Just returned home from the Frankfurt Auto Show, and wanted to pass along some thoughts, observations and questions before I nod off.
1. Sorry I couldn't pass along commentary during the week; for some reason (my pc, hotel internet connection, whatever) I lost ability to log onto this site after only sporadic success. This is no fault of our able web master, so please don't blame him. In fact, he should be thanked for taking the time to receive my files directly and upload them for your/our benefit.
2. The organizers of the Frankfurt Auto Show claim that theirs is the largest in the world ... I'd have to agree. There are roughly 10 large exhibition halls and countless conference, meeting facilities, all interconnected via moving walkways contained in 2nd floor corridors.
3. There is an understanding among the world's automakers that foreign brands do not upstage the hosting country's domestic producers. For the US, the Big 3 is kingat theDetroit show, Tokyo is key forToyota/Honda/Nissan, and Frankfurt is clearly key for the Germans. As a side note, this actually makes the NY Auto Show important in that itbecomes almost a free-for-all and thus really exciting.
Because of the above point, both BMW and DailmerChrysler had HUGE exhibit halls all to themselves. VW didn't have their own hall, but dominated the hall they were in with exhibits for all their brands (here we only know of VW and Audi, but in Europe they have a couple of other brands). Porsche was in a smaller hall, flanked by Ferrari/Maserati/Alfa Romeo on one end (makes sense) and Mitsubishi on the other (ratherodd no?).
4. I didn't take many pictures/videos of the female models accompanying the various exhibits (this is a PG-rated site no?), but it was interesting how the models fit the auto brands -- statuesque 'can't touch me' looking bombshellsat Ferrari on the one hand and petite, cute and friendly jeans-wearing babes helping to explain the MINI line on the other. For Porsche, it was strictly the cars with no human models around, justaids (both male and female) standing around to answer questions about Porsche's product line.
5. The interest for the Cayman was very high. I took note of people's expressions and could sense the respect, admiration and lust oozing from their gazes, smiles and nodding heads of appreciation. In Germany, Porsche remains at the top of the automotive heirarchy. There was a general understanding that the Cayman was in some way a return to simpler times (how many 911 variants today vs just 10 years ago?). But let's not pretend thatthe Cayman will ever jeopardize the 911.A very high ranking Porsche official commented that the Cayman can not be allowed to be faster or offer a more dynamic driving experience than the top model 911. I haven't given up hoping for a higher performing Cayman in the future, whether that be designated a lightweight/CS/RS. However, that will happen only when the 911 model range also receives a boost in performance (your opinion may vary).
6.I love the dimensions of the Cayman! I don't need the larger interior space offered by the 911, and other 2-seat coupes/convertibles are a bit too small for everyday use. I was also told that Porsche intentionally allowed for a larger engine sound to enter the cockpit vs the 911 and Boxster. I'm not sure whether that makes my decision to get the Bose system wise or foolish?! I guess that depends on what speed I am traveling, but always with the limits ;-)
7. Porsche management is said to be very pleased with the initial demand for the Cayman. Indeed they suggested that in some countries they are already on allocation, specifically the UK. Can someone in the UK check what the delivery lead time is for a new order placed today?
8. Before coming to the show, I had placed my order. But in the back of my mind, I wanted to resolve how much of a financial hit will I take over time with the car, afterall Porsche's still depreciate as do all new cars. The issue is whether the price premium of the Cayman over the Boxster will somehow be eroded in the future and possibly go to a discount, as is the norm. All I can say is thatPorsche understands their job is to provide exciting cars that retain value,even if that means limiting volume in the future. My mind is at peace and I'm looking forward to driving my Cayman S home in January!
9.Nine video's of the world premiere are in the download section. Hope you will enjoy these and the pictures.
schao
What is everyone using to open these downloads ? - I cannot get them to open. Thank you...
Rick Longano
I tried my DivX player but it wouldn't work, so I switched to Apple Quicktime and it viewed the MP4 files just fine.
Thanks for the excellent report, Schao. Your observation about the models at the displays - or lack thereof - is quite revealing of what the respective companies see themselves selling.
Lead time in the UK depends on dealer build slots, most are order now for delivery May.
Schao,
Great write-up BTW, and thanks for the Pics and Vids!
Dude, thanks for thePro Newsquality reporting!
In the last couple of days, I would constantly go back check the forum for more of your pics and videos.
Thanks for the great coverage!
Thanks Schoa. You have made the wait almost bearable. Did you have a chance at the show to look inside the basalt black Cay I am curious about the interior. In the third pic on the site for that car, it looked like black with yellow stitchingJ1a
I noticed today that porsche.com already has a lot of the show items on their web site /fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/MWPX/shades_smile.gifIt has some nice pics of the Basalt .... which is the color I ended up ordering .... I like it. In one of the pics it looks like the instrument dials are sand in color or is that the tera cotta ?
Very nice write up! Thank you for all your efforts to provide us with such excellent photos and videos. I felt like I was attending the show myself!!
Thanks for all the kind and positive comments. As for the Basalt Cayman S, I never saw it at Frankfurt ... maybe it was stationed somewhere other than the main Porsche exhibit. I went back to Porsche's webcam of the site and they also don't show that car at their exhibit, so I'm at a loss and can't offer any comments from first-hand views, sorry. For viewing my video's, I've been using QuickTime and as K-Man S says, be sure you are using the latest version. The program still gives me an error message, but then proceeds to play it anyway.
Looking forward to hearing from our European friends about the driving experiencewith their Cayman S!
schao
