Cayman GT4

[IMOA]

http://youtu.be/2GmLnDmBW10

Engine from the Carrera S
Front suspension from the GT3
New rear suspension
Brakes from the GT3
Working aero
Mechanical LSD
6 speed manual only

About 5 years ago at the end of a top gear series Clarkson did a atmospheric piece on the V12 Vantage and his fear that it was the last of its kind. At which point the automotive world started a 5 year horsepower war. Well, in that regard he was about as wrong as you could be but the feeling he had is how I feel about drivers cars now. Everything is going turbo and hybrid due to emissions. Everything is going automatic to shave a tenth in the spec sheet. To me this car looks to be one of the last real drivers cars that packs a serious punch. It also happens to be fucking awesome.

So, a (relatively) affordable old school analog sports car that can drive to work and the track, that matches a 997.2 GT3 for pace and sounds absolutely tits. I've been so well behaved with cars for the last 10 years but I think this is the one that cracks it.

[Yw-slayer]

Do it, and terrorise bankers who think that the 911 is "the only REAL Porsche".

[KillerB]

I love it, but it's just about $20k more than I'm willing to spend on a car at this point.

[Rare White Ape]

Fuck yeah. A real headbanger.

Do it.

[CudaMan]

Awesome, but $85k US is a lot of money. As a wild guess I wouldn't expect these to depreciate a lot if they are as limited and as good as I would expect them to be.

[IMOA]

I wish it was only 85k USD in Australia!

[The359]

I looked up the Ruf 3800S since it is basically the same concept, assuming it might be cheaper in price. Turns out its double the price of a Cayman GT4. :(

[Godson]

http://www.rarecarsforsaleblog.com/2013/02/07/very-rare-2001-ruf-3400s/

[Dicknose]

85k will get a 2009 cayman s
Gt4 will be more like 185k

Oh to have US car prices.

[IMOA]

The thing about the GT4 is its only about 7% more than the GTS and you're getting much more car. Still expensive but quite cheap in comparison to its competitors.

[Phil_SS]

:drool:

[novicius]

I'm just here for the pics, Greg. ;) #waiting...

[Yw-slayer]

As in, pics or it didn't happen.

[IMOA]

I'm in Thailand until Saturday so Sunday I'll get down to the local dealership and try to secure one. I'd be very surprised if it arrives before next year though.

[Kchrpm]

I haven't watched this yet, but I assume it's useful in some way.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGVWojMMeg4

[FaultyMario]

How did it go?

[Fogelhund]

In my opinion, the best new car in some time... and a real gearbox too. If I could afford it, I would buy one right now.

[IMOA]

Ordered it this morning, delivery around december

[IMOA]

And just between us 'HOLY FUCK I JUST ORDERED A GT4'

[Random]

Dude! :D

[thesameguy]

Dude!

+ December?

[IMOA]

To the best of their knowledge (and they know about as much as us atm) Australian allocation will be built around August and then it takes 2-3 months to get here. I'm probably going to be in Japan augustish to decemberish so that kinda suits me. If it arrives a bit early they're happy to store it for a couple of months but I'm pretty sure I'll be home for christmas so thats when I'll take delivery.

[KillerB]

:up:

[samoht]

And just between us 'HOLY FUCK I JUST ORDERED A GT4'

Fantastic, really glad to hear. It looks such a tasty proposition. Make sure to get some good drives and tell us all about it when you finally get to drive it :-)

[Kchrpm]

:up:

[Mr Wonder]

Best self Christmas present ever. :up:
Nicely done sir.

[Rare White Ape]

Ordered it this morning, delivery around december

Sick mate.

So uhh hey what do you do for a living and can you get me a job?

[Rare White Ape]

Also,

Giz drive.

[Yw-slayer]

Sweet, mate.


Also,

Giz drive.

After all that time you spend as a motorcyclist who trolls car owners?

[Freude am Fahren]

:up: What color?

[The359]

Jelly! :up:

[Dicknose]

Cool.
Very jealous

[Rare White Ape]

Sweet, mate.



After all that time you spend as a motorcyclist who trolls car owners?

Yeah, and he can ride my bike if he wants.

[IMOA]

The spec I don't have to decide for another 4 months or so but I have a basic idea

Sapphire Blue - Yellow doesn't quite do it for me and the rest of the colours are a bit boring. A silver/grey GT4 would be a travesty. And I think this blue looks awesome (same blue as a lot of the press shots)
Light weight buckets - I'm going to need to get back to the gym :)
Extended leather - I wasn't going to do this but the standard trim on the top of the door is seriously low rent and in the 5 million leather options (leather seatbelt buckles, are you serious) you couldn't add it individually. Kinda feels like it's against the idea of a GT car but standard it's really bad and that would annoy me in a car that costs this much
Dynamic lights - basically makes the headlights brighter and they turn into the corner. Not too expensive and given I do do a bit of driving up country roads at night I think it's a decent idea
Steering wheel and gear lever in leather - Standard they are alcantara but particularly for the steering wheel I'm concerned about how it will stand up after 5 years.
Ours do come standard with PCM, nav etc so nothing needed there
Rear parking sensors aren't available but the Porsche dealership here organised some aftermarket ones for the GT3's and I'll think about these, mainly because I'll be a bit paranoid and there's a whacking great big wing in the rear window

[Freude am Fahren]

:up: A camera could be an option too. Even more awareness, and in most cases isn't any more difficult to wire up without modifying the vehicle. Big question is whether the sat/nav is already programmed for it (probably).

[Yw-slayer]

So, sell me your 86 so that I can supercharge it as a project car?

[IMOA]

I expect sat nav will be programmed for it, it's the same one thats all the other porsches which have it. I think it might be because the GT's have different rear bumpers and they can't be arsed designing how the sensors will fit in it for a low volume track car

YW - sure :) Chances are I'll be offloading it in a few months and replacing it with a station beater which I'll keep when the it arrives. Trips to the shops on a saturday morning probably aren't the best use of a GT4

[Yw-slayer]

Actually there may be problems with it passing emissions/reg etc. here unless it's turboed/supered first THEN passes them. A major risk to take, so forget it.

I can, however, mail you the arms(?) that you gave me - as I haven't installed them yet - if you would be interested in selling me your MCA Reds so that you can put the stock suspension back on it before moving it on. How many KM have you put on the Reds?

[IMOA]

Had a bit of a hectic last week

Coilovers have about 20k kms on them, I'll almost certainly sell them with the car because I can't be arsed swapping them out. Pull your finger out and put in the camber bolts, takes about 10 minutes each side and helps a lot, especially with the tyres you're running.

[Yw-slayer]

Won't they result in tramlining and uneven tyre wear?

[Random]

Maybe a little bit of tramlining.

Uneven wear has not ever been an issue for me, running 2-degrees (or more) of camber. Make sure your toe doesn't get wacky! Excess toe will kill a set of tires with a quickness.

[Godson]

On camber wear for tires. Just drive faster.

[Random]

On camber wear for tires. Just drive faster.

That, too. :D

[neanderthal]

Dude. You're getting a GT4!

[IMOA]

Won't they result in tramlining and uneven tyre wear?

Standard the 86 has maybe 0.3 of a degree neg camber, these will get you to 1 - 1.2ish. Thats really not enough for tramlining and you're not going to get uneven wear. Actually, that will probably reduce the uneven wear, with only the camber bolts I was shredding the outside edge of the tread and sidewall.

[Yw-slayer]

Ok, I need to find someone who knows what to do with them then.

[IMOA]

Take wheel off, undo boly on strut, put in new bolt, set to max camber (there should still be a mark on the head which showed the highest point of the cam. If it's rubbed off put another one there, it will make it easier for you) toghten bolt. Repeat on the other side. Done.

Go here

http://www.whiteline.com.au/product_detail4.php?part_number=KCA416

Click 'Download install guide'

[Yw-slayer]

Alright, thanks mate.

[Dicknose]

Less 86 talk (yawn)
More gt4 talk
Or pics
Or offers to locals to take them for a spin!

[IMOA]

I still don't know if I have one yet, at the moment all I've done is lent Porsche Australia 5 grand and have a Porsche folder sitting on my coffee table. I think the Australian prices will make it easier to get a confirmed allocation than places like the US or UK where they've sold 10 times the number of cars they're getting. Biggest problem I have is I have no standing with Porsche so I'm still a bit worried I'll miss out.

Apart from that the press drives are starting this weekend so we should see some proper reviews in a week or so.

I'll drop round when I pick it up DN :)

[Yw-slayer]

It's actually PRETTY DECENT VALUE in HK at around USD170K, and cheaper than a base 911.

Having said that, once you put on a few options (leaving out useless tat like the coloured headlight wipers for USD250) it quickly becomes around the same price as one, if not more.

[samoht]

Chris Harris on the GT4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9-Sr8RPty4&feature=youtu.be

https://grrc.goodwood.com/road/drives-and-rides/porsche-cayman-gt4-driven

[IMOA]

Getting excited :)

[Dicknose]

I see they are now quoting a price online.
206k
ouch!

And your original "GT4 is its only about 7% more than the GTS" - looks like its closer to 17% more.
206 v 175

Still will be a pretty amazing car.
And still more than Im willing to spend right now

[Yw-slayer]

Gonna be nuts.

Also, will it end up like this brand new 911 Turbo (US$410K in HK) that broke down after less than 6 months?

Stay Japanese, Greg. :p :assclown:1141

[IMOA]

I see they are now quoting a price online.
206k
ouch!

And your original "GT4 is its only about 7% more than the GTS" - looks like its closer to 17% more.
206 v 175

Still will be a pretty amazing car.
And still more than Im willing to spend right now

175 is the pre on roads cost and yeah, I'm looking at 220k on road with options so about 175k us. It's a lot but I've no intention of dying with a stack of money in the bank.

[Yw-slayer]

You can always give it to me. The money, that is.

[Dicknose]

Those were drive away prices without any options, from porsche Aust website. Cayman S is 153.
I have the money, but don't think I want to spend that much on a vehicle that will be my 2nd choice toy.
Looking for a cheaper 2nd hand one. About a 2010 S.

[Dicknose]

Oh just saw they announced a new Boxster Spyder that also has the 3.8
Seems the cat (engine) is out of the bag.

[IMOA]

Value for money option is the 987.2 as it gets the 3.4 DFI engine, i.e. the same engine as the current Cayman S. This is about 2009 on and should be from about 75k.

In other news it looks like Porsche are discontinuing the sapphire blue, no word on if or what they might be replacing it with.

[Leon]

OK, definitely coming to visit Sydney again once you're past the "too scared to drive it in anger" stage :)

[Dicknose]

Hmm - the Boxter Sypder looks good, if you want similar fun to the GT4 but with a bit more poser value, but less track!
Interesting it has a smaller fuel tank 54l, with a no cost option to go back to the standard 64l
Ditto air-con is a no cost option.
Hmm - cruise control is a cost option? Seriously?

Damn.
Maybe I should buy one in the US and just fly over to drive it.
Or follow IMOA attitude and just buy it rather than die with a ton of money in the bank.

[Yw-slayer]

You could always leave the money to me in your will.

[Godson]

I could use it to pay off my house, school loans, and MY 911.


It'll do good for society AND make you feel better for it!

[IMOA]

Good news, looks like I get to keep Sapphire Blue which makes me very happy. Going down to the dealer to finalise spec but looks like June build with October delivery. Hopefully.

DN - a lot of those are no cost options to keep the 'standard' weight down

All - I'm not dead yet you bastards :)

[Dicknose]

Aus specs for the Spyder are up - PCM included, 2 zone aircon.
The stuff that is optional extras that are standard here (to help justify the huge mark ups)

I presume the GT4 is the same.

Great news on the blue.
Think means I should get red.

[Rare White Ape]

I could use it to pay off my house, school loans, and MY 911.


It'll do good for society AND make you feel better for it!

I'm trying to count how many 2015 Yamaha R1s you can get for two hundred and twenty gorillas.

If I could do the maths, I'd be in a job where I'd be earning that sort of wedge.

[Dicknose]

Spyder looks like it's coming in under 190
Bargain
(although it doesn't get most of the trick features)

That's only about 7 Diavels

[IMOA]

Sport auto doing a 7:42 around the ring. Looks fast :)


https://youtu.be/EB9qJlpHvEs

[Leon]

1) Proper H pattern gearbox :)
2) Could that guy sit any closer to the wheel?!?!?

[Dicknose]

First customer GT4s delivered. Saw a planet9 post from a Swiss guy who got his yesterday.
I'm guessing it's euro markets (and lhd) first.

[Yw-slayer]

Yeah, that makes sense.

[Dicknose]

IMOA - Ive pulled the pin on the Spyder.
I really liked the blue but couldnt do the same colour, so Im in obnoxiously loud red.
and I didnt go for bucket seats, just the sports-plus.

Any updates, got a build date, delivery date?

[IMOA]

Woohoo, awesome stuff. I was actually watching the Spyder video Porsche put on youtube a couple of days ago and wondering if you'd finalised.

I've haven't chased them up, been a bit hectic lately but I probably need to pull my finger out as I think I've just added 4-5 weeks in Japan in September to my 3 weeks in europe in October. By the time I get back from europe it will probably be waiting.

How about you? Do they have any idea on delivery dates?

[Phil_SS]

IMOA - Ive pulled the pin on the Spyder.

Holy Crap! You ordered a 918 Spyder?

[Dicknose]

No date yet, but guess of January.
Heck they only just got cars for press reviews a week ago!

[Kchrpm]

Holy Crap! You ordered a 918 Spyder?

2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder (http://www.caranddriver.com/news/2016-porsche-boxster-spyder-photos-and-info-news)

http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/51/2016-porsche-boxster-spyder-inline3-photo-658048-s-original.jpg

[Dicknose]

Holy Crap! You ordered a 918 Spyder?

Boxster Spyder!
That's a little bit cheaper.
And the 918 is only LHD!

[Dicknose]

Thanks, beat me to it.
I'm going for red...
Like in this review
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/porsche/boxster-spyder

http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/gts-2015a-001.jpg

[Kchrpm]

I looked it up earlier because I didn't know what it was either :)

[Dicknose]

Well until a few weeks ago I think that white one was the only one they had made.
Then a blue one turned up for a few photos with Ms Sharipova.
Then the press were given a few cars to drive, including the blue, a yellow and two different red ones.

It hasn't gotten the same attention as the GT4.
So it's not surprising most people, even car people, haven't heard of it.
Its shares engine and fenders with the GT4, but doesn't get the suspensions bits, wheels or brakes.

[21Kid]

Nice! :cool::up:

[Yw-slayer]

Cool. I have seen 1-2 of the older model around HK.

[novicius]

Extra special-good, sir! :up:

[Freude am Fahren]

:up: This is turning into like when a bunch of us bought 86's a couple years ago, just more... sophisticated :)

[Phil_SS]

Thanks, beat me to it.
I'm going for red...
Like in this review
http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/gts-2015a-001.jpg

That's hot!

[Godson]

I love the boxster spyder!

That makes 3 of us with porkas now! Who is next?

[Random]

That's hot!

Not as hot as blue + Sharapova, though. ;)

[Freude am Fahren]

Hell, not as hot as Taupe + Sharapova

[Random]

Word.

[novicius]

:up: This is turning into like when a bunch of us bought 86's a couple years ago, just more... sophisticated :)
Or RX-8's before that.

[Jason]

We just need more FiSTs ;)

[Jason]

Thanks, beat me to it.
I'm going for red...
Like in this review
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/porsche/boxster-spyder

http://images.cdn.autocar.co.uk/sites/autocar.co.uk/files/styles/gallery_slide/public/gts-2015a-001.jpg

I had no idea this even existed, awesome!

Though, I don't think I could live with a manual roof :P

[Dicknose]

I hope the roof stays down 99% of the time.

And a convertible seemed the obvious choice for someone who mostly rides motorbikes and needs something for wet days when I don't want to be on the bike!

[Phil_SS]

Or RX-8's before that.

And Sentra SE-R before that...

[Godson]

God damn we are a boring bunch of enthusiasts

[IMOA]

And MR2's and MX5's. Almost more interesting is the cars we haven't had and I reckon the corvette is top of the 'why has no-one ever had one' list.

[Random]

ZR1 used up our allotment, back in the day. ;)

[novicius]

And MR2's and MX5's. Almost more interesting is the cars we haven't had and I reckon the corvette is top of the 'why has no-one ever had one' list.
As an owner of several American V8 cars in my life, my excuse is that I always want to have a backseat. :D

[IMOA]

Quick update. Spoke with my dealer today and he is saying I'm about to go into production and should be looking at delivery in November. I'm in Japan all september and then europe in October so this works pretty well assuming that it's correct info (for the money I'm spending they're a bit shit in terms of keeping me in the loop)

[Random]

You don't get postcards from your car, a la MINI? :D

[IMOA]

I did get a 1/48 die cast 356 speedster :)

[Leon]

On the subject of cars GTX hasn't had (any/many?) GT-R Skylines of any gen .... have there been any in the clan?

I'd love an R32, but need more garaging.

[Random]

Does Skyline_Obsession have a GT-R or a GT-S?

[Leon]

He's a GTS or a GTS-T, rather than a GTR.

[Random]

Ah, ok.

[IMOA]

There's been some in the UK, can't remember who though. Also one of my GTR owning mates posted a few times on the last board, never a regular though.

[Leon]

I pretty much have always wanted a 32 GTR ... though they are cheap to buy, I doubt they are cheap to live with ;)

[CudaMan]

You should work out a deal where you can borrow one on weekends. ;)

[GB]

You should work out a deal where you can borrow one on weekends. ;)

It finally happened. Humble Bryan has now started rubbing it in.

:P

[Random]

You should work out a deal where you can borrow one on weekends. ;)

Yours is the lame RWD version, though. :p :D

[Freude am Fahren]

#humblebrag

[Jason]

You should work out a deal where you can borrow one on weekends. ;)

:lol::up:

[novicius]

You should work out a deal where you can borrow one on weekends. ;)
Hey now, don't blame a guy for simply being honest! :up:

[Blerpa]

Hey, lest forget there are not one but TWO Volkswagen Lupo SDI in the Granturismo forum steed! :D :lol: :finger:

[CudaMan]

I couldn't resist that one! :)

[21Kid]

:lol: That was good. :toast:

[21Kid]

US collectors lift Nissan GT-R Skyline values (http://www.autoblog.com/2015/08/05/nissan-gtr-skyline-collector-car-values/)

Prices in Japan for the R32 Nissan GT-R are skyrocketing due to US demand now that they can be imported to the States. Once the early adopters are through, prices could go back down, though.

[Freude am Fahren]

Smart Play: Buy an R33 in 2019 (or an R34 in 2024), put in storage for a year.

[FaultyMario]

Are they that much expensive in Australia?, I'm guessing storage space is much cheaper down under.

[IMOA]

Probably not any more expensive in Aus but you'll likely be able to find better ones in Japan. Good 32's are getting a bit hard to find these days with decent close to standard ones being mothballed now. If I was in the US and wanted one I'd get something like this - http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-Skyline-1993/SSE-AD-3417019/?Cr=6 . Thats a nicely modified R32, just over 20k US, mid 500's in terms of hp and generally has used good quality parts. To give some perspective, for a collectable GTR you're looking at something like this http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Nissan-Skyline-1990/SSE-AD-3468504/?Cr=18 . A bit more expensive.

No-one gives a fuck about R33 GTR's, we all just pretend they never existed.

Oh, and you might be surprised about the cost of storage space, parking in Sydney for example is about double the cost of Tokyo

[Freude am Fahren]

I'm sure you could find some bogan with a barn :)

[Kchrpm]

Or a Sheila with a shed.

[Godson]

I'd take an r33...

[Leon]

For me, it's R32 or nothing. Damn you Gran Turismo for making me like such daft cars.

[Yw-slayer]

I recently heard that a relative's friend who lives in KL is complaining about his dad wanting to buy him a Mk VII Golf R, because what he REALLY wants is an R32 Skyline. Do we feel for him, bros?

[Leon]

Kick him in the uterus.

[IMOA]

I recently heard that a relative's friend who lives in KL is complaining about his dad wanting to buy him a Mk VII Golf R, because what he REALLY wants is an R32 Skyline. Do we feel for him, bros?

Yes, I'd want the same :)

[Yw-slayer]

Yeah, but you're 40+yo. This guy is in his mid 20s.

[Leon]

Can't compute dad wanting to buy mid 20's son a car.

[FaultyMario]

Coolio dad?

[Yw-slayer]

It's Malaysia, so it's probably the second-most expensive country in the world to buy an imported car in (Singapore is probably the most expensive). You can buy a huge house in America for the price of a Golf R. Average earning power isn't that high either.

[Godson]

Can we get back to talking about the Cayman gt4?

[Yw-slayer]

I agree.

[Freude am Fahren]

Cayman GT4: Better than 911?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=TLtXghdDFwaV0xMDEwMjAxNQ&v=QfHwmTIyr7E

[Godson]

The answer is yes

[IMOA]

Just done 5 weeks in Japan, back in Aus for a couple of days and now in Belgium for the next couple of weeks but, well, you can see for yourselves :)

https://www.facebook.com/PorscheCentreWilloughby

[Yw-slayer]

I guess the only issue with it is that (unlike the 911) it doesn't have 4 seats, so you can't fit your young 'uns in the back and let them share the thrill of driving from extreme youth.

But that's a churlish complaint. Clearly this is the proper "real driver's" Porsche until that stripped-down 911 arrives, and even that is a bit too big as it's now more like a GT than a sports car.

[Dicknose]

Oh I might have to pop over to Willoughby

[Mr Wonder]

The blue one? It looks bloody amazing mate!

[Dicknose]

Hmm - does it look like...
1495
1497

with some idiot going...
1496

[Random]

Did you lick the door handle?

[Dicknose]

I licked something...

[IMOA]

I'll make sure I pick up some rubber gloves before I get home.

[Yw-slayer]

Congrats mate!

[Godson]

Nice!!!!!!

[Dicknose]

It does look glorious.
And everyone at the dealership were excited.
You might have to return the favor and get to see my car before I do, there is a chance mine will arrive while I'm in the US for xmas.

[IMOA]

I will be happy to take some photos and lick random parts of your car for you

[IMOA]

It's been a while coming but it's here, did about 850km today and it's utterly brilliant.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/735/22415992170_ef563a16f6_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/A9PPvC)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/722/21981097734_6d613af1a1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/zuoSxG)

Will post thoughts in a bit

[IMOA]

OK, bit of a brain dump from the drive today

It is ridiculously capable point to point. It pretty much does everything so well that you do have to watch the speed you're building. And that was trying to keep revs under 4000!
Turn in is epic, just points in and sticks. Steering feedback I'm not sold on yet, feels a bit too much like force feedback. I'll reserve judgement until I get a proper wheel alignment but in terms of feedback my old 86 is better.
The noise. Oh the noise.
Flywheel is really light, fantastic when heal toeing as you can lift the revs so quickly.
Everyone said 'it's much better around town than you think', they were right, even though I had read that so many times it was still much better than I thought.
Fuck me its fast.
The noise.
Seats are great, so glad I was able to get the carbon buckets.

[Kchrpm]

There's no doubt she's a beauty, glad the driving experience is even better than the sky high expectations.

[21Kid]

:eek: Beautiful! :up:

Congrats! I'm glad it's lived up to the hype. :D:toast:

[Random]

Awesome. :toast:

(And great photo location, too. ;))

[Godson]

*fap fap fap fap fap*


Welcome to the Porsche experience.

[thesameguy]

That's a hell of a ride... possibly even *the* ride. :up:

[Crazed_Insanity]

I, OTOH, thought that's one heavenly looking ride!

Wish I could lick it too! :p

[KillerB]

NICE

[novicius]

Great Odin's ravens! Fantastic work, Greg! :up: :up:

[CudaMan]

Way too cool. And what a view! Enjoy the hell out of it.

[The359]

Jelly! :up:

[IMOA]

OK, had some sleep, now to post some more composed thoughts. I'll refer o the 86 a bit as thats my last car, keep in mind that I'm referring to an 86 thats had a fair chunk of cash spent on quality suspension mods. I'm also going to focus a bit on some 'hmm, thats interesting' things that I haven't seen mentioned (much at least) in reviews so balance what I've written here with a great wall of 'fuck this car is incredible'.

Start with steering, electric isn't as good as hydraulic, but it is here to stay. At the moment I'm on a 'standard' alignment which is equal camber front to rear (should be more camber up front) an a bit of toe-in in the front whereas I prefer a tickle of toe out on the front. While how the car turns in is a lot better in the GT4 the feedback really is better in my 86 as things stand right now. The GT4 is a touch light around centre for my tastes and the feedback does remind me of a force feedback wheel whereas the 86 reminded me of hydraulic power steering. Just to keep things in perspective, this is very much preliminary as the GT4 isn't aligned by my guy yet and when I jump into a hire car (stuff like a new golf) I find the steering so bad that I think it's unsafe. Apparently I'm fussy about steering.

The noise is intoxicating. At the moment I'm keeping things under 4000 (stretching out to 4500 now and will go up in 500rpm increments every 250km from here) so I'm nowhere near the upper rev ranges under acceleration it's starting to build but it's heal-toeing where you're really getting it now. Combined with the really light flywheel if you're coming into a corner hot it sounds like a thousand chainsaws blazing in a sound proofed room and the door is thrown open for an instant. It's an instant flat six bark which is pure Porsche and sadly about to be retired as they roll out the emissions turbos. Fuck the emissions turbos.

It's not a light car. It's not a heavy car either but it's does feel heavier than the 86 (well, it is). Now, it's still exceptionally nimble and in macro movements it will change direction quicker but so far in the micro movements it's not as adjustable as the 86. That said, it also has miles more grip and carries corner speed that the 86 could only dream of. Actually, I'm not sure it could dream that imaginatively. I would echo was has been printed everywhere, to really drive a Gt4 you need to get thee to the track because the limits are so insanely high.

God it's nice having some power again. For the last three years every overtaking move on a country road had to be planned well in advance and executed flawlessly, yesterday it was just boom and you're through. Flipside, I do need to recalibrate my brain as early on I was arriving at corners much quicker than I thought, that grip is handy here :) I've got a few shorter drives planned for this weekend and then a big drive for monday when I should be able to really start running through the full revering.

The suspension is interesting. It's more comfortable than my old 86, actually, I'd say it's more comfortable than a standard 86. The trade-off is amazing as it's also more planted at speed. There is one area where I'm not so sure though and thats on some alternating bumpy and smooth roads, e.g. a fairly bumpy backroad, then onto a new bridge and back onto the road. The suspension feels like it gets confused, it's hard to explain but I think it's PASM playing silly buggers and getting it wrong. It's an odd feeling and not one I experienced with my old suspension, this is the thing I'll be watching most carefully. And for perspective, this happened twice in 850km and it's a new car to me.

Gearing. It doesn't bother me yet but maybe thats because I'm changing so early. My suspicion is that it won't bother me too much though as it's kinda the same as the gearing for an S14 but with a 6th gear on top. My gut feel is that this is a professional reviewers 'we have to say something bad about it' so a molehill is being made into a mountain. Keep in mind the significantly less powerful and much less torquey Cayman S has the same gearing and it's not mentioned much/at all in those reviews, imo it's because they've got enough other criticisms to make without dredging the barrel.

You feel very very special sitting in it. I'm glad I got the leather (even though a complete rip-off in Australia) and the carbon fibre buckets from the 918 are not only sensational to look at but a brilliant hybrid street/track seat. Start the engine and it fires with a bark. I'm convinced that Porsche do this intentionally - open the exhaust valve, rev enough that it barks and every start is a bit of automative theatre. Well done Porsche, it really is awesome.

OK, that will do for now, I'll post more thoughts as they come and on monday I'm going for a drive with a mate with a boxster who also happens to be a professional photographer so I should get some decent photos (though he has told me I have to wash the car).

[Freude am Fahren]

:up: Also good to know that my car has a better steering feel than the ultimate modern Porsche driver's car. :D

[IMOA]

That depends on whether you car has replaced all bushes in the front suspension, added castor, has MCA coilovers and an alignment from my guy :) Like I said, I'm comparing it to my 86 which had more than 5k in suspension work.

[IMOA]

OK, some more thoughts after todays drive.

The pedals are properly weighted. This may sound like an odd thing to say but it's important that pedals aren't too light and that all are similar in terms of weight and feel. They have got this perfect imo and the clutch in particular is just absolutely spot on. For example in the 86 imo the pedals are a touch light and the clutch is too long. In my cars in the past I've put a bit of work getting pedal feel right, from changing master cylinders to adding springs to throttle bodies but in this case someone has clearly put effort into getting this right. I appreciate that.

It is just wonderful theatre, even when driving around town. Turn the exhaust on shouty, wind the windows down and it's all flat six bark and burble, just driving down to the store to pick up the milk is awesome. When you're done put the exhaust back to mature, put the windows up and you're in a pretty refined space. Shouty, bark is much better fwiw. Dicknose's spyder is going to be amazing in the sound stakes, the videos don't do it justice.

[samoht]

Awesome, car looks great. It's one of those cars that looks perfect on paper - right size, right balance, right power and torque - and it's no surprise to hear that the execution is spot-on too.

Evo seemed pretty convinced by it in the current issue (216), not sure if you get that out there? - echoing a lot of your comments, right down to the perfect pedal weightings (which I agree is an important aspect).

I'm convinced this is one of those rare cars that's a classic from launch, really glad you've got one and are enjoying it, may the joy last for many years to come!

[IMOA]

Todays pics :)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/676/22634290566_2149abfc89_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Au7E25)

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5756/22037638354_712c667f2e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/zzoE6Y)

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/769/22472457260_522f30e5e9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/AePdBE)

[Yw-slayer]

SHIT, I JUST CAME

[M4FFU]

That is a properly lovely thing.

[Mr Wonder]

That is a magnificent machine. Glad you're enjoying it. :up:

[FaultyMario]

Shame about the plate design, uninspiring and they totally clash with the rest of the metal.

[Phil_SS]

:drool:

[novicius]

Great shots of a great subject, Greg! :up: :up:

[Freude am Fahren]

That depends on whether you car has replaced all bushes in the front suspension, added castor, has MCA coilovers and an alignment from my guy :) Like I said, I'm comparing it to my 86 which had more than 5k in suspension work.

I know, but can't you just let me live the lie?!!?

Beautiful car though. Exact color I'd spec too.

[Dicknose]

Great stuff.
That's the road to Akuna Bay?
I think that's the tolls in the background of the first shot.

Enjoy your magnificent car and thanks for sharing it with us.

[IMOA]

I know, but can't you just let me live the lie?!!?

Beautiful car though. Exact color I'd spec too.

To be fair I think that people would be surprised how good the electric steering is on the 86, not enough credit given to it IMO


Great stuff.
That's the road to Akuna Bay?
I think that's the tolls in the background of the first shot.

Enjoy your magnificent car and thanks for sharing it with us.

Yep, that's exactly where it is. And just for info, I'm toying with the idea of a week in Tasmania in March, thought is to catch the ferry across Sunday 6th and back the next Saturday. Something to think about.

[Dicknose]

Hmm sounds good.
Ill be in the country and out of work, so why not!

[IMOA]

Dicknose's Spyder is on Australian soil this morning :)

[Kchrpm]

Did you lick it yet?

[FaultyMario]

You gotta get it soft so you can kick it.

[IMOA]

Its only made it to the port. Should be at the dealership by the weekend so I can go down and lick it.

[Dicknose]

Just saw that the ship hit the docks a short while ago.
Been tracking it, but it took many days to cross the Pacific from the Panama Canal.
I'm still in the US for another 2 weeks so IMOA has a good chance to get lick revenge!

[Dicknose]

Fuck me, it's still being held in customs.
Did Porsche start shipping drugs in the cars?

[IMOA]

I know the saw the boat was quarantined but that was something like 2 weeks ago, really surprised it hasn't been released yet.

And the good news for you is I had to dash across to Thailand for a couple of weeks so no lick revenge :(

[IMOA]

So I'm back on Sunday, are we able to go for a sibling drive yet?

[Dicknose]

Maybe by Sunday.
The dealer has the car, I can see it tomorrow, but probably Wed pickup.

[IMOA]

I can see this whole kept at the docks thing was a brilliant plan to stop me getting lick revenge. Looks like I might have to stay an extra week in Thailand as well so not getting back until 30thish and the next weekend is the 12 hour at Bathurst

[Dicknose]

I got it, love it.
I'm sunburnt and don't know how to put the roof up, but don't care?

[Yw-slayer]

Sweet! I'm so jealous and happy for you two.

[IMOA]

How is the noise with no roof, it must be amazing

And pics!!!

[Godson]

Yes. Pics, and videos.

[Dicknose]

Pics coming.
I think I done a billion 3rd to 2nd gear changes with the blipper turner on, just because I can. The throttle overrun is also a great sound.

[GB]

I got it, love it.
I'm sunburnt and don't know how to put the roof up, but don't care?
:up::up::up:

[Dicknose]

Some pics, sorry about quality and things like poles in background.

1569
1570

[IMOA]

Guards looks sensational under proper Aussie sun rather than that insipid northern hemisphere variety.

So how is it so far?

[novicius]

Whoa searing!! :D :up: #baller

[Dicknose]

1602

1603

Had a chance to do some fun drives, went to the Snowy Mountains and today took it up "the old road" (one of IMOAs faves)
The car is great, it's limits are well beyond mine!
It sounds amazing.
Really happy with the seats, went the comfy seats not the race buckets, but they are still more sculptured than most.

[novicius]

Excellent!

Also, your limits could be lower because of the newness of the machine -- and I'm not blaming you! :D

[Kchrpm]

Excellent license plate :up:

[Phil_SS]

...


Hey that's my line!

[The359]

Was interested to find out at Daytona this year that the Cayman GT4 Clubsport race cars are only available with PDK transmissions, while the street cars are obviously manual only. I figured the race car would still be on enough of a cheap amateur level that they'd stick with manuals. I believe it's the first GS-class car in the series without a manual (there's already Audi S3s with DSG gearboxes, but they're in the ST-class).

[Godson]

Love the red!

[IMOA]

Was interested to find out at Daytona this year that the Cayman GT4 Clubsport race cars are only available with PDK transmissions, while the street cars are obviously manual only. I figured the race car would still be on enough of a cheap amateur level that they'd stick with manuals. I believe it's the first GS-class car in the series without a manual (there's already Audi S3s with DSG gearboxes, but they're in the ST-class).

While things are relative a GT4 Clubsport is getting up around USD200k with the required spares package and event entries and they are only sold to professional raceteams who are going to race them. They're not exactly 'cheap amateur' level. In a few years they'll trickle down and some genuine amateurs will get them but atm they're very much in the professional domain and they're very much focussed on winning.

[Dicknose]

Ok so yesterday I did the road out to West Head via Akuna Bay.
Forgot how bumpy that can be, only bottomed out once!
Also discovered the menu option to see your max g forces, I've hit 1.4/1.2 in left and right turns. And 0.95 on acceleration.

And here are a couple of shots...
1722
1723
Damn rotation, anyway see IMOA shots for reference, the first is from the same location.

And good damn this is a lovely car. My limits are coming up, but probably still not really challenging the car.
The sound is glorious.
Loving roof down, now much better without hair going everywhere (don't need hair after Iron Maiden last Friday, so it's gone)

Life is good. No... it's great!

[Godson]

Love it!

[novicius]

Fantastic DN!! :up: :up:

[Yw-slayer]

:up: :up: :up:

[Dicknose]

The two cars got to meet up last night.
We discovered
The GT4 is faster (certainly with IMOA at the wheel)
The Spyder is lower, it touched down a few times when the GT4 didn't (or he didn't hear it with a roof and Windows!)

Poor quality night photo to follow later...

[Kchrpm]

I am way too excited to see this picture and then show it off to my Porsche-loving coworker.

[21Kid]

:cool::up: Jealous!

[Crazed_Insanity]

You're pulling 1.4Gs laterally and accelerating at nearly 1G... and the GT4 is even faster!?!?!?!?

Wow!

Need to try to save more money to get me one of these... :p

[IMOA]

We probably should get a proper picture for you kch, we only had phones and phone cameras at night on the side of a road do not make for a decent photo. I am in Sydney for another couple of weeks though so we actually have a chance to get something decent. The two of them do look bloody good together :)

I think the reason DN was scraping where I wasn't was spring rates, iirc the GT4 is about 50% higher than the X73 suspension in the Spyder so I'd get noticeably less compression.

[Dicknose]

I did have a passenger for the first couple.
But good news is I managed to strip 25kg our of the car since I got it... All from the driver!

1728

[21Kid]

:lol:@weight reduction. Love those tail lights.

[Crazed_Insanity]

25kg!?!?!?!?

That's quite a bit of reduction indeed!

[Yw-slayer]

Great success!

[Dicknose]

So I'm down the snowy mountains aka road heaven.
IMOA gave me a new road to try, 3 roads into this tiny town (I think it's the highest in the state), I'd used two but not the third. Great pointer, lovely road, some nice corners and plenty of ups and downs. Really would do well to link up with the other great road into the town (and not the more boring road across the plain, it's ok but you need to be doing 150+ to really enjoy it)
Now I just need the rain to clear for tomorrow to enjoy another jaunt.

[novicius]

:up:

For a man with nothing but time on his hands, there sure is a serious lack of pics in this thread. ;)

[Kchrpm]

I know. I need to enrage my coworker with seething pangs of jealousy!

[Dicknose]

1748
1749
1750

Sorry iPhotos don't seem to orient correctly

[novicius]

http://gtxforums.net/attachment.php?attachmentid=1750&d=1464342674
That's the stuff! :D :up:

[IMOA]

Tasmania. I found a bridge.

https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7307/26698165733_391272f459_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GFe5wi)

https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7187/27029666960_3542c758cc_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Hbw7hG)

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7607/27234945291_580afd08ee_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HuEdog)

[Cam]

:hawt:

Very cool, guys. I've been ignoring this thread until one of my neighbours bought a Cayman GT4.

[Freude am Fahren]

What awesome machines :up:

[The359]

:up:

[Dicknose]

Oh damn, just had catless headers put in. It was loud before, now it's "wake the dead" loud.
Luckily the exhaust button can keep it to sane levels, but that's just for the neighbours!

Loving this car!!

[TheBenior]

Did that eliminate just the pre-cat, or are they full headers that eliminated both?

If the latter, yeah, I bet that's pretty extreme.

[IMOA]

Which ones Dicknose?

Mate just bought a 996.2 911 last weekend and I'm around for the next two weekends so there should be a drive in the offing. Of those turbo japanese car guys that I knew that came to that GT party at your place ~15 years ago almost all of them have Porsches now :)

[Dicknose]

Fabspeed, full headers. Still got stock exhaust, which is the Porsche sports exhaust with valve i.e. Loud button.
Which is good, because it is very loud with the exhaust open, fairly mild with it closed. Although 4K revs and good throttle with the exhaust in quiet mode is still loud. I think software might open the valve under some conditions.

IMOA thanks for the offer! Weekends are beachvolleyball, got to work!!

[IMOA]

Yep, even if it's in 'quiet' it will open up over a certain rpm/load. Quiet is really just for creeping past cops and leaving home early in the morning/coming home late

[drew]

How have I not seen this thread before??

I'd like to thank the two Sydneyites for the spontaneous release. Then the jealousy boner with release.

Hopefully, some day, I'll finally get to venture that way.... For fuck's sake, it's only been 15 years in the making.

#fml

[novicius]

:lol: Drew!

There is a criminal lack of pics & vids in this thread. :smh:

[drew]

It's that Aussie enthusiasm :finger:

[Yw-slayer]

Why would they want to waste time taking pictures of a TRUE DRIVER'S CAR when they can just drive it?

[novicius]

:finger:

At least I can see DN's flashy red Cayman GT4 on the FaceSpace.

[IMOA]

I think DN might be a bit upset if you refer to his significantly rarer Spyder as a run of the mill GT4 ;)

Weather has been really shit here for the last month or so so not much in the way of going for a drive and DN is busy with his high pressure beach volleyball job which makes him work weekends. I did get out on saturday morning with my mates new 996.2 though, quite enjoyed that, I really do think they are a bargain atm and eventually people will realise that and they'll become unaffordable for the average person like the rest of the 911's.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/17x2lys7ixn9pcb/File%204-4-17%2C%209%2012%2039%20am.jpeg?dl=1

[speedpimp]

That Cayman looks like pure sex.

[Godson]

I loved my 996.1. Great car, hated for no real reason.

[Yw-slayer]

You mean not particularly good reasons.

[Godson]

Right.

[novicius]

I think DN might be a bit upset if you refer to his significantly rarer Spyder as a run of the mill GT4 ;)
Sorry DN! :lol:

Nice snap, Greg! Old Blue still looks fantastic! :D :up:

[Dicknose]

No problem! Might be rarer but it's not a GT car.
This week I was at Sydney Motorsport Park (the track formerly known as Eastern Creek) doing a Porsche track day, which is a little like a normal track day but costs a lot more and just has Porsches!
Mostly GT3, enough that the fast group was just GT3 (mostly RS), a GT4 and a 911 turbo.
So I was in the slow group in the Spyder, had a Macan turbo, 911S, prev gen base Cayman, GT4 (yellow!) and a GT3 and 911 turbo as well.
I was the fastest of the slow group, had fun catching and passing the GT3 and turbo. One time I caught the GT3 when he was not far behind the turbo, he let me past then on the back of the turbo for the last corner and woosh... he guns it and is noticeably pulling away. Then he does the nice thing and backs off to let me past. I had a big giggle at his "I got the power, see, ok past you go"
One of the Porsche instructors (Dean Canto) took me round in my car. I videoed it and going off that he was about 2s quicker than me and he wasn't breaking a sweat! Turn one is fast and he just goes way harder than I'm confident to do. Does make me realise I'm still a rookie at this! But having fun and I feel now that I'm at least not embarrassing the car with my driving.

[Dicknose]

2323
2324

[Dicknose]

That Cayman looks like pure sex.

It is pretty cool that it can make a 911 look a bit mundane!

[novicius]

Nice pics, DN! :D :up:

Is that silver 911 a GT3 behind you in that line up? Or just a Turbo with a big ol' wing?

[Phil_SS]

That is a 996.2 GT3. 996 Turbo has different body work due to the intercoolers for the turbos.

[Dicknose]

Interesting that the Spyder has about same power as the 996 GT3 and a better 0-60 time (lighter)
But the GT3 is still a track focused car, mine is still a sexy road car.

[Dicknose]

Speaking of the relative rarity, also a reflection of people who bought GT4 to turn them for a profit...
Checking local sales I see 12 of them for sale.
All asking for over retail, some well over.
Can't imagine this is people being unhappy with the GT4, maybe the got a GT3 coming?
Guess it's mostly profiteering.
Hard to know how well they go with so many for sale and a lot more coming in than originally expected. Probably still demand, but nothing like what it seemed to be when first announced and talk of long wait lists and limited supply.

No Spiders for sale (and only seen one)
Hmm 12 is about half the number of Spiders that came here.

Not a big deal for IMOA and myself, we got the cars to enjoy, not to bounce for a buck.

[IMOA]

In a bar in Bangkok with the girlfriend. One of her friends is very keen to meet a beach volleyball coach who drives a red convertible Porsche. The only other options I've got are gay so some help here Dave.

[novicius]

:lol: :up: #gtxhookup

[samoht]

Not a big deal for IMOA and myself, we got the cars to pull birds, not to bounce for a buck.

FTFY :D