Picked up a copy of the latest issue of "Total 911" (with a gorgeous yellow 996 GT3 coupe on the cover) at Barnes & Noble last night. One of the articles I found particularly interesting is titled, "Top 10 911 Options". The article goes on to describe which options are 'must haves' when ordering a new 911. After each option, the article goes on to explain why they recommend it. As listed in the article:

10: Heated and ventilated seats
9. Bose Surround Sound and Universal Audio Interface
8. 19" wheels
7. PDK
6. Sports exhaust (Keep in mind that this is a UK publication. The text explains that EU noise regulations have the motor so quiet that you can barely hear it, and they want to hear it...)
5. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB)
4. Factory collection. Factory delivery - easy to do if you live in the UK.
3. Power Kit - adds another 23 hp to the S's 385 hp.
2. Sports suspension
1. Sports Chronograph

Additionally, the article says these options should be standard at no additional cost:

1. Rear wiper. If I lived in the UK I could see where that might be true.. not so much here.
2. Floor mats
3. Paddle shifters. Absolutely true

And these are the "What the..." options they say Porsche owners can do without.

1. Soft ruffled leather seat system. Haven't a clue what that is...
2. Heated steering wheel. Those of you in Minnesota might contest that.
3. Leather clothes hook. Huh?...
4. Leather rear view mirror surround.

Needless to say, I don't have the space or time to list all the reasons why they chose the options they did, but for the most part I'd tend to agree.

Great magazine if you haven't seen it.

 

My take:

10: Heated and ventilated seats - Yes
9. Bose Surround Sound and Universal Audio Interface - Yes
8. 19" wheels - YEs
7. PDK - Not so sure.
6. Sports exhaust (Keep in mind that this is a UK publication. The text explains that EU noise regulations have the motor so quiet that you can barely hear it, and they want to hear it...) Yep!
5. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) Not so sure
4. Factory collection. Factory delivery - easy to do if you live in the UK. - Nope
3. Power Kit - adds another 23 hp to the S's 385 hp. - Yes
2. Sports suspension - Yes
1. Sports Chronograph - Yes

I would add bluetooth and nav as must haves. Add: Sports Steering Wheel. xenons

 

I don't agree with all of those. I have no desire for pccb's for instance.

A little secret is just to order the GTS model. You get all that stuff for about $10K less than if you specced it on a C2S model.

 

Ok, here's my "want" list:

-Sport or bucket seats (bucket would be preferred)
-Sport Chrono (Sport button)
-Sport PASM w/ LSD
-Bose Surround System
-Deviated Seat Belts
-Painted Center Console
-Powerkit (not a must but is always nice to have a stronger engine )

"Should be standard" for me are:

-Floor Matts
[B]-Self Dimming Mirrors! (I'm really mad that this isn't standard and is an option! It's retarded )

 

Carrera S
SPASM
MT/Sport Shifter
Sport Exhaust
SportChrono

after that I don't care

 

Doesn't everyone have their own list?

My retrospective list includes:

- two-tone leather with black dash for reduced glare
- eBay spare tire kit
- rear wiper - for easier backing up after rain or foggy evenings - we have moisture in Georgia - plus I think it looks cool and unique in the USA.
- DVD changer for my small collection of DVDA discs.
- all that stuff in my sig ;-)

 

10: Heated and ventilated seats - Yes
9. Bose Surround Sound and Universal Audio Interface - Yes
8. 19" wheels - Yes, sure wish I had the Turbo ll wheels!
7. PDK - ok either way
6. Sports exhaust - ok either way
5. Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) Nahhh not worth the money for my driving style
4. Factory delivery - why risk an accident in Europe? - Nope
3. Power Kit - adds another 23 hp to the S's 385 hp. - ok
2. Sports suspension - no preference
1. Sports Chronograph - ok

 

Not sure I agree with the list.

Jason

 

Me too.. I won't buy a car w/o satellite radio.

 

Rear Wiper FTW - I walked away from 6-7 perfect cars because they were missing the wiper. I think it breaks up the smooth rear and adds a euro-retro feel.

1. PASM (or coils aftermarket)
2. PSE
3. Bose w/ UAI (hugely important to enjoying being in your car)
4. Sport Chrono with or w/o dash chrono (firmware update ok)
5. Rear Wiper
6. Leather dash/console
7. Heated Seats, but not ventilated
8. Alcantara Wheel and misc bits.
9. DRL
10. Short shifter

 

I buy Total 911 quite often and really love the magazine . . . However, IMO, this section (not really an article) REALLY missed the mark.