This article summarizes the recent live stream radio episode of “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.”
Feel free to listen during your commute, school runs, or while driving your Porsche.
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Key Topics and Highlights

Next 718’s Electrification Plans [06:55]

• The upcoming 718 is expected to come in both EV and gasoline versions. The EV Boxster is highly anticipated as an open-top convertible.
• Open-top electric sports cars are rare in the market, making this a very attractive offering.
• It may be unveiled by the end of 2025, with reports of testing underway in snowy conditions.
• Design is likely to echo the Mission E and Panamera styling cues.

Performance of EV Sports Cars [10:00]

• Driving the Taycan Turbo GT (2.2 tons) on the narrow mountain roads of Mount Rokko, it was clearly faster than the Boxster.
• Thanks to its low center of gravity, the weight disadvantage is barely noticeable at low speeds.
• Seamless acceleration makes for an exhilarating drive on winding public roads.
• On Japan’s tight, challenging roads (known as “narrow, hard-to-drive roads” or “酷道”), EVs feel faster and more enjoyable than gasoline cars.

Anticipation for 918 Spyder-Inspired Design [14:14]

• Many hope the next 718 adopts design elements from the iconic 918 Spyder.
• The 918 Spyder’s design remains timeless even years after its release.
• It strikes a perfect balance between rounded curves and sharp lines, unlike recent Porsches which tend to be overly angular.
• The Carrera GT is another classic that hasn’t lost its appeal after 20+ years; it was affordable around 2010 at roughly 20 million yen.

About the 718 Spider [17:03]

• The 718 Spider (manual) is very easy to drive, even for beginners.
• It offers plenty of low-end torque, making city driving effortless. The clutch is also user-friendly.
• However, it has a volume limiter, so it’s quiet during everyday driving. The valves open above 3000-4000 rpm, increasing sound.
• Compared to other Porsches like the 981 or 991, many find the engine and sound less thrilling, leading some owners to move on.

Predicted Battery Capacity for Next 718 [24:14]

• While the Taycan uses a large 100-105 kWh battery, the smaller 718 body suggests a slightly smaller battery pack.
• The Model 3’s LFP battery (around 60-70 kWh) might serve as a useful reference.
• A 400 km range would be sufficient. EV owners typically charge in short bursts during breaks rather than filling up fully.
• Contrary to popular belief, range isn’t the top priority; slow charging while parked is practical.

Hope for NACS Charging Standard Adoption [27:40]

• There’s a strong desire for the next 718 to adopt Tesla’s NACS charging standard.
• Japan’s CHAdeMO plugs are thick and heavy, making them difficult for children to handle, while NACS plugs are slimmer and lighter.
• Tesla’s system requires no card tap; simply plugging in automatically charges via a linked credit card.
• In the U.S., Porsche offers adapters allowing access to Tesla’s charging network.

Choosing Between 718 GTS 4.0 and GT4 [39:42]

• For daily driving, the GTS 4.0 is far more practical and comfortable.
• The GT4 sits very low and lacks a lift function, requiring extra care at gas stations and speed bumps.
• As a second or third car for weekend mountain drives or track days, the GT4 is unbeatable.
• While the GT4 satisfies ownership pride more, the GTS 4.0 scores higher on overall satisfaction and usability.

Experience Upgrading from 718 Spider to Spider RS [40:11]

• A viewer upgraded from the 718 Spider to the Spider RS. The engine’s power met expectations, but the PDK transmission control was a revelation.
• Comments described the downshifts as “mind-blowing,” with rapid shifts from 5th to 2nd gear.
• The RS’s PDK feels like a “PDK Plus,” vastly superior to the standard version.
• While the 718 Spider was excellent over two years, the Spider RS is in a completely different league.

Owning GT4 RS, 911 GT3, and Spider RS: Impressions [44:24]

• A viewer owns the GT4 RS, 911 GT3, and Spider RS, currently favoring the GT4 RS the most.
• The GT4 RS offers a spartan, hardcore ride reminiscent of the 997-generation GT3, appealing to advanced drivers.
• The 911 GT3 is the most comfortable for city driving, while the GT4 RS excels on the track.
• The late-model 992 GT3 is more accessible for all drivers, but the GT4 RS’s challenging nature is part of its charm.

Expectations for the Tesla Roadster [47:01]

• The Tesla Roadster may launch in early 2026, boasting 0-100 km/h in 2.1 seconds and a top speed over 400 km/h.
• It promises a 1000 km range and requires a reservation deposit of 5.68 million yen.
• As an open-roof EV sports car, it’s highly appealing. Could full self-driving (FSD) handle mountain roads?
• Hopefully, its release won’t coincide with the 718 EV’s launch—both are desirable but owning both simultaneously would be tough.

Why You Should Turn Off Idling Stop [50:50]

• Idling stop systems do more harm than good, causing battery degradation within about two years.
• Turning it off can extend battery life to 5-7 years. OEM batteries cost around 70,000-80,000 yen.
• It also stresses the starter motor and negatively affects engine oil management.
• The environmental benefits are minimal, and considering the CO2 emissions from battery replacements, it may be counterproductive.

Coding to Disable Idling Stop [52:19]

• Mercedes SL owners face idling stop reactivation with every mode change, so Oda Auto performed coding to disable it permanently.
• Porsche’s system stays off for the day once disabled but resets to on after restarting the engine.
• Coding can make the off setting permanent without affecting vehicle inspections.
• Spider RS and 981 Boxster GTS owners are also considering this coding.

Next Episode Preview: Colors That Suit the 911 [59:59]

• The next topic will explore colors that best suit the 911, varying by era and generation.
• Discussion will cover generations like 997, 991, and 992.
• They’ll talk about favorite colors and those worth trying with Porsche’s Paint to Sample (PTS) program.
• A future configuration contest is planned, inviting viewers to submit and rate their custom 911 builds.