Blog Readers’ Comments Share Vol.8 – Porsche 911 GT3, Manual Cars, VW Golf, Abarth, and More…

Thank you to everyone who regularly reads this blog. Here, we periodically share comments from our readers, and this is the eighth installment. As before, we’ve lightly edited the comments—extracting only the necessary parts and providing enough context—to present them here.

About Porsche

991.2 GT3

The GT3 can reach about 88 km/h at 6000 rpm in 2nd gear, so during break-in it’s tough because there are limited places where you can really push it. I’m currently at 1700 km, enjoying the 6000 rpm limit, and plan to hit 9000 rpm after 3000 km. Just like a samurai who gets a fine sword and can’t resist testing its power, the GT3’s allure practically dares you to step on it. I’m looking forward to enjoying full-throttle acceleration at 9000 rpm. (991-2 GT3 MT)

I was listening to stories about the GT3’s front clear wrap and break-in on the Royu Driveway. The GT3 Touring definitely looks more mature and stylish, and though it’s an old phrase, it really felt like seeing a genuine “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Also, after reading about PCCB, I regret not getting it. My GT3 has the standard red calipers, but they’re not very effective, which is frustrating. Other than that, I have no complaints—the car’s weight, which some find heavy, actually feels just right to me. I absolutely can’t let it go! For me, it’s like a Zeong (laughs). (TONO)

I’m a 997 owner. I remember the day Mina went to Royu well because it was the last drive for my 987 Boxster after 11 years. I was like, “Oh, there’s a GT3 Touring Package! Wow, a GT2 RS is running too!” I saw the Crayon color for the first time—it’s really beautiful. The sound was powerful too! (ym997)

Porsche Manual Cars

Comparing the 911 (991.2) base Carrera and the 718 Cayman, the clutch on the 911 feels lighter. Also, both the 718 Cayman and 991 Carrera seem to be controlled so that when you partially engage the clutch without pressing the accelerator at all, the engine automatically revs up slightly to help you start moving. The 911’s 3L engine has more power than the Cayman’s 2L, so it feels like you can start on a slight incline just by clutch control. If the GT3 has the same system, its 4L naturally aspirated engine with strong low-end torque might make it even easier. (PorscheDreamer)

My first imported car was a BMW 318is coupe (E36) with left-hand drive and manual transmission. I was very nervous at first, but got used to it within a month. Then I switched to an SL55 AMG (R230), but I never forgot the joy of driving a manual. Now I drive a 991 early Carrera 4S, left-hand drive manual. Once you get used to the feel of a manual in a BMW, Porsche manuals become manageable too! (Ao)

I discovered Porsche last year and bought a base Cayman. This year, I upgraded to a Cayman GTS. Since buying Porsche, I’ve been hesitant to rack up miles, but recently, reading the husband’s comments on this blog made me realize that to truly master a Porsche, you have to drive it a lot. That’s one way to love a car. It was tough at first since it’s been a while since I drove a manual, but the more I drive, the more I remember the feel and discover new things. I’m truly appreciating Porsche’s greatness now. (K)

718 Spider

I also applied for the 718 Spider, but I doubt I’ll get a spot. The local dealer said that last time with the Boxster Spyder and GT4, there were six people waiting for each. “The GT4 had six units come in, but the Boxster Spyder only one,” they said. (Sakon)

I tried configuring the 718 Spider! I can’t decide on the exterior color… Since mine is white now, I want to try something else. But I’m tempted to choose the Spider Classic Interior Package. Looks like I’ll be wrestling with the config for a while. (TOP GEAR)

Finally, the 718 Spider has been announced! So cool! Seriously cool! And I want one (laughs). I was imagining a Crayon color with a red soft top—that’s stylish. Would GT Silver with a red top be best? Solid black with a red top is also tempting. Regarding production slots, the PC in the Mentaiko region is doing a complete lottery. If we compare the Boxster Spyder to a mobile suit, considering it’s a stylish, high-performance special model, it’s like Char’s Gelgoog (First Gundam only). (Runrun Rumba)

Cylinder cut has finally arrived. Alternating one bank at low rpm while driving is amazing. NA engine life extension (environmental compliance) still has a lot of potential. I hope this spreads to various models. Also, it seems they finally added an AUTO BLIP on/off switch. I feel like this could be retrofitted to older models—wonder if that’s possible. (PorscheDreamer)

Panamera Touch Panel Operation

Our Panamera 4S arrived at the end of May. However, aside from driving, many other operations are difficult or confusing. For example, with the large audio system, when listening to music from an SD card and wanting to switch to radio, it takes multiple tries to get it right. It’s almost dangerous to do while driving. Also, closing the rear sunshade is tricky. I want to delete a destination from the navigation but can’t figure out how. There are many other things too. If possible, I’d appreciate it if the blog owner could share their experience with operating these systems. (Kao)

Regarding controls, I recommend: ① arranging the home screen, ② customizing the widget layout to minimize inputs for frequently used commands, and ③ supplementing with voice control as needed. Also, although options are limited, ④ using the ◇ button commands adds convenience. I set mine similarly to Mina’s blog’s “Layout 1/5,” with the widget opening to climate controls. I assigned skip to the ◇ button. Hope this helps! (Manma)

Air-Cooled Porsche

Summer hibernation… I’d like to do that too, but since I only own one car, it’s the 964 all summer. The 964 has good visibility inside, but strong sunlight also hits the cabin. Being air-cooled with long air conditioning pipes, the cooling efficiency isn’t great. For summer, I applied transparent insulating film to all the glass, recently refilled the AC gas fully, and replaced the flap motor. Still, I’m a bit worried if this will be enough for the first intense heat wave. I also learned that the genuine kill switch for the 964 RS can be installed! When I drive less, I definitely want to try that. (Tetsu)

Air-cooled means summer hibernation. When humidity rises from the rainy season, the 930’s jet roar clearly loses power. When full summer hits, it’s no good. My 930 had its inspection in August with fresh oil, but got stuck in traffic and oil temperature rose—total agony. Once oil temperature exceeds 160 degrees, the mineral oil deteriorates rapidly. Summer hibernation is the way to go. (moldau930)

Next page → VW Golf reviews, Abarth test drives, manual driving tips

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