This is a recap of a recent episode of the *Welcome Home, PORSCHE* livestream radio show.
Tune in during your commute, on your way to school, or while enjoying a drive in your Porsche.
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Highlights and Topics

Why Mina Has Her Eye on the Tesla Model YL [0:15]

• Mina says she’s been thinking about the Tesla Model YL. Her mindset has shifted toward not pushing herself too hard, and she wants a car that suits the way she actually drives.
• Tesla has outsold Audi in Japan and is on track to overtake Mercedes-Benz. The new Model Y is becoming a familiar sight on city streets, too.
• One listener chimes in with, “I’m ordering one!” At a price in the ¥7-million range, with subsidies of more than ¥1 million, it feels within reach. The hosts joke that buying one live on air would give away the buyer’s address.

What Do We Think of the Porsche 911 Spirit 70? [9:13]

• A listener asks about the car. Hiro says his dealer has reached out, adding candidly that if they’re calling, perhaps demand isn’t quite as strong as expected.
• The standout feature is a zebra-pattern interior that evokes 1970s America. It’s perfect for anyone who loves that particular look, but it may not be for everyone.
• As a limited edition, it’s unlikely to suffer a major drop in resale value, but Hiro expects it to appreciate less than models such as the Sport Classic.

The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet Enters the ¥40-Million Era [14:28]

• The 911 Turbo S Cabriolet has crossed into the ¥40-million range. Prices are up by nearly ¥10 million compared with the previous generation, leaving the days of a ¥30-million price tag behind.
• One listener reports receiving a quote for ¥46 million. The mood is clear: that’s a lot of money for a car that isn’t even a limited edition.

The GT3 Cabriolet (SC) Is Almost Here [15:23]

• It’s expected to be announced on April 14, and reports say it will be called the Sport Cabriolet (SC). An Italian media outlet even jumped the gun and published images early.
• A naturally aspirated flat-six is a sure thing, but it’s still unclear whether it will use the ST engine, rated at 518 horsepower, or the current GT3 engine. Given the Euro 7 regulations, the current GT3 engine seems more likely.
• Some reports suggest it will come exclusively with a six-speed manual, but Hiro thinks a PDK would better deliver the drama. He estimates a price of around ¥35 million.
• The GT3 engine’s limited low-end torque raises questions about how it will work with the heavier Cabriolet body.

GT3 Ferdinand Porsche 90th Anniversary Edition Priced at ¥50 Million [24:45]

• Limited to 90 cars worldwide and priced at ¥50 million, it features Pétat Green paint, a brown interior, and a special wheel finish.
• “It looks great, but it has the feel of a car with every option ticked. Isn’t ¥50 million a bit much?” That’s the frank verdict. Recent limited editions have leaned heavily on green paint and brown interiors, leading to the blunt complaint that they’re “too repetitive.”
• The conversation also turns to Sonderwunsch, Porsche’s bespoke customization program. With enough money, it’s even possible to have an older 911 restored as a modern interpretation of the original.

Back to Basics: Rediscovering the Appeal of Older 911s [31:35]

• As Turbo S prices climb, the hosts find themselves thinking, “The old, smaller 911s are what I really love.” That’s part of the Porsche appeal: you may start out dreaming of the newest model, then find yourself drawn back to older cars.
• At a dealer’s classic rally awards ceremony, a woman who usually drives a Cayenne Turbo took a 997 Targa out on the course. She was amazed at how naturally an older Porsche without electronic driving aids responded to her inputs. Racing driver Ogawa also praised the 997.
• The naturally aspirated 3.6-liter engine in the 964 Tiptronic has plenty of low-end torque, and the smooth, long-legged four-speed automatic adds to the experience. “It’s almost like driving an electric car.” Even busy Route 2 can be fun.

Porsche’s Falling Operating Profit and Software Challenges [35:08]

• A sharp slowdown in China is cited as a major factor behind Porsche’s declining operating profit. The Taycan and Macan EV are also struggling with software that feels behind the times, while Chinese EVs are pulling ahead on speed.
• Listeners share software frustrations, including a Macan EV that failed to recognize an ETC toll transponder and a Taycan update that took a week to complete.
• The hosts agree that “Porsche doesn’t need to turn into a smartphone.” A five-dial instrument cluster and a CarPlay-compatible screen for navigation would be enough. They’d rather see Porsche focus on its strengths in body engineering.

[SURVEY] How Do Porsche Owners Pay: Balloon Payment, Loan, or Cash? [40:24]

• The show used YouTube’s polling feature for the first time. The surprising results: 42% pay cash, 39% use a standard loan, and 19% choose a balloon-payment loan.
• The hosts expected balloon-payment financing to be more popular, but paying in cash came out on top. “You’ve all got money!” Hiro says, surprised. One listener mentions that dealers sometimes ask customers to take out at least a small loan.
• When Hiro uses financing, he always opts for a balloon-payment loan. That lets him keep cash on hand and invest it, with the aim of earning more than the interest costs.

[SURVEY] Where Do You Take Your Porsche for Service and Maintenance? [51:16]

• The results were decisive: around 80% use a dealer, about 20% go to a Porsche specialist, and no one chose DIY or another option.
• The hosts were surprised, since specialist shops and DIY maintenance often come up in Porsche groups on Facebook. Hiro likes the dealer approach, which typically replaces parts and can make a car feel closer to new.
• Porsche’s extended warranty can be renewed for cars up to 15 years old, and Porsche Classic continues to produce parts for older models. That level of support, which is unusual among automakers, may help explain why so many owners stick with dealers.

More Owner Surveys Coming Next Time [59:25]

• The hosts love the survey idea, noting that “you don’t often see data like this from other media.” It’s a rare chance to hear what Porsche owners really think, anonymously.
• For the next survey, they’d like to ask how often owners change cars, which Porsche they’ve enjoyed most, and what they do for a living. Look out for another poll next week.