Another 997 Turbo has found its home
Took delivery on Monday, about two weeks earlier than expected. The car is configured as follows: Blk/Blk, Tip, Adaptive Sport Seats/heated, Sport Chrono Package.
Went for a nice drive yesterday. Here are some initial observations:
Coming from a 2004 SL500, I can really feel and appreciate the weight difference - approximately 600lbs less! It makes the car feel much more responsive during braking and cornering. IMO MB needs to work on weight reduction rather than monsterous power.
The second thing that struck me was how effortless the car accelerates. With all its low end torque, you can slightly press the accelerator at highway speed and the Turbo will pick-up speed very quickly without even downshifting. IMO, while the break-in restriction of 4,200rpms will nevertheless be painful, the Turbo's low end power characteristics make it less so than a NA vehicle which needs more revs before anything meaningful begins to happen.
The front lip is low! Immediately touched it while exiting the dealership. Yes, they look cool lowered but beware.
After driving the SL500 for 3 years, I find the exhaust note just fine. In fact, I like hearing the turbo whine.
Tiptronic - it shifts faster than the MB and can be manually overridden even when in AUTO mode. After 8 seconds it goes back to AUTO mode. The car starts in second gear (not good) but again, you can override it by shifting down to first gear. The Tip will hold gears well under 2,000rpm, even 5th while going uphill. I find this surprising. Maybe it can do so with all its torque? I also find the downshifts smoother than the SL500, which could induce rear wheel lock-up.
The suspension/side is definitely stiffer than the SL500. While not a problem on good roads, it is very noticeable on poor road surfaces, where it also makes considerable tire/road noise.
The steering is quick/direct & precise with good weight. Caution will be needed at high speeds, however.
On a final note, I found the Adaptive Sport Seats much better than the SL500's, making up for the stiffer ride.
Pictures to follow.
Went for a nice drive yesterday. Here are some initial observations:
Coming from a 2004 SL500, I can really feel and appreciate the weight difference - approximately 600lbs less! It makes the car feel much more responsive during braking and cornering. IMO MB needs to work on weight reduction rather than monsterous power.
The second thing that struck me was how effortless the car accelerates. With all its low end torque, you can slightly press the accelerator at highway speed and the Turbo will pick-up speed very quickly without even downshifting. IMO, while the break-in restriction of 4,200rpms will nevertheless be painful, the Turbo's low end power characteristics make it less so than a NA vehicle which needs more revs before anything meaningful begins to happen.
The front lip is low! Immediately touched it while exiting the dealership. Yes, they look cool lowered but beware.
After driving the SL500 for 3 years, I find the exhaust note just fine. In fact, I like hearing the turbo whine.
Tiptronic - it shifts faster than the MB and can be manually overridden even when in AUTO mode. After 8 seconds it goes back to AUTO mode. The car starts in second gear (not good) but again, you can override it by shifting down to first gear. The Tip will hold gears well under 2,000rpm, even 5th while going uphill. I find this surprising. Maybe it can do so with all its torque? I also find the downshifts smoother than the SL500, which could induce rear wheel lock-up.
The suspension/side is definitely stiffer than the SL500. While not a problem on good roads, it is very noticeable on poor road surfaces, where it also makes considerable tire/road noise.
The steering is quick/direct & precise with good weight. Caution will be needed at high speeds, however.
On a final note, I found the Adaptive Sport Seats much better than the SL500's, making up for the stiffer ride.
Pictures to follow.
