Joe I am thrilled for you! You are fortunate indeed. It is a wondrous feeling to be able to share these moments with your partner as it amplifies the enjoyment so much more. They become special experiences which stay with you.

I too work for myself and make sure to take a week or so out every few weeks to take a road trip with my wife. To do it in the Porsche is always amazing.

Our road trips are often around the Cherohala and the dragon. Try to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. We were on it last week and drove parts of the Shenedoah as well... the roads and fall colors are stunning.

I'm sending you a PM.

 

It is the Garmin HUD

requires purchase of Navigon software on an android phone, or Garmin software on iphone (I believe).

Unit sits on dash. Stays there pretty good. Extreme g-forces can cause it to slide off the dash. Displays speed limits and actual speed side by side. Speed limits are accurate for most places (all the same places that the PCM is accurate. Same database?)

Does turn by turn navigation on the display with the software in the phone.

Not perfect. Couldn't do without it now that I have had it.

 

I had one of these experiences last night. Wife and I were backing out of the driveway and three dads were standing across the street with their Trick or Treaters. All three of them stared at the car from the moment I started backing out of the garage until after I pivoted and drove away. My wife gave 'em a little wave and asked me if people always stare.

Joe--so glad you're enjoying it thoroughly. If it weren't for kids in the house I'd be doing the same type of trip. I've got 4 years to wait....

 

Now in Knoxville, TN. I have not seen a single 911 since I left Dallas on Monday. I have only seen one Porsche of any type. It was a Cayenne. I have seen tons of Corvettes on the trip. Here in Knoxville the reaction to the 911 is unreal. Pulled into a Harley Davidson store and a guys mouth fell open looking at it. It stayed wide open till we got well past him. Almost everyone here, turns there head to look at it. Suspecting they don't see them that often.

Different note:
Went to the Corvette Museum this morning. The new Corvette looks much better in person. It however is no longer my cup of tea. The museum is worth visiting. a few years ago, I would have felt like I was in heaven. Today it was just kind of interesting. I guess I am just so head over heels for the 911 now, that l only have eyes for them. The Porsche has cast a spell on me that keeps getting stronger and stronger.

My 911 with x51 vs. GT3 vs. 911 Turbo:
I woke up this morning with what appeared to be food poisoning. Have felt like I could vomit most of the day. Not the best feeling to have on a road trip in a sports car. Driving in no way helped. If I had been in my old z06 corvette, I would not have been able to drive at all. I have never driven a GT3. If it is less civil than my 911, I would not have enjoyed it at all this morning. Today I needed a car that was comfortable, smooth and stable. Today, more power would have been wasted. Yesterday however I was feeling my oats. Yesterday I wanted to play every chance I thought I could get away with it. Yesterday I wanted a monster. Yesterday my 911 was that monster. I can't imagine that I would have been able to enjoy a GT3 any more than what I enjoyed my current 911. Would I love to have a GT3? Yes. Mostly though for the prestige of it. Would I enjoy it as much on a long road trip? I don't know. I doubt it. My current 911 provides the best touring experience I have ever had, telepathic maneuverability, prestige, beauty, and raw grunt when asked for it. I think it hits the ultimate sweet spot for what I really want most in a sports car, at this moment in my life. Will I ever want a GT3 to replace it? Hard to say. For right now though, I think I made the right choice. I am very happy. To me the Turbo has 2 advantages over my current car. Those are 0 to 60 times and prestige. It has neither in large enough quantities over my current car, to make it any measurable amount more desirable. For me, it would have to be the car I have or the GT3. My next 911 will probably be as an addition to my current one. It will most likely be a classic model.

 

Have you posted pictures of your new beauty yet? Would love to see it. Very happy that you got it. Feels like our cars were likely travel companions and friends on their voyage from Germany.

 

Actual running drive-in movie theater in Kentucky

 

From the rear. Standing Stone State Park.

 

Standing Stone State Park, TN

 

Joe,

I have been following your thread with much interest. First of all beautiful car and I love the fact that you went for all of those great options. I thought white was my favorite color for the 991 but I am now thinking agate grey.

Your road trips looks like a lot of fun. Love to see some more interior shots of the seats and dash area if you have some time.

Congrats and enjoy!

 

Trek737,
Here's a picture of your of the drivers display. I'll try and get more interior photos posted for you in the coming days.

 

Update 11-2-13:

I tamed the Tail of the Dragon. Wow! What an awesome experience. 318 turns in 11 miles. This is a drive that every 911 owner should take, if they can. The 911 is incredible. The roads ranged from dry to damp to very wet at times. The c4s handled it like magic.

There was a point when I met a cop head on. I asked the wife if he was turning around. She said that she didn't think so. Then she commented "if he gives us a ticket and our insurance goes up, it will be well worth cost". She said "This is more fun than any roller coaster ride could ever be". I knew it was for me. I was surprised to hear that she enjoyed it that much too. She commented many times today that we should consider moving to Tennessee so that I could be near these roads. At Deals Gap on the Dragon we saw our first 911's of the entire trip. 3 classic models that were traveling together.

Along the route there were photographers taking pictures of all the vehicles passing there positions. You go online, find your car, then purchase the photos you want. My photos aren't up yet. I will be ordering them, and posting them here when they are.

Tonight we are staying in Pigeon Forge, TN. The town is quite similar to Branson, MO. We will stay the night, and leave tomorrow towards Savannah, GA. Pigeon Forge is worth a drive through, for the pretty scenery. Glad we came, but not enough here to make us want to stay longer than the night.

After Savannah, we plan to begin our trip back west. Not heading to Dallas though. We have decided that we had to be in Eureka Springs for PCA Palooza. We booked a room at a bed and breakfast there for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. We will drive back to Dallas on Monday. Let me know if you plan to be there. Would love to meet any of you that attend.

 

I'll be there. Coming from St. Louis. But I'll be in my 993. Look me up and say hi!

 

LOVE your 993!! I'm a sucker for silver color..and darn 993 looks HOT!!!!

 

tail lights at night

 

Hey Joe,

I too have been following your Blog with enthusiasm and excitement. It is a great time! I too hold a sweet spot for the connection us men only get with a sports car, long pieces of smooth road, and a beautiful women at our side.

How have you and the wife liked the working space for drinking or eating snacks in the car? Is there enough space to carry enough clothes or would one just do laundry occasionally?

I often thought that we might be forced to buy a Panamera so that on long trips we can accumulate more items, presents and other oddities that we just have to purchase.