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

Pre-Stream Excitement: The Taycan MY2027’s “E-Shift” Feature [2:58]

• Just 5 minutes before the stream started, the hosts were buzzing with excitement over the newly announced 2027 model year Taycan. Mina exclaimed, “This is it! This is exactly what I wanted!” kicking off the discussion.
• The showstopper is the “E-Shift”: a virtual 8-speed gear shift added to the Taycan’s gearless electric motor drive. It simulates sound variations linked to load and RPM, creates clear shift shocks, rev limiters, and even virtual tachometers for an authentic feel.
• Hiro jokingly calls it a “fake shift,” but both agreed they prefer this clean, electronically created sound over the muffled, regulation-restricted engine noise found in traditional cars.
• The story behind it—Porsche developers adapted this feature after seeing Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N system and thought, “This is great”—was also shared as insider trivia.
• Live on air, they configured a serious quote featuring Purple Sky Metallic and Pepita interior options, sparking Mina’s comment, “Maybe the next one will definitely be the 2027 version!”

Listener Question: 996 GT3 Early vs. Late Versions and Differences from the 997 GT3 [14:12]

• A listener asked for advice on choosing between early and late 996 GT3 models, having previously owned a 997 GT3.
• Hiro described the late 996 GT3 as very user-friendly and mild in character, while the 997 GT3 is more hardcore and geared towards experienced drivers. Compared to the 997, the 996 feels softer and more comfortable for everyday touring.
• The early 996 GT3 is rarer, with a slightly firmer and more Spartan setup. It’s recommended for those who appreciate the hard-edged style of the 997 but is difficult to find.
• Hiro also expressed a personal preference for the swan-neck wing on the early model and mentioned that Car Graphic’s Matsutoya has long owned an early 996 GT3 (the original GT3) as a neat trivia.
• The unique “crying eye” front fascia of the 996 grows on you and carries a GT1 racing vibe, something both hosts admire passionately.

Listener Question: Cold Start Exhaust Noise and Neighborhood Considerations, Plus Extending First Oil Change to One Year [18:39]

• They empathized with listeners concerned about increasingly loud exhaust noise during cold starts, noting that owners often don’t want to make a ruckus but can’t help it.
• Hiro shared his own experience with his 987 Spyder, being mindful when starting it early mornings or late evenings near his apartment.
• The extension of initial oil changes from six months to one year is now routine at many dealerships, with no issues reported. However, shorter intervals are still recommended for GT3 engines or track-driven Cayenne T models.
• The trend of cars arriving at service centers with valve controllers (exhaust valve control devices) still attached is growing. This may be because modern cars are too quiet, and many owners want extra sound, but service policies vary based on dealer and staff.

Main Topic: Desired Features for the Next 911 Model [25:28]

• When asked by listeners what they want in the next 911, Hiro surprised by saying, “An EV is fine now.” Since future engines can only be quiet, he prefers Porsche makes an impressively fast electric 911.
• Listeners expressed desires to return to analog instrument clusters, key ignition switches, abandon PCM, keep only CarPlay/Android Auto on the monitor, and bring back the iconic five-gauge layout—preferring simplicity and a ritualistic cabin feel.
• Both hosts strongly agreed that while other manufacturers flood dashboards with screens, Porsche should go in the opposite direction.
• Regarding size, many want the next 911 to be smaller, with moderate power. The current 911 is now much wider compared to the classic 964, though safety regulations often force cars to grow larger rather than smaller.

The “Cody Phenomenon” — Growing Trend of Back-to-Basics Porsche Ownership [29:50]

• Since the introduction of the late 992, they have noticed many enthusiasts around them shifting interest from the latest models back to classic Porsches, embracing a “back-to-basics” ownership experience.
• Regular viewers such as Cody and Portes have been switching back to older Porsches, inspiring the affectionate nicknames “Cody Phenomenon” and “Portes Phenomenon,” much to their amusement.
• The hosts passionately described how the 993 RS engine and shift sounds cannot be replicated by current 911s, and watching videos by LopeRyo makes anyone want the classic.
• Another regular, Takuro, gave up his 992 Carrera T to collect two Cayennes and deliberately chose the analog-era 958, further illustrating this retro trend in Porsche ownership.

What Defines the Sports Feeling? “Sound and Vibration” — A Shared Trait with Mechanical Watches [33:50]

• Addressing the comment “Sports feeling comes down to sound,” they emphasized it’s not just the sound but also the subtle engine vibrations and analog feedback that create the authentic sensation.
• Modern cars tend to cancel these out and artificially reproduce engine sounds through speakers, leading to a “something’s missing” feeling.
• They drew a parallel between classic Porsches and mechanical watches: while modern quartz watches are extremely precise, mechanical watches charm through slight inaccuracies, manual winding, and visible movement mechanisms—a similar allure exists with classic Porsche engines.
• Hiro respectfully limits his own vintage Porsche adventures to the 964 and newer because older models like 930, 901, and 356 lack the reliability and comfort needed for long drives, citing his experience with 2,000-3,000 km trips in Hokkaido.

Is the Taycan the Next-Generation 911? Critique of the 992.2 and Return to the Roadster [44:35]

• A listener shared they sold their 992 Carrera T after 8,000 km in just one year, agreeing that the Taycan may be a better daily driver, as you hardly feel the true 911 character unless you push a 911 on the track.
• Hiro stated that for him, the current generation 911 *is* the Taycan. He relayed an insider story from Porsche Japan’s development and marketing team confirming the Taycan was seriously built as the next 911.
• During a test drive at the Sodegaura circuit, Hiro told the staff “It feels like a 911,” which made them very happy.
• While the Taycan delivers 911-like feel at everyday powers, the real 911’s rear-engine dynamics only show on the track. They see these as complementary choices, not a hierarchy.
• A heartfelt call from a listener noted the 992.2 GTS feels bland and just fast, but limited new-car choices force them to settle for a 2L Roadster as the main Porsche. Hiro reacted strongly, saying Porsche should hear this feedback.
• They critiqued the 992.2 for being focused on meeting environmental regulations rather than driver engagement. For example, even in sport mode, the GTS and upcoming Turbo S models have active stop-start functions.

Conclusion: The Next 911 Must Embrace “Back-to-Basics” for True Porsche Ownership [53:30]

• What drivers want from the 911 boils down to two camps: those who crave the pure rear-engine driving feel prefer older models, while those loyal to the brand may embrace the latest models.
• They shared excitement for upcoming plug-in hybrid 911s, V8 supercar successors to the 918 Spyder, and a strong desire for early release of 911 EV and Boxster EV models.
• Even though the early 992 was marketed as a “back-to-basics” return similar to the 964, the late 992 veered back toward cutting-edge tech. That only reinforces their conclusion that the next 911 must truly commit to returning to its roots.
• Wrapping up honestly, Hiro revealed he now spends more time browsing Car Sensor for used cars than happily configuring new ones — a call for a future where new Porsches can again offer pure joy from the start.