The new Boxster - the triumph of technology over skill?

[shadrach74]

Originally Posted by bar10dah

I got a wrench to throw into the works!

The next time you, or your wife/kids, fly commercial... do you want them flying in a plane with simple controls from a 1940s Cub? Or the automation of a modern aircraft?

But really, it's all about the tools. We should be able to choose what tools we want and what we don't want. From what I've been reading in the current Porsche rags, the hardcore racing heritage Porsche drivers don't mind the modern electronics in Porsches, just as long as it's an option and they can opt-out.

If the pilots of Air France FLT 447 had spent more time in a 40's era aircraft, they'd have not ended up riding a stalled aircraft into the sea killing 216 passengers. That is a notable example of users focusing on technology rather than skill. Dreadful outcome due to a technological malfunction an out come that could have been avoided using basic aeronautical concepts learned in private pilot training...

I see the same thing happening as personal aircraft become more technologically advanced, safety improves statistically, but skill sets atrophy as technology is increasingly relied upon. Most pilots I know are heavily dependent on GPS. Their ability to use other navaids and or dead reckoning has suffered as a result.

There's a balance, and each technological advance must be analyzed on it's own merits...

[firstporsche]

I went to the Porsche World Road Show on 6/8/12 at Monticello Car Club Racetrack. We drove the new 2012: 911, 911s, Boxster S, Cayenne, and Panamera. All of them had PDK.

Although I can really appreciate the PDK for what it does and how well it does it (i.e. excellently), I still have a fondness and preference for the manual gearbox in my 2002 Boxster. I have no doubt that the PDK is faster than I am, but for me, shifting is a great part of the fun and experience of driving.

The new Boxster S is amazing, though. A little longer, a little wider stance, and lots more power. Still a VERY nimble and agile sports car ... but then, so is mine.

[RobbieKnobbie]

All the electronic bells and whistles in the world wont put you on the right line through a corner. Nor will they compensate for the lost momentum coming out of it.