[GregW]

I remember Porsche exhaust sounds from the late 1970s, and the 718 reminds me of them.
I can't work out what's wrong with the beat from a boxer 4--it sure beats a Toyota 4 (sorry Toyota).
And I sure like the sound of a WRX compared to a standard GM 6.
I also like the sound of my Moto Guzzi 1100 twin--but to really hear it I need to exceed the highway speed limit in 2nd gear!

Greg
Boxster (Australian version) on line to be produced in week 19 this year.

 

[GregW]

I agree with the commenter on that page who points out that acceleration from 30-50 MPH in top gear is a ridiculously pointless thing to test. They should replace it with a 50-90 MPH run, using whatever gear(s) the driver (or the transmission) would select for a passing maneuver.

I've got to agree with this. Who drives around in 6th gear at 30mph? Maybe he should have got the PDK to save him the trouble of shifting. (That's what's coming in my 718.)
In my current Impreza, at 30mph I'm still debating shifting into 4th from 3rd!

Greg

 

[GregW]

Here we go all, the worst review of the 718 Boxster yet.
I'm not sure what she thought of the car but the review itself sure needs work!

Join Daily Post reporter test driving Porsche Boxster and later a Cayenne - Daily Post

Greg

 

[GregW]

I'll bet that the Macan is taking sales from the 718 (as above). The 718 is a two-seater and for anyone with children has to be a 2nd car (and it is not a cheap 2nd car). The Macan is the "family" Porsche and is both introducing Porsche to new owners and allowing previous owners to have a family and a Porsche without having one car that is limited in its outings.

I'm also sure that while the Chinese are buying the 718, so is the rest of the world. I'd guess that Boxster/Cayman owners keep their Porsches longer than the average car is kept and it will take a while for the "already owners" to accustom themselves to the new options for a roadster.

Porsche is (at least partially) in business to make a profit and as long as the 718 proves profitable it'll be made. I can't see sports cars disappearing any time soon. Given the proliferation of them from the other makers I'd say they agree.

As a new Porsche owner (I've been waiting 51 years to buy mine!) strong low-end torque is a major bonus. I'd like to keep my license. (And honestly, I like the low, growly exhaust note.)

Greg

 

[GregW]

What proliferation? Given sports cars are two seats, ragtop, two doors, what under $100K options exist?

I haven't followed the whole market--just the cars I investigated (and there seemed to be many), so you may well be right.
However, by the definition above, the Cayman doesn't qualify, nor do models by Mercedes, Subaru, BMW or Toyota (or Mazda MX9?)

Greg

 

[GregW]

Which brings me back to the question of why people buy Porsche SUVs--Porsche panache/ power/ handling combined with practicality for driving on city streets?

Yessiree, buy vehicle capable of climbing mountains and then slow down to a crawl over a minor bump in the road. The Japanese had it right when they called a huge 4wd SUV the "Suburban".

Greg

 

[GregW]

Top gear YT channel and Chris Harris just posted another 718 review - this time it's the 718 Boxster.

https://youtu.be/vAe8Khit4qE

Similar conclusion to the previous 718 Cayman review.

This review isn't new--it's actually months old and took place well before the Cayman review.

Ouch! And "more understeer on turn-in when there wasn't any before." I wonder if this is caused by the modified suspension, new wheel widths, new PZ4 tires, or ???

Since his review is the only one that mentions this, maybe it's his driving preference to have the rear end hang out.

Greg

 

[GregW]

Consider that an Edsel now sells for around 10 times it's original price.

 

[GregW]

As long as they sell enough to ensure that they keep parts, I'm happy. I prefer fewer sales otherwise, as it means my car is less common.

Greg