--buy it.
3. Tip is wonderful, especially in manual mode. A better choice for drivers who want convenience and smoothness, and who want to relax a bit in heavy start and stop traffic. Manual seems faster once you get started, and seems louder as well. Also (and this may have been the fault of one of the Tip cars), the sport mode effects (suspension damping and "overboost") seem to be more pronounced in the manual cars. But tip is no slouch at all, and may very well be faster overall--it is just so darn smooth that it could be deceiving in its power and speed. Manual, in sport mode, lurches a bit starting out in first, while Tip is perfect every time. But manual still seems more engaging after you get rolling (but I would order a short shifter). As one participant put it well--"the manual is more raw and fun, the tip is more smooth and relaxing". But this should not be thought of as one system versus the other--both systems are knockout--it is just a matter of what type of conditions the driver will be in the most (city, country, track, etc).
3. Couldn't tell difference in normal or ceramic brakes, at least in the two days of driving we experienced.
4. Cocoa interior is very attractive, and a good complement to GT silver.
5. Rear quarter panel intakes need to be integrated better. They still look "added on", and add an extra set of lines to an already busy style from the rear of doors back.
7. Exhaust surrounds look cheap, and I would personally prefer a different exhaust opening design.
8. Car looks fantastic from the rear--very wide and imposing.
9. Painted lower side panels look terrific.
10. I like design of multi-function steering wheel better than the round hub of standard wheel.
11. This is a splendid automobile, very powerful, confident and integrated. A major advancement beyond the 996, in my view the best all around sports car out there.
1. Fantastic car, feels like a V8, much more linear and powerful throughout the rev range than my modified 996TT. The car feels solid and integrated, in addition to being extremely fast. The exhaust and engine sound is far better than on my 996TT. You get the feeling that everything is working to make the sound--not just the exhaust.
2. Tremendously secure in all conditions--from 160mph on the autobahn, to hard rain, to snow, to all sorts of curves and bumps. If there is a more secure and confident sports car in all conditions--buy it.
3. Tip is wonderful, especially in manual mode. A better choice for drivers who want convenience and smoothness, and who want to relax a bit in heavy start and stop traffic. Manual seems faster once you get started, and seems louder as well. Also (and this may have been the fault of one of the Tip cars), the sport mode effects (suspension damping and "overboost") seem to be more pronounced in the manual cars. But tip is no slouch at all, and may very well be faster overall--it is just so darn smooth that it could be deceiving in its power and speed. Manual, in sport mode, lurches a bit starting out in first, while Tip is perfect every time. But manual still seems more engaging after you get rolling (but I would order a short shifter). As one participant put it well--"the manual is more raw and fun, the tip is more smooth and relaxing". But this should not be thought of as one system versus the other--both systems are knockout--it is just a matter of what type of conditions the driver will be in the most (city, country, track, etc).
3. Couldn't tell difference in normal or ceramic brakes, at least in the two days of driving we experienced.
4. Cocoa interior is very attractive, and a good complement to GT silver.
5. Rear quarter panel intakes need to be integrated better. They still look "added on", and add an extra set of lines to an already busy style from the rear of doors back.
7. Exhaust surrounds look cheap, and I would personally prefer a different exhaust opening design.
8. Car looks fantastic from the rear--very wide and imposing.
9. Painted lower side panels look terrific.
10. I like design of multi-function steering wheel better than the round hub of standard wheel.
11. This is a splendid automobile, very powerful, confident and integrated. A major advancement beyond the 996, in my view the best all around sports car out there.
