Here’s a recap of a recent livestream from Welcome Home, PORSCHE.
Enjoy it on your commute, on the way to school, or as a companion for your next drive in your Porsche.
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Top Topics and Highlights

Obon Traffic and Awaji Island [0:48]

• We kick things off by talking about the holiday traffic and touring crowds over Obon, Japan’s summer holiday season. The road from Awaji Island toward Kobe was reportedly more congested than ever.
• As Hyogo residents, what do we think of visiting Awaji Island during a long weekend? We also share our honest take on its roads from a driving-fun perspective.

A 991.1 Fitted with H&R Springs [4:29]

• We get behind the wheel of the 991 Black Edition we featured on the blog before, now lowered with H&R springs in place of the standard suspension.
• We discuss its ride height compared with the Sport Chassis, how it behaves through corners, and what changed in ride comfort.
• A useful perspective for anyone concerned about the ride height of a standard-suspension 991.

A One-Off Flachbau GT2 RS [11:43]

• A viewer comment brings up the unveiling of a Flachbau, or flat-nose, GT2 RS.
• It’s a one-of-a-kind car created through Porsche’s special-order program, which can make just about anything possible. What does it mean for a car like this to make it out into the world?

Six-Speed Manual Added to the 911 Carrera S (North America Only) [13:45]

• We discuss the addition of a manual transmission to the Carrera S and why it’s arriving now.
• Our thoughts on pairing a turbocharged engine designed to meet emissions regulations with a manual gearbox, including a discussion of turbo lag in the 992.1 GTS.

Living with a 718 Spyder and the Appeal of the Base Model [18:46]

• In response to a viewer who wondered whether the 718 Spyder’s low ride height makes it impractical for everyday use, we talk about what it’s actually like in a parking lot.
• After lining up three Spyder models for comparison, we discuss where the base model fits in the range.
• We also talk about why choosing an RS or GT model as your final car can be a tough decision.

How the Macan EV Turbo Drives [23:38]

• By request, we compare how the Macan Turbo and base model feel on mountain roads.
• Mina shares her thoughts, including her personal feelings about SUVs in general.
• We explain why the base-model EV can feel like it’s missing something, and why it isn’t simply a matter of acceleration.

Driving the Lamborghini Urus SE [31:36]

• We take the Urus SE for a drive after my younger brother brings it home to our parents’ place. What’s the one-word impression the moment you climb in?
• We cover ride comfort, handling, and the cabin, including the surprising distance to the door.
• How does the Urus SE compare with Lamborghini’s larger-than-life image, and how easy is its hybrid system to live with?

Replacing the 987 Spyder’s Battery with a Lithium-Ion Unit [42:57]

• We replace the battery with an Evotech lithium-ion unit as a DIY project, comparing its price and features with Porsche’s factory option and the Mega Life battery.
• We discuss the weight savings and the difference we could feel around the electric power steering.
• We also explain why the upgrade may make an even bigger difference on older cars, including air-cooled models and the 996, 997, and 987.

Planning a Shuzan Kaido Tour in the 987 Spyder [49:52]

• We share the suggested route on a map, linking prefectural roads with the Shuzan Kaido along Route 162.
• We cover where to join the route to avoid traffic, roadside stations along the way, and which expressway interchange to use on the return.
• It’s a route we enjoyed so much that we kept driving it throughout Obon. We also share the morning temperatures we experienced with the top down.