Crown

WAY:

No he is with Auto Express now!

Oh dear

2015 981 Cayman GT4 | White | Full Bucket Seats | Sport Chrono
2014 991 Carrera 4S | Dark Blue Metallic | PDK | Sport Chrono | SPASM

Well, most journo reviews are a nice distraction from the wait agony, nothing more...

Like always it's so much better to spend some time with the real thing rather than salivating over some pics in magazines

Meanwhile I had the opportunity to spend some time with the happy owner of the first customer car in Germany and his brandnew pride & joy.

Now that I've seen (and heard!) the Spyder in the flesh my impatience to take delivery of the car will even grow more

Before seeing the car in the flesh I was a bit afraid that it could look like a Boxster with a tucked on GT4 front plus some remodelling of the rear deck. Luckily in real life the design looks very coherent and IMHO even "cleaner" than the other 981 variants - it has it's own visual character and from some angles it almost looks like a new model rather than a derivative from the 981 platform.

The Spyder sits really low compared to a 981 PASM car and the wheels don't need spacers (at least not for visual reasons) - overall just the right mix of elegance/classic lines and sporty appearance

The number one car in Germany looks just like the NY exhiition car (except that it's fitted with sport buckets rather than LWB): carrara white metallic and silver rims, interior leather/alcantara.

As I've seen the CWM paint in showrooms only (where it's almost impossible to spot the diference vs. the uni white paint) I must say that when looking at it in the wild I like the CWM better than the uni white. This is especially true with an overcast sky (which we of course have never here in sunny Germany ), because then the colour looks a bit less white and develops an almost grey tinge (though very light tinge) - I liked it a lot and think it looks a bit more sporty compared to uni white and hence fitting the Spyder very well (the effect is hard to catch on pics). Having said that I still think that you cannot go wrong with throwing in a bit of colour...

The manual operation of the roof is child's play (30 sec if your are untrained, I am sure anytime soon there will be competitions to find out whether it's possible to "beat" the fully automated version - just like manual gearbox vs. PDK ). Of course the remaining "hassle" is that you have to get out of the car for folding/unfolding the roof. Well, maybe I can trick myself by saying it provides just more opportunities to watch at and to touch the beautiful lines of the Spyder (just like some enjoy to carefully undress the playmate before playing..)

Once you sit behind the steering wheel the ergonomy is perfect (as already well known from the 981 platform), the folding buckets are actually more supportive and more comfy at the same time than the SportPlus seats (at least for me). The smaller steering wheel looks/feels great and adds to the "clean" design approach. Rear view ? Well, I'd say it exists at least I am happy that I opted for the rear view camera (though screen view quality is so-so only).

As I didn't drive the car myself and as the car is not broken in yet I can't tell much about the driving experience (other than that the owner who is an experienced multi P-car owner had only good things to report).

Though what I can tell (though hard to describe with words) is that the sound is absoluetely fantastic Holy moly - actually Porsche managed to make this beast louder than the GTS and make it sound nicer at the same time (the loud/nice thing often contradicts itself IMHO). The sound is far more "bassy" compared to the 3.4 engine and plays the same league as a GT3 in the aural pleasure department If I consider that the car is not broken in yet and that the owner took it only up to 4,000 rpm I cannot wait for my own baby roaring and screaming all the way to redline on a nice alpine road after break in Actually we did a back to back sound-check with a Cayman GTS and the verdict of the grand jury (consisting of about a dozen porschephiles) was unanimous: Porsche is guilty of bringing the wildest sounding Boxster ever to the market - well done, Porsche

So I really enjoyed my first encounter wih the Spyder, making the wait even harder...

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public roads: Porsche 981S white/black/red, toll road  : Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black

very nice summary on ur encounter PJ!

Great write up PJ, many thanks.  I might be biased towards carrara white metallic but that looks absolutely superb.  There was a carrara white Spyder at Festival of Speed, if I get a chance I'll post some photos later.

Porsche Boxster GTS Carrara white / Skoda Octavia Mk.3 daily drive

Thanks for posting !!! Very useful

Blueflame

Looks very cool.. I reckon it'll be an awesome car

2015 911 GT3, 2011 987S, 1964 Type 1

New pics...

RodoRS -> 

Stunning!

Achim, you will have a superb fun car . Can't wait for you to have it and give us your impressions !

 997.2 C2 ,  -20mm  I 964 Carrera 4 I 991 GT3 RS on order delivery early Sept .

Nice write-up PJ! The car looks really great. Very sleek, sporty and elegant. Looking forward to your impressions upon delivery.

2015 981 Cayman GT4 | White | Full Bucket Seats | Sport Chrono
2014 991 Carrera 4S | Dark Blue Metallic | PDK | Sport Chrono | SPASM

Nice little piece on Webber and the Spyder. 

http://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/christophorusmagazine/articleoverview/article02/

WAY:

Nice little piece on Webber and the Spyder. 

http://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/christophorusmagazine/articleoverview/article02/

Looks like Webber is going to replace, or already have replaced Walter in Porsche advertise...

after weeks of playing with the configurator, I have 'finalised' my 'bare-minimum' spec ...

Black convertible top 
Guards Red 
Black leather int. pack with Alcantara 
Deletion of model designation 
Net-type wind deflector 
Bi-Xenon-Headlights incl. Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS+) with dynamic high beam
64-litre fuel tank 
6-speed manual gearbox 
20-inch Boxster Spyder Design wheels 
Cruise control 
Air conditioning (manually) 
Storage net in passenger footwell 
Smoking package 
HomeLink® (garage door opener) 
Light design package
Full bucket seats (918 seats)
Automatically dimming mirrors with integrated rain sensor
Guards Red seat belts Exclusive 
Key pouch in leather Exclusive 
Centre console trim in leather Exclusive 
Sun visors in leather Exclusive 
Instrument surround upper section in leather Exclusive
Steering column casing in leather Exclusive
Inner door sill guards in leather Exclusive 
Brushed aluminium interior package (with leather interior) Exclusive
Sound Package Plus 
CDR audio system

After long thaughts and waiting too long to order it by my OPC. ( a friend bought the last one on my advice... )

We ordered a spyder via a secialist who had a slot with a spanish dealer. I really had secondthaughts, after 6 911's🙉

but reading here and comparing a lot. I took the step,  My beloved R8 goes away... And 993 cab gers a younger sister. Our specs:

White with Black convertible top 
White rollbar
Black leather int. pack with Alcantara 
Net-type wind deflector 
Rear camera
6-speed manual gearbox 
20-inch Boxster Spyder Design wheels , grey
Cruise control 
Air conditioning automatic
Storage net in passenger footwell 

Standard bucket seats 

leather alcantara, red stitching
Guards Red seat belts Exclusive 

Door openers red
PCM navigation

heated seats

demivery mid october

--

965 3.3turbo/  993 targa / 996 cab /997S cab/996 GT3

Audi R8  //  Audi A6 3.0 biturbo Quattro/Mini JCW/ 993 cab

@ sfo, belter: congrats on your orders It´s good to see more RT fellows joining the Spyder club.

@ beltar: you may consider adding smoking package and 64 liter fuel tank ? Will you pick up your car at Zuffenhausen ? My car will be also an October built, so we may have a little Spyder party in Zuffenhausen

Luckily the multiple changes of my spec (PTS, LWB) did not trigger a delay in the prospective built date (October). I,m keeping my fingers crossed for you guys and for me regarding on time delivery...

public roads: Porsche 981S white/black/red, toll road  : Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black

We didn't order the 64l tank because we'd like to take the spyder on travel trough Europe from time to time. So we need more luggage room. What's the benefit of smoking package? 

Can't change anything no more i thinck. It's september built and delivery october. Maybe we can arrange a spyder meetup later?

965 3.3turbo/  993 targa / 996 cab /997S cab/996 GT3

Audi R8  //  Audi A6 3.0 biturbo Quattro/Mini JCW/ 993 cab

beltar:

We didn't order the 64l tank because we'd like to take the spyder on travel trough Europe from time to time. So we need more luggage room. What's the benefit of smoking package? 

Can't change anything no more i thinck. It's september built and delivery october. Maybe we can arrange a spyder meetup later?

I think the only difference is that the non-smoker kit includes an open tray while the smoker kit has a closed ashtray. Although I'm happy to learn that there is more to it.

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Porsche 911 GT3 - Guards Red 997 MKII Clubsport

Is there any difference in the trunk size? I always thought that the different fuel tank sizes are only because of some crazy tax rules.

@ Beltar, you may want to revisit your decision not to go for the larger fuel tank. It doesn't affect the available trunk volume, as the fuel tanks are outside the trunk area. For long European trips the larger fuel tank could be a distinct advantage.  

fritz

In my 991 GTS, I have to drive every 300 km to the fuel station to fuel the car up because the fuel tank is so small. Not really a problem but sometimes a little bit annoying. A bigger fuel tank is always welcomed.

RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 991 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, Porsche Macan Turbo, Ford Mustang GT500 Shelby SVT (2014), Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (2014)

Gauss:

beltar:

We didn't order the 64l tank because we'd like to take the spyder on travel trough Europe from time to time. So we need more luggage room. What's the benefit of smoking package? 

Can't change anything no more i thinck. It's september built and delivery october. Maybe we can arrange a spyder meetup later?

I think the only difference is that the non-smoker kit includes an open tray while the smoker kit has a closed ashtray. Although I'm happy to learn that there is more to it.

--

Porsche 911 GT3 - Guards Red 997 MKII Clubsport

 

The Smoker's package includes a closeable lid at the rear of the center console and an additional 12V plug, which comes handy when you have multiple chargeable phones etc. 

That, AND the closed off compartment looks way better than the standard open one, and it is a 0-cost option...

Non-smoker's package:

WITH smoker's package:

 

Porsche description: "Ashtray and cigarette lighter in place of the uncovered storage compartment in the front centre console"

Gauss:

 

I think the only difference is that the non-smoker kit includes an open tray while the smoker kit has a closed ashtray.

 

Yes, closed ashtray plus cigar lighter  Main purpose of ticking the box for this no cost option is to avoid the "whole" in the rear center console. As for the fueltank: I think it is ridiculuos that carmakers (not only Porsche) offer smaller tanks as standard just to gain something on paper - smaller tank = less weight (gasoline) = better fuel consumption (probably by 0.01 L/100 km  It is interesting that they claimed to have invented electric steering a couple of years ago because it provides a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 L/100 km. Though in case of the steering I am inclined to assume that they did it simply because production costs are less compared to the hydraulic steering.

@ beltar: sure we can arrange a Spyder meeting later  Our places are not that far apart and there is quite a number of future Spyderisti in my neck of the woods.

@ RC: the 300 km thing sounds quite "80ish" to me (when I drove the 6 cyl BMWs back in the eighties on the Autobahn fuel tank was empty after 300-350 km because these cars easily drank 20 L/100 km or even more when flooring the right pedal, though hp was only +/- 200 or so..

@ Joost: thank you for uploading the pics - pics say more than thousand words 
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public roads: Porsche 981S white/black/red, toll road  : Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black

Shit... PreSume this is the inconvenience of an order via a dealer abroad. I only didn't take the larger tank whilst thinking i'd loose luggage space. I'm abroad till end of next week. I presume my order is alreafy finalised. 

965 3.3turbo/  993 targa / 996 cab /997S cab/996 GT3

Audi R8  //  Audi A6 3.0 biturbo Quattro/Mini JCW/ 993 cab

Don't worry, beltar - your car will be great nonetheless :-)

public roads: Porsche 981S white/black/red, toll road  : Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black

beltar:

Shit... PreSume this is the inconvenience of an order via a dealer abroad. I only didn't take the larger tank whilst thinking i'd loose luggage space. I'm abroad till end of next week. I presume my order is alreafy finalised. 

 

If you have a September built you should still be able to change your order . Usually they close it about one month before production .

 997.2 C2 ,  -20mm  I 964 Carrera 4 I 991 GT3 RS on order delivery early Sept .

Thx Gnil, i tried to reach my contact. But in Belgium almost everyone has vacation at this time. Still doubts about the metallic white instead of the ordered plain white. 

965 3.3turbo/  993 targa / 996 cab /997S cab/996 GT3

Audi R8  //  Audi A6 3.0 biturbo Quattro/Mini JCW/ 993 cab

beltar:

Thx Gnil, i tried to reach my contact. But in Belgium almost everyone has vacation at this time. Still doubts about the metallic white instead of the ordered plain white. 

Trust me Carrara White is worth the extra over plain white!

Porsche Boxster GTS Carrara white / Skoda Octavia Mk.3 daily drive

965 3.3turbo/  993 targa / 996 cab /997S cab/996 GT3

Audi R8  //  Audi A6 3.0 biturbo Quattro/Mini JCW/ 993 cab

cute sound!

965 3.3turbo/  993 targa / 996 cab /997S cab/996 GT3

Audi R8  //  Audi A6 3.0 biturbo Quattro/Mini JCW/ 993 cab

Porsche-Jeck:

Gauss:

 

I think the only difference is that the non-smoker kit includes an open tray while the smoker kit has a closed ashtray.

 

Yes, closed ashtray plus cigar lighter  Main purpose of ticking the box for this no cost option is to avoid the "whole" in the rear center console. As for the fueltank: I think it is ridiculuos that carmakers (not only Porsche) offer smaller tanks as standard just to gain something on paper - smaller tank = less weight (gasoline) = better fuel consumption (probably by 0.01 L/100 km  It is interesting that they claimed to have invented electric steering a couple of years ago because it provides a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 L/100 km. Though in case of the steering I am inclined to assume that they did it simply because production costs are less compared to the hydraulic steering.

@ beltar: sure we can arrange a Spyder meeting later  Our places are not that far apart and there is quite a number of future Spyderisti in my neck of the woods.

@ RC: the 300 km thing sounds quite "80ish" to me (when I drove the 6 cyl BMWs back in the eighties on the Autobahn fuel tank was empty after 300-350 km because these cars easily drank 20 L/100 km or even more when flooring the right pedal, though hp was only +/- 200 or so..

@ Joost: thank you for uploading the pics - pics say more than thousand words 
--

 

public roads: Porsche 981S white/black/red, toll road  : Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black

 

agressiever

Thx for the input! 

Got today confirmation! Car will have 64l tank, smoking package and carrara white metaliv colour! Thx guys!

965 3.3turbo/  993 targa / 996 cab /997S cab/996 GT3

Audi R8  //  Audi A6 3.0 biturbo Quattro/Mini JCW/ 993 cab