Collecting new toy from Stuttgart - route suggestions? - Page 3 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

OK, this time next week, I'll be collecting my GT3 from Stuttgart Not sure whether I'm best off posting here or in General/Travel but figured I'd try here first. I am trying to figure out routes and was thinking of heading home via the Alps and just wondering if those who have driven the area could comment on whether I'm being overly ambitious about the distances. I'd also really appreciate any recommendations for 'car friendly' places to stay along the route - ideally somewhere with secure parking!! Obviously a lot depends on the weather - no plan B as such if it turns nasty as I'm being positive! I'm taking my Dad and we fly out on Wednesday afternoon - I've got an open return on the tunnel but am planning to come back sometime on Sunday. Thurs: Collect car, do factory tour/Porsche Museum Drive from Stuttgart down to somewhere around Lake Constance (Bodensee) and find somewhere to stay, probably around Bergenz which is 250km from Stuttgart (A81 and then A98/E54 along the north bank). If we make good time, I may go a little further south to take some mileage off the next day's driving (possibly Chur?) Friday: The plan is to try to take in the Davos->Stelvio route, heading into Italy towards Lake Como, though I'm not sure if that's a bit far. Google maps seems to have some issues with several of the passes, but what I've managed to figure out is: Bergenz to Davos on the A13/E43 is about 115km. Davos to Stelvio (Route 28 - Fluelapass, Susch (Ofenpass), St Maria) which looks like about 65km. Probably then go down the other side (to Trafoi) and back up before heading on to Bormio (50km) Then from Bormio head South along SS38 before it turns West towards Colico on the Eastern edge of Lake Como (100km) and hopefully on to Lugano for the night (60km). So, that gives me about 390km for the day - is that too much if I was to take our time and admire the views and have a good few stops? Saturday: Head back up through a few more passes Lugano to Airlo on the A2 (85km), coming off the A2 for the San Gottardo pass and then in a loop going West taking in Furkapasse, Grimsel Pass, North to Interkirchen and East across Susten Pass to Wassen (120km) From there I was thinking of rejoining the A2 and heading up to Luzern 65km. Might stay in Luzern (making at 270km day), but that would leave a really long drive to Calais on Sunday (850km) so I'd probably aim to get a bit further back - open to suggestions for where!

It always takes longer than you think to do the passes, especially in a car. I did it on a bike this year and could fly past the camper vans etc, and quite often there were snakes of cars following a van up the pass. So... 400k in a day over several passes will be a very long day in the driving seat. Either way, if you can I'd recommend the B500 from Zurich to Baden Baden. Lovely ribbon of tarmac through the Black Forest.

Sounds like a good plan. If you can fit in the Klausen pass, it's well worth doing. The eastern part of the pass is fantastic.

Personally I'd stay in De and blast Autobahn for a couple of days. Plenty of beautiful places to stop. Enjoy unlimited speeds while you can, you can do all the bendy stuff on tracks when you get home Edited by TB993tt on Thursday 8th October 12:23

Sorry, the Autobahns are not a patch on the mountain passes he's thinking of driving. I've been there and done that, and I'd much rather drive the magnificent mountain passes, with stunning scenery and great roads. It's what these Porsche's were built for. 'blasting' along a motorway is all well and good, but the Autobahns around Stuttgart are busy and the stretches areas of unrestricted speed limits are all too short. You're just on a motorway at the end of the day, which doesn't compare to a challenging mountain pass IMO.

Straight to the "Ring" and pound around.....

- Super_Marv said: Sorry, the Autobahns are not a patch on the mountain passes he's thinking of driving. I've been there and done that, and I'd much rather drive the magnificent mountain passes, with stunning scenery and great roads. It's what these Porsche's were built for. 'blasting' along a motorway is all well and good, but the Autobahns around Stuttgart are busy and the stretches areas of unrestricted speed limits are all too short. You're just on a motorway at the end of the day, which doesn't compare to a challenging mountain pass IMO. Disagree, the new GT3 has awesome downforce and GT2 stability at high speed <200kph, it is mega stable and a great Autobahn blaster, wringing out to 8400rpm in 4th and 5th gear , a "motorway" is a bit more fun than the M6 when you're at 250kph and the majority is still derestricted,- go enjoy the stunning scenery with your missus - him and pops need to give it some IMO

Keep an eye on the Touring Club Suisse website for information regarding the status of alpine passes in Swizerland... P.S. There is some snow forecast down to 1,500m over the next few days... http://www.tcs.ch/main/fr/home/verkehrsinfo/paesse... Link to MeteoSuisse's webcams... (sadly they are all small images but you may see snow on these peaks in the coming days even though it was 27-30C here in places yesterday!) http://www.meteosuisse.admin.ch/web/fr/meteo/temps...

Surely with a brand new car, the last thing you ought to be doing is blasting around reving the naders off it? And therefore the passes sounds like a way more beautiful and pleasing route home. I can't wait to get on these roads.

What an adventure. Wishing you a safe journey home

supersport said: Surely with a brand new car, the last thing you ought to be doing is blasting around reving the naders off it? Doubt you'd harm a GT3 on the public roads, with or without an official speed limit, unless of course you're a complete animal/loon/tosser....... SOunds like loads of have fun !

My route home with the GT 3 in Nov 07 was depart factory at 2pm. Overnight at the Ring and a couple of laps next day, it was snowing ! On to Spa and stayed in Francochamps . Did a lap of the old Spa GP circuit , visited the small Museum at Stavelot and home then to Ireland. Heavy rain on the motorways in Belguim meant slow progress with the Pirelli Corsas.

I would go the scenic route. Either way a dream trip. Please take some pics and post them up with a write up about the collection.

hunter 66 said: Straight to the "Ring" and pound around..... What he said!

TB993tt said: - Super_Marv said: Sorry, the Autobahns are not a patch on the mountain passes he's thinking of driving. I've been there and done that, and I'd much rather drive the magnificent mountain passes, with stunning scenery and great roads. It's what these Porsche's were built for. 'blasting' along a motorway is all well and good, but the Autobahns around Stuttgart are busy and the stretches areas of unrestricted speed limits are all too short. You're just on a motorway at the end of the day, which doesn't compare to a challenging mountain pass IMO. Disagree, the new GT3 has awesome downforce and GT2 stability at high speed <200kph, it is mega stable and a great Autobahn blaster, wringing out to 8400rpm in 4th and 5th gear , a "motorway" is a bit more fun than the M6 when you're at 250kph and the majority is still derestricted,- go enjoy the stunning scenery with your missus - him and pops need to give it some IMO Guess we'll have to agree to disagree then! To me a GT3 is made for the twisties, not the Autobahn (though I'm not doubting they are very, very good on the Autobahn, I'd probably prefer a Panamera for autobahn work) Each to their own! Back on subject - the only problem I found with Switzerland, is that there seems to be an endless amount of road works when I was there a couple of weeks ago, even on the passes. I lost quite a bit of time because of this. Also, the passes in Switzerland were much busier than the passes in France and Austria (no roadworks in France and Austria either) but I suspect this time next week, things will be even quieter than when I visited, some of the roadworks may have finished too. If you visit Switzerland or Austria, don't forget to get a motorway sticker (Vignette), otherwise the police will take delight in handing you a fine for not having one! Anyway, like the others have said, have a great time, take pictures and report back how you got on! Edited by Super_Marv on Thursday 8th October 19:44

Well, hammering up and down the autobahn doesn't really appeal (I haven't bought a Turbo ). Also, I really wanted to get some time with the car before I tackle the ring. As for collecting it, I always said I'd buy a 911 and now I'm doing it and have managed it young enough to take my Dad with me so its really more about the event than exactly where we go or even hammering up and down passes/roads as fast as possible. It just seemed that with the scenery on offer, heading across the Alps would be a really good few days. I can't wait

steve z said: hunter 66 said: Straight to the "Ring" and pound around..... What he said! joy. screw the stupid swiss speed limits Edited by fbrs on Thursday 8th October 20:35

See here: http://www.alpineroads.com/index.php

melv said: See here: http://www.alpineroads.com/index.php I used that site to plan my holiday - some great advice in there

Anyone got any car friendly hotel recommendations in Bregenz/Chur, Lake Como or between Luzern/Basel?

No need to worry about your car in Switzerland, if that's what you mean by looking for "car friendly" hotels. In the Lucerne area I'd recommend Park Hotel Weggis, located in a small village on the shores of lake Lucerne.

Re-reading I see that you're thinking of the Stelvio. Here is this morning's webcam image: All of the big passes are in a similar state.

The hotel in Weggis is lovely but I don't think you'll have any problem whatsoever in Switzerland with the car safety. Your issue is that the best passes are not going to be open, or if they are then they're currently being covered in snow (see last few posts in the Switzerland section). Unless we have another warm spell I think they're pretty much off limits until May / June next year. I would personally avoid Switzerland at the moment and head west to the black forest. I was there yesterday. It's currently in the midst of the autumn colours (take the camera) and being lower isn't likely to have the snow. The roads are wonderful and are pretty quiet. With damp roads and fallen leaves it was a bit slippy, but nothing scary. Porsche Travel do a weekend break in the region so maybe try and find their route maps. Otherwise just get a 1:60,000 or even 1:100,000 and you should be fine. Edited by chandrew on Monday 12th October 16:16

chandrew said: Re-reading I see that you're thinking of the Stelvio. Here is this morning's webcam image: All of the big passes are in a similar state. I was there 6 weeks ago and the weather was glorious!

I would be ueber - careful with winter approaching in the Alps. With Pirelli P-Zero Corsas you will be slipping and sliding all the way down so I would take the advice of staying in the Black Forest and enjoy the autumn scenery. The tyres are not recommneded below 7 degrees and that is pretty much what you have this time of year. Also doing more than 300-400 miles of driving in a day will be tiring not so much for you but for your father in the passenger seat. Enjoy.

2nded. Have Corsas on mine and as brilliant as they are in warmer weather, grip fades rather quickly when it's cold and wet...

Eek! That's what I feared I'd appreciate Plan B route suggestions!!! I've got Friday/Sat to drive around (somewhere with decent roads and some nice scenic places to stop and get out) and then Sunday need to get back to Calais...

Also, (and much against my better judgement) - what's the ring like this time of year? (and do I stand any chance of just pootling round for a lap)

kryten said: I'd appreciate Plan B route suggestions!!! If it was me doing that journey I'd head south through the Black Forest, then across to Reims and up to Calais. Something vaguely like this: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&source=s_d&a... Avoid the main routes though France and follow your nose using 'N' routes - we found some corking roads completely by chance.

hornetrider's suggestion seems a good one. You can't really go wrong in the Black Forest. Just look at a map and pick the twisty roads, especially those that aren't main roads. Whilst I'm not an expert on the area - even though I live about 30 miles away - I've yet to find a bad road. Some are absolutely amazing and as good as the passes, though I don't worry so much about speed traps as I do sometimes in Switzerland. They also don't get clogged up like the Swiss passes can - the passes remember are mostly main transit routes & I tend to do them starting at sunrise and heading back mid morning. My 60km Black Forest route on Sunday morning meant having to pass 3 cars, with the total seen in both directions of less than 10 with 1 biker. It will be quieter mid week. If you went South through the Black Forest you could follow it the next day with some time in the Alsace. I guess the vines are all yellow and there are some nice places around Colmar. Alternatively there are some good hotels in and around Baden Baden. Reims is a good stopping place and is about 3 to 4 hours from the tunnel. So I'd aim there for Saturday night.

Yep, think we'll go for something like that. May still head down by lake Constance for a day as well. Any hotel recommendations in the Black Forest or around Lake Constance? Also, can anyone recommend a chateaux on the way back up through France we could stay at that does tours/tastings?

Some good hotel websites for Europe: www.relaischateaux.com www.sawdays.co.uk www.viamichelin.com HTH

Reims? Be rude not to pay homage to the old track and Les Pilotes.... http://theracingline.net/racingcircuits/racingcirc...

Well, I've got it! Arrived at Suttgart yesterday and spent a great evening at the Maritim Hotel Stuttgart. could hardly sleep. up early this morning and got the taxi to Zuffenhausen. The factory tour was excellent - great place and very interesting, plus really felt a 'connection' with the car. So, tour over and it was up to collect the car. The apprehension and excitement were unbelievable as we waited for them to come and gut us from the waiting area. I definitely chose the right colour - in a room full of black/silver cars, there was one that really stood out After a very thorough look round the car, I get to drive it. Blip the throttle and WOW, what a noise (got a big thumbs up from the other people collecting cars!). Down the ramp and we parked up to go for lunch. Probably just as well as I was in a state of disbelief and probably couldn't have driven far at that point anyway. Great lunch, overlooking the museum and then spent a couple of hours going through the museum itself - what a place. They even started up the cup car and gave it a real revving. So, everything done (well, a quick trip to the shop for a keyring and t-shirt) we headed back to the car. Still gleaming, climb in and just sit for a minute. Program the sat-nav with Lake Constance and off we go... The noise the engine makes is just amazing. With the sport button pressed its even more stunning. (I can't believe this is going to pass noise limits at many circuits) Out onto the autobahn towards Ulm but there's a fair amount of traffic. Its not long before we get to a tunnel - its a very long tunnel and so, with a brand new GT3 what else could I do but wind down the windows, hit the sport button, drop it into second and spend the few minutes cutting under the mountains slowing gently before nailing the throttle, then slowing to do it all over again. By the time we left the tunnel, the noise of appreciative horns sounding was almost as loud as the GT3's engine A quick stop as we pass ulm to grab a drink and top up with fuel (Shell v-power racing = 100RON) at which point a few flakes of snow start to fall. Thankfully they stopped and we continued on to Lake Constance and have stopped at the wonderful Hotel Bayerischer Hof overlooking the lake (car is in the underground carpark and I'm glad I specced the lift system!!) The grin hasn't left my face since we collected the car. Off to the black forest tomorrow and hoping the rain that is forecast won't be too nasty!

I've heard that a 20.8Km stretch of tarmac in the Eifel region which attracks GT3s. ;-) Seriously, I've done your original route in early Sept '08 and it was fantastic. Leave that tonext summer. Porsche Travel Club in Germany has some nice routes all around Germany. Check this out: http://www.porsche.com/germany/sportandevents/trav...

I doubt i'll ever get to do what you've done, but I did do the tour and it was fascinating - very envious, enjoy the trip home.

Photo's........photo's........need photo's.....

TryHarder said: Photo's........photo's........need photo's.....

I think Kryten made a mistake when he posted the photo, here it is.... Very nice, enjoy the trip home

Mosman said: I think Kryten made a mistake when he posted the photo, here it is.... Very nice, enjoy the trip home STUNNING!

Want one.....want one....,,,,, what to do..... ho hum.... Just looks amazing BTW..... in case you were in any doubt of my opinion....

And he gets grille mesh ! as standard and by the look he doesn't get that bloody crude oil / creosote jollup all over the tyre walls !!

tried to post photos but they didn't seem to work over the mobile - having another go on hotel wifi tonight... today went up throught the black forest and found some wonderful roads. got to mid afternoon before the rain came in. even found some switchbacks that i could play on with the TC turned off However, the 500 to Baden-Baden was horrible. about 20km of thick fog. oh and SNOW. yep, snow that was settling about half an inch deep on the roads, with outside temp at 0.5C had a couple of 'slickish track tyres with no tread depth aren't designed for snow' moments and boy did i need a beer when we got to the hotel! weather looks nasty tomorrow - going to head up towards luxembourg in the hope of avoiding it... car is more amazing than i'd imagined. its just brilliant, does everything asked of it and has been a major cameraphone attraction everywhere (poss something to do with liberal use of the sport button and throttle blipping) i think there should be some tunnels built in southern england - i will NEVER tire of hitting the sport button and ragging it through tunnels

Thanks for the pictures, my favorite GT3 in Red ! Glad you are enjoying it, but please be careful, don't go and slide and have a little bump, I couldn't bear those pictures !!

kryten said: i think there should be some tunnels built in southern england - i will NEVER tire of hitting the sport button and ragging it through tunnels You need to visit Austria next year then Shame the weather has spoiled the fun - oh well, at least it gives you the chance to plan a proper Alpine road trip for next year!

The 'ring is open all day tomorrow.

Well, I decided the Ring was best left until I was a bit more used to the car. Avoided the Alps but we still found snow More to write about the trip, but not finished it yet - here's a few more photos, plus the set is on flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/82936946@N00/sets/721...

Welcome home pal. Great looking car. Like to hear a bit in your write up about tyre performance in wet and cold, if I may. Cheers Lucky

The Corsas will be better in the wet/cold.

Its on Corsas - no idea why you get these or the Michelins but they said the Corsas are better in wet/cold conditions. The smell of nicely warmed Pirelli when getting out of the car was good! Their performance on the wet roads was absolutely fine - quite a lot of the black forest sections were fairly wet with a bit of standing water in sections and whilst I probably slowed down a bit I wasn't going slowly and didn't notice any problems. Air temps according to the car were 5/6 degress most of that day but the tyres were always pretty warm when stopping so they seem to generate and hold temperature ok. I didn't really notice a big drop in performance even when the temperature dropped down to 1/2 degrees, that is until the snow started to settle on the road!

Great Pictures ! Think this one should be titled..."Local OPC collection seems attractive all of a sudden!"

kryten said: Its on Corsas - no idea why you get these or the Michelins but they said the Corsas are better in wet/cold conditions. The smell of nicely warmed Pirelli when getting out of the car was good! Their performance on the wet roads was absolutely fine - quite a lot of the black forest sections were fairly wet with a bit of standing water in sections and whilst I probably slowed down a bit I wasn't going slowly and didn't notice any problems. Air temps according to the car were 5/6 degress most of that day but the tyres were always pretty warm when stopping so they seem to generate and hold temperature ok. I didn't really notice a big drop in performance even when the temperature dropped down to 1/2 degrees, that is until the snow started to settle on the road! Many thanks

Great car and glad that you got back OK - I was thinking of your drive when the weather started to really turn on Friday. I hope that the roads whetted your appetite for the Black Forest / Alps. I suggest the best time to visit is either June when the high passes open or September before they close.

Kryten, Great looking car. Just asking - where is the battery cut-out switch located? Would you mind post a pic? Thanks. Edited by blue72s on Friday 23 October 18:07

Holly thread revival. I was going to ask if anyone had collected their car from the factory, just tried the search and found this. My car should finish build in October and I am thinking of collecting it. Has anyone done this and how did it go.

Dixy said: Holly thread revival. I was going to ask if anyone had collected their car from the factory, just tried the search and found this. My car should finish build in October and I am thinking of collecting it. Has anyone done this and how did it go. I was told "no sir - factory collection not available at the moment" but that was a few months ago.

Definitely check with your OPC, but I read somewhere factory collection for UK customers was gone forever. Issues with registration/insurance/customs or something like that now we are no longer part of the European Union. I’ve tried and failed to find the article so I may be wrong.

My opc told me the same thing. Brexit / vat etc.

Jeremy-75qq8 said: My opc told me the same thing. Brexit / vat etc. It makes you wonder if you could collect from the factory before we joined the EU back in the early Seventies.

I have been told not being done at present.