987 vs 986 - Zowie!

[ekam]

At this point in time it makes sense to wait and see what the 2012 Boxster is going to be. 987.2 sales have been suffering big time so Porsche is forced to release something different to increase buyer's interest. Did anyone read about the 7-speed manual on the new 2012 911 (Type 991)?

That being said purchasing a Porsche is an emotional decision not a logical one.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by ekam

Did anyone read about the 7-speed manual on the new 2012 911 (Type 991)?

I saw that, now there will be two useless gears

[ekam]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

I saw that, now there will be two useless gears

I blame the auto industry's obsession with fuel economy. But you're right 5-speed is more than enough gears because more gears = more mechanical parts = more likely to break.

They're moving to electric power steering as well. Perhaps this should be a new thread.

[The Radium King]

i don't get the 7-speed thing either, but am hoping that the electric power steering will be adaptable to earlier cars (at a reasonable price).

[blue2000s]

Porsche is 1/2 step away from providing one sequential shifting transmission in all it's cars. The clutch pedal can always be there but it can be optional to use. The clutch is electronically controlled in a pdk, they can just give override control of the electronics to the clutch pedal if it's depressed. Then there's no real mechanical connection to the throttle, clutch or steering. It's basically like driving a simulator. Maybe Lotus will still make fun cars in the future.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

i don't get the 7-speed thing either, but am hoping that the electric power steering will be adaptable to earlier cars (at a reasonable price).

I hope for Porsche's sake that the electric assist isn't like the systems on any other cars because as much as hydrolic PS sucks from the enjoyment of a good steering rack, the electric systems are twice as bad.

If you've ever driven a Prius, you know what I mean. Extremely disconnected. On GM cars, they think steering effort some how equals feel, which is of course not true and they suck too.

[Flavor 987S]

While I love my 987S I can tell you from experience, when a 986 was either behind me or in front on me, on The Tail of the Dragon over the years with fellow 986Forum members & friends (Randall, Derb, Sammy, & NickCats), the performance differences were very-very minimal. Both very capable.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Flavor 987S

While I love my 987S I can tell you from experience, when a 986 was either behind me or in front on me, on The Tail of the Dragon over the years with fellow 986Forum members & friends (Randall, Derb, Sammy, & NickCats), the performance differences were very-very minimal. Both very capable.

I'd be curious to see this with the new Boxster Spyder. From lap one 1 the manual version was faster than a PDK-equipped CaymanS on a Road&Track test circuit.

320 hp on a lighter more rigid tub may be well beyond "feels a little quicker" territory.