This article summarizes the recent live stream radio show “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.”
Feel free to listen during your commute, school runs, or while enjoying a drive in your Porsche.
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Main Topics and Highlights

Opening Talk [01:17]

• Despite typhoon warnings in the Kansai region, actual damage tends to be minimal. The Ashiya area was completely unaffected this time.
• A common Kansai saying: “They made such a big deal on the news, but it was just rain.”
• Except for a power outage caused by a typhoon a few years ago, there have been no major recent damages.

SL400 Delivery Report [02:59]

• Finally took delivery of the long-desired SL400, featuring a brilliant blue exterior paired with a white interior.
• This is a 2018 certified pre-owned model with around 20,000 km on the odometer, priced at approximately 6 million yen (~$45,000 USD).
• Purchased through Yanase dealership. Initially considered options in Tokyo but found a great local example.
• The Japanese-spec model comes well-equipped, including standard Active Body Control (ABC).

SL400 Test Drive Impressions [08:07]

• The ride quality is exceptional, delivering the classic, substantial “this is a Benz” driving feel.
• The 3.0L turbo engine makes city driving easy, with smooth acceleration starting in 2nd gear.
• In Sport Plus mode, the acceleration rivals that of a late-model 991 Carrera.
• Thanks to Active Body Control, the ride is flat and composed, though milder compared to the Taycan Turbo GT’s dynamic handling.

History and Positioning of the SL Series [17:12]

• The SL is Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model; for the same number, the SL500 is priced higher than the S500.
• It always incorporates the latest technology, aiming to deliver S-Class comfort in a two-seater convertible.
• Historically favored by stars like Yujiro Ishihara and Rikidozan, it has a celebrity pedigree.
• New models start around 12-13 million yen (~$90k-$100k USD), with the top-tier SL65 priced between 32-33 million yen (~$240k-$250k USD).

Anticipation for Porsche’s New Model Announcement [22:28]

• Porsche is scheduled to announce a new model at 10 PM, likely a Turbo S or Turbo S Cabriolet.
• Internationally, it’s expected to be a top-tier model, probably part of the regular lineup rather than a limited edition.
• Pricing could be around 35 million yen (~$260k USD), which aligns with current market trends.
• With the 992 generation’s turbo variants complete, enthusiasts await special editions like the GT2 or Speedster.

Debate on Car Air Conditioning Usage [26:52]

• The husband prefers automatic climate control, adjusting only the temperature, while the wife manually controls fan speed.
• In auto mode, fan speed adjusts automatically and decreases naturally once the set temperature is reached.
• The system also automatically changes airflow direction (front vents, footwell, etc.) depending on the season.
• A charming story reveals the husband secretly pressing the auto button to keep things comfortable, which the wife eventually noticed.

Porsche’s Signature Scent and Cabin Environment [47:46]

• There’s a strong opinion that Porsche’s unique interior scent should be preserved; air fresheners can mask this authentic aroma.
• The scent varies by factory and era—Taycan’s is relatively subtle, while the Turbo GT’s is more pronounced.
• Some speculate Alcantara material is the source of the distinctive smell, as interior materials influence cabin scent.
• A humorous anecdote shares how adding an air freshener to a Tesla resulted in an unintended fishy odor.

Choosing Electric Vehicles and Thoughts on the Volvo EX30 [50:48]

• Although the Volvo EX30 was considered, Tesla was ultimately chosen due to its promising autonomous driving technology.
• Full self-driving capabilities and monthly software updates are major Tesla advantages.
• Choosing a vehicle with future potential for autonomous driving is a rational decision in this price range.
• While the EX30 offers a comfortable ride, Tesla leads in IT and software sophistication.

Taycan Repair Completion and Cause of Malfunction [56:17]

• The Taycan, which broke down on August 7th with an inability to perform normal charging, was repaired in about one month.
• The issue was traced to the vehicle’s internal charging control system; home chargers supply power only, while actual charging is managed inside the car.
• Although parts were unavailable even in Germany, repairs were surprisingly completed within a month.
• A recall was also addressed simultaneously, allowing the battery charge limit to be raised from 80% to 100%.