Hi,
Carlsen Porsche in Redwood City has a silver one on the floor. I spent half an hour in the car as it was quiet when I was there. It is an European car loaned to U.S. dealers for inspections only, no test drives. I suspect all current show-room cars have the same specs so I wouldn't bother repeating it. I have also read all the other threads on 'in-the-flesh' observations so I'll only report items that I have not seen mentioned.
Brake and clutch: very firm brake feel, ala my RUF with steel brake lines. I know the actual response when the engine is on will differ, but pressing on the brake padel, it feels a lot firmer than many other cars. Clutch feel is medium heavy. I like that a lot, the 996 (especily the TT model) has power assist and the clutch is really light. I personally prefer a stiffer, more linear clutch feel, so the Cayman S suits me fine. The brake padel position seems high compared to the gas, so you're pretty deep into braking before you can heel/toe using the right blade of the shoe, which I do. At light brake application, you have to actually **** you foot and press the gas with your heel. A little awkward for me. I'm sure you can adjust the padel positions to solve that issue.
Seats: regular manual seats and I like the way they hold (I'm 5'-6' and 150 lbs). Good seat grip traction, and adequate lateral support (nothing like the Recaro A8 seat in my RUF though). I can find a good comfortable position with just the manual adjustments. One thing I find surprising is that the length of the seat cushion seems a little short, thus less thigh support. And I'm a short guy with short legs. I wonder how long-legged drivers will fare on long-trips, with only half the thigh on the seat. I sat deep into the seat and that worked ok for me. If I get this car, I will not spend $$ on seat options and I'd go after-market seat for sure. I'm the only one driving the car so I won't need adjustment convenience for multi-drivers.
Steering wheel: the wheel telescopes and tilts. Much better than the 993 fixed wheel set-up.
Luggage space: While the total volume is high, the dimensions are less functional. Definitely go with soft luggages for extended trips.
Wheels: the 19' looks nice, but I like deep-dish wheels. So in my own car, I'd just go OEM 18' and go after-market for the deep-dish look later.
Shift throw: much shorter than the 993. Feels very good, but I will still get the factory SSK.
I love this car. However, I'm convinced that I'd go for a lightly optioned car (Bi-xenon, SSK, and that's about it) and change wheels/seats afterwards. As a daily driver and no tracks I won't need PASM, sports chrono, or PCCBs. I think the Carmon Red with a sand-beige interior and the red calipers makes a really hot looking car.
I envy you folks when your rides arrives in January. Enjoy.
CP
Edited by - CP on 11/23/2005 10:22:32 PM
Hi Pong
I too think it compares quite well w/the 993 thus far. The real test will be whether it has the visceral feel when driven hard. I agree w/you re: pedal placement for heel & toeing. I'd prefer the brake a bit lower & closer to the throttle, but I could get used to it. I sat in the sport seats which were, Porsche sport seats. That is to say, an excellent compromise of comfort & support.
The dealer demo cars are NOT Euro cars. They are US spec & will be available for sale to the dealers after Jan 15th. As I've posted elsewhere, although most of the PCNA cars seem to be Arctic Silver & similarly optioned, they are not all that way. My dealer's is Basalt black.
Absent surprises, in a few months I'll be asking, 'Know anyone who wants my 993?' /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/drive.gif
I saw a Carmon RedCarrera today and it was stunning. If I would have seen this in person month ago I think I might have changed from the Cobalt.
Russ
RussK - What color was the interior on the Carmen Red? Any other interior options?
Keith,
I wish I could tell you, but it was turning at a distance in front of me and I could not say for sure but it appeard to be light so if I had to guess I woud say Sand Beige. The color took my breath away, it was so rich and the quality of Porsche paint was very evident. I think this would look great in black or tan. I can't wait to see a pic of a Cayman in Carmon Red, with those hips oooolala!!
Aloha Russ
