This article summarizes the recent live stream radio episode of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.”
Feel free to enjoy it during your commute, school run, or even as a driving companion inside your Porsche.
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Key Topics and Highlights

Planning a Summer Car Ferry Trip to Hokkaido [1:46]

• Last summer, we took a Tesla on a roughly 1,200 km journey from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and Sedona, relying on Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) to cruise hands-free.
• However, Mina struggled with jet lag and food while overseas, and had poor health since our honeymoon driving on Germany’s Autobahn. So this year, we switched to a domestic trip.
• Our destination this summer is Hokkaido. We’re planning a “car ferry trip,” loading the car onto a ferry and driving around the island for about a week.
• Although we initially intended to take the Tesla, due to fewer Superchargers in Hokkaido, we opted for a Taycan 4S Cross Turismo that comfortably seats our family of four.

Ferrari’s New “Luce” Design Sparks Debate [9:41]

• Ferrari’s new “Luce” model debuted, drawing mixed reactions over its minimalist design—some say it’s so subtle it’s hard to recognize as a Ferrari without its badge, resembling a “Mini” in style yet with cohesive interior and exterior design.
• Designed with input from Jonathan Ive’s firm (famous for the iPhone), it’s unlikely to win over hardcore Ferrari fans. Hiro commented he “might want it just to go against the grain” and predicts it could gain popularity 20 years from now.
• From an EV enthusiast’s perspective, the massive 122 kWh battery delivers a claimed range of 530 km, but real-world efficiency may drop below 400 km, which raises concerns about its energy consumption.
• The price approaches nearly 100 million yen (~$700,000 USD) with options. A former Ferrari chairman, Montezemolo, reportedly hoped “someone would remove that cute horse emblem from the cars,” illustrating the controversy around this design.

If You Had to Keep Only One Spider Model? [19:55]

• A listener asked the tough question: if you had to keep only one Spider, the 718 Spider RS or the 987 Spider, which would it be?
• The 718 Spider RS packs a GT3 engine and is a rare model unlikely to be made again, whereas the 987 Spider is truly scarce and hasn’t reached the presenter yet, making the decision tricky.
• Ultimately, the verdict leans toward the 987 Spider—because while you might be able to buy another 718 in the future, the 987 is irreplaceable.
• Also, the 987 offers a “broader range” of driving enjoyment, making it a preferred choice.

Reevaluating the Hidden Gems: 987/986 Boxster [21:25]

• A listener shared they were “this close to buying a 987 Boxster.” Hiro jokes that being this close basically means you’re already sold.
• While the later 987 Boxster used to sell for roughly 3 to 4.5 million yen, prices for the water-cooled generations (986, 987, 996, 997) have been steadily rising. The 987 Spider has jumped from about 8.5 million yen a few years ago to now commanding 11 to 12 million yen routinely.
• Despite the strong buzz around the 981 and 991 generations, the 986 and 987 are often underestimated on social media despite their quality. This is partly because owners tend to modify them creatively, appealing to younger drivers looking for different thrills.
• While newer models dazzle with speed and cornering, older generations offer a raw, analog feel and intensely satisfying driver engagement often missing today.

Why Keep Only the 964? A Self-Reflection on Mid-Engine Preferences [28:26]

• Although owning an air-cooled 964, Hiro mostly lets it sit unused these days, with the Taycan Turbo GT filling the everyday 911 role.
• He loves the 964’s feel but finds he prefers the mid-engine layout after driving various cars, which explains his growing preference for Spider and Boxster models.
• Older 911s have a heavy rear, rewarding skilled drivers who “push in the load” to force tight turns—offering an authentic, hands-on driving thrill. Meanwhile, new 911s react almost like mid-engines, making the 964’s analog purity a unique pleasure worth retaining.

Test-Driving the EV Macan 4: A Surprising Lightness Despite Its Weight [30:49]

• This time, Hiro test-drove the EV Macan 4 on mountain roads. Unlike previous models where gasoline switchers felt comfortable, this one presents a distinctly EV character perfectly balanced.
• Its all-wheel-drive stability is solid, and despite weighing over two tons, it never feels heavy on tight mountain curves. The battery’s floor placement lowers the center of gravity, enabling confident weight transfer even at low speeds, delivering agility.
• The brakes outperform the later Taycan Turbo GT’s—feeling as strong and controllable as PCCB brakes. Regenerative braking alone can slow the car effectively uphill, with seamless switching between regen and friction brakes eliminating any awkwardness.
• The current owner is a woman who has previously driven the GT4 and knows Porsches well. She expressed being completely satisfied and believes EV motors suit city and casual drivers better than V6 or V8 engines, especially for women.
• Hiro muses about the dream combo of Tesla’s software and Porsche’s hardware—a perfect union. Pricing starts around 10 million yen for the standard Macan, with equipped versions adding about two million yen.

Macan EV Owner’s Highest Excitement Riding the Taycan Turbo GT [45:41]

• After the test drive, Hiro took the Macan EV owner for a ride in the Taycan Turbo GT passenger seat—she was reportedly the most excited passenger he’d ever had.
• From leaving the parking lot, she repeatedly stated how different the experience was and precisely articulated the distinct dynamics, even on gentle curves. Familiar with the GT4, she agreed with Hiro’s opinion that the gap between the GT4 and Turbo GT is unnecessary.
• She had considered a 911 GT3 but admitted this ride made her lose interest—illustrating the overwhelming impact of the Turbo GT, which Hiro attributes to the “Active Ride” system.
• The car exhibits almost no body roll, clings flatly to the road with GT3-like behavior, and smooths out rough pavement flawlessly. Hiro candidly expressed he might consider buying a 4-seater Turbo GT next, putting resale value aside.
• One drawback mentioned was the extremely noisy cabin—the absence of sound insulation means music, radio, and phone calls can be overheard in places like convenience store parking lots, leading to some embarrassment.

Recommended Winding Roads in Hyogo Prefecture [58:49]

• A listener asked for the most enjoyable road in Hyogo Prefecture. While there are good roads, their short lengths limit extended winding drives.
• Hiro recommends a route from near Tamba–Aogaki Interchange along National Route 427 toward Sugihara, accessing the “Sugiharagami-no-Sato” roadside station from its north side—a large, thrilling winding route.
• “Koharu Road” below is mostly straight but low-traffic and offers a long comfortable drive. Additional hidden gems include Route 29 from Shiso to Tottori and roads near Higashiyama Auto Campground and Fudo Falls.
• Since these are local favorite courses honed after getting his license, Hiro warns that some roads eventually turn into forest trails, so caution is advised.

Closing: 987 Spider Delivery Possible in June [65:04]

• Time flew by, and Hiro mentioned the 987 Spider might arrive as soon as June if things go well.
• He also touched on roads near Rokko, noting that many tourist cars make daytime driving challenging and recommending the Royu Driveway as a preferred option.
• He wrapped up by promising updates next week when the car is delivered.