New Car Thoughts
I’ve had my new car 2 and a bit weeks now so I thought I’d give you an update on my thoughts. Sorry there aren’t any photos yet but I don’t own a camera – hopefully a friend will get a few snaps this weekend. So firstly, the spec:
MY2010 Cayman S
Manual
Basalt Black Metallic
Black Partial Leather
18” Cayman S Wheels
Bi-Xenon with Dynamic Cornering Lights
Bose
Climate Control
Crests
Floor Mats
Heated Seats
LSD
PASM
Short Shift
Sport Chrono
Sports Seats
TPMS
Wheel Centres
Universal Audio Interface
After collecting it, I drove home and immediately got a Swissvax detailing. I hoped to have the Shield polish but the detailer had run out so I got the Divine instead; the finish was (still is) absolutely spectacular. But I only really had a chance to gaze at it (adoringly) before a quick drive and then an early night because next day I drove to a village called Monsegur, about 30 miles south east of Bordeaux in France. This entailed 100 miles to Folkstone, a Channel Tunnel crossing and then 570 miles of quiet, smooth, French roads where the standard of driving is so much better than the UK. Bliss!
As I had to run the car in, I was going fairly slowly but still managed the journey in just over 8 hours from Calais, only stopping for petrol and a sandwich. The engine noticeably freed up at 500 miles but it still feels fairly tight 1500 miles later. Despite the long journey, the car was so comfortable and effortless to drive I didn’t feel at all fatigued by the end. My only gripe was the quantity of deceased insect life splattering the front.
During the week’s holiday I didn’t do much driving and I couldn’t find any spectacular roads nearby so I concentrated on enjoying the local food and wine instead! Drove back a fair bit faster than the journey down and this one was equally painless. Even with a passenger this time, a week’s worth of luggage each, plus 2 cases of wine, I didn’t have to put stuff on top of the engine cover. Brilliant but I guess that means I didn’t get enough wine! The car was really excellent in this GT role. By the way, switching the headlights from right to/from left hand drive takes about 20 minutes when you know how, with each headlight unit having to be completely removed and partially disassembled. I think it would be a bit optimistic to try it on the train or ferry.
Over the second week I was simply commuting to/from work. Quite a few Rennteamers here have commented on the throttle mapping in sport mode a bit eager for heavy traffic but I can’t say I have found it a problem. Perhaps it has been calmed down a bit on these latest models? Regardless of that, its dead handy for nipping into gaps in the traffic. With some autumnal mornings and evenings now occurring, the heated seats have been very welcome on the light setting.
My parking space at work has a small kerb but steep camber on the road so when reversing in, the nose only clears the road by about 1cm. PASM in sport mode is fantastic when driving out as the front springs doesn’t seem to compress at all (therefore avoiding the nose smacking into the road). This is an unexpected bonus because on the terrible roads near my home, PASM in sport is far too stiff to get the power down effectively. I love having the tyre pressures constantly displayed – very reassuring. In the UK this option is so rarely specified but it is so good. Soap box moment over, I can also confirm that the car is great for the daily commute.
Last weekend I had a very spirited drive in damp slippy conditions. The handling was as sublime as expected and the LSD was very noticeable in helping exit slow corners. I guess it was improving stability in fast corners too but that is less obviously noticeable. I kept PASM in normal and the ride was definitely firmer than on the commute to work but still compliant enough for the poor tarmac – a great compromise. Can’t wait to find a very smooth twisty road and really work the PASM in sport mode.
The PSM thresholds are very relaxed in sport mode – I ran out of nerve in some quite lairy manoeuvres long before it kicked in (fabulous). And for that alone it was worth the £520 but the wart is a complete waste of time. I need to dig a bit deeper to really see the effect of disabling the brake assist. But despite still having much to explore, it’s already been a totally inspiring sports car to drive.
I cannot think of any other manufacturer who blends so many attributes in a car so successfully and Porsche manage it on so many of their models. So after just 2 and a bit weeks and a whopping (for me) 1900 miles, I am completely overjoyed with the car. It really is perfect for me and I think I got the spec spot on. If I could have afforded it, I would have perhaps added some more of the pricey options: firstly PCM plus audio interface, primarily to control my IPOD but at £2126 combined, that seemed a bit excessive; leather would have been nice but the quality of the standard interior is now very high and more than good enough for me; I find the sports bucket seats really comfortable but I may have got fed up with getting in/out as it is a daily driver; and finally PCCB appeals from a technology point of view but I would have been constantly worried about having to replace damaged rotors. In all honesty, I have no regrets in not specifying any of these.
