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The dial selects Sport Mode, Sport Plus, and a customizable setting. There's also a 20-second 'Sport Response' feature that supposedly spools up the turbos so they are ready to go for maximum performance/passing/etc. I had the opportunity to drive both (PDK) versions of the new 718 this week on a closed auto-x track, and actually preferred the base Boxster with the base exhaust. (I believe what you see in the video is the base with a performance exhaust, which adds no performance, but instead lots of farts and burbles).
I only drove the cars with the top and windows up, so unfortunately didn't get to hear much of the intake, but the interior sounds were good. From the outside, the base Box w/base exhaust was clearly the best sounding car. We had about three hours of exposure to the cars, including about 40 min of total seat time. The opinion of more than a few attendees was the same as mine regarding the exhaust note, and we were pleasantly surprised.
I was impressed with the subtle new changes to the body, and the performance and interior was obviously greatly improved over my base 2003 986. On the courses we ran, the S model didn't really offer anything above the base. I think the turbo makes the base a much more capable car with the low end torque. I walked away with a changed mind, and would consider leasing a base model 718 at a reasonable price (or purchasing one a few years from now)....I was impressed.
Of course, they let us drive the new 911 S as well. Wow. Kinda ruined it....lol...that car is amazing (I have previously driven a 991 Targa 4S). Then again, with a few options it's $120,000 and twice the price of a base Box. The Macan GTS impressed as well.
I will say, however, as I left the event in my 986, the intake and engine sounds of our flat sixes are still sweet. After a few miles, I didn't miss the extra 75 horsepower and newer feel of the 718. The original Boxster still brings a smile. Though I will be looking at upgrading my steering wheel to something a little thicker. Those new steering wheals are nice.
Last edited by tomonomics; 07-29-2016 at 09:14 AM.
Reason: edited to include the correct 'sport response' mode
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