I don't follow Porsche's thinking at all on the the new model car, viz: the Cayman. The horsepower rating is pretty close to my 997 and I am confused. Why do they make model specs so close?
IMHO the base 997 should have had 350 HP and the S 400 or better. I was really debating whether to buy the 997 or a Z06. Considering the price difference I wish now I had bought the Corvette.
I just read the article in Road and Track. I understand they are trying to find a niche for all their cars, but putting the Cayman S so close to the base 997 really pisses me off. I'm not trying to start a flame war, Z06 vs. 997S.
I wish now I had kept my Maserati and gotten away from the Porsche marque for a while.

 

Doc, the Z06 may give you that magic number, but remember, it's not all about horsepower.

The visceral feel of driving the Porsche cannot be matched, even in a Chevy.

 

I agree completely. In my mind my 997 is the finest automobile I have ever driven. I sat in a C6 for a few minutes and felt completely detached from the road. I have never had that feeling in any of my P cars. To me its more about manufacturing a car that is complete in almost every way. I just kinda lost it when I read the Cayman article. Porsche is not like GM and should not try to emulate them with a model of car for everyone.

 

i agree the 997 base model is underpowered for the price, 355 h.p. is the low end of what this car should have.

 

I would have to agree; personally I wish Porsche never made the Cayenne and stuck to making true sportscars such as the 911 and Boxster.

Bottom line in the real world though is: money talks

 

the Cayman S is intendend for a much more Road/Track going individuals... while the 911 is the FlagShip of Porsche there should be no mistaken in between them... i mean BMW offers the 550 and 750 both same HP but one is 20k more why??? because the 7 is the FlagShip and there is nothing in Porsche that will offer the style and the original styling and RR setup in Porsche's Lineup... i mean the Lambo guys should be really pissed when they saw the Gallardo then... it is just as fast... maybe even better looking... and much more userfriendly for 2/3 of the price of a Murci...

 

Hey Doc, I think Porsche is stupid as well....We are more stupid for buying their products.

Only way to buy is used.....

Their option prices are basically a middle finger up your ***...

And while I love the car, I am sure for the same money a Z06 will kick the crap out of a 997 any day on any road...

I still love my 997 and I need the back seats for my kids....but Porsche really is sticking to the customer, but hey it is working!!!!!!

I wish they would quit talking about their damn profits and talk more about their products and etc...

 

Speaking of which...

I just realized today that I paid 89K for a car that does not have leather seats. I did not order the full leather but I did pay 89K. I have to buy vinyl conditioner to clean the seats. Kinda bites considering most toyotas have leather seats now. I mean couldn't Porsche just put in some frickin leather seats?

But at the end of the day I would pay an extra 89K to keep this wonderful car.

 

The fronts of the seats are leather, but no the backs. As mentioned earlier the 911 has become the flagship. It's so absolutely ridiculous that people still see the 911 as the only car Porsche should build. I can't wait to get a Cayman! The 911 as fun as it is and as much as I love it seems to be getting closer and closer to the 928. Sad but true. As far as horsepower when has Porsche EVER been the leader? When has the corvette not had more horsepower? Does anyone think of the things you can't write down on paper? Steering response, brake feel, pure driving soul? Yeah they do cost a lot but that keeps you from seeing them everywhere. I am still yet to find a car company I like more. Just my opinion.

 

I guess we are seeing Wendelin's strategy for keeping Porsche AG independent on one hand and the shareholders happy on the other.

 

Does anyone remeber the 1980's?


924
924S
928 S
928S4
944
944S
944Turbo
911 Carrera
911 Turbo

how about 1970's?!?!

914
914-6
911T
911S
912E

Porsche has always been an expensive car but they have always had other cars to offer. Which by the way were all pretty well succesful! The 944 and the 914 arguably were better handling cars than the 911s were!

 

Are you using that as they're being good or bad? I remember I used to try to convince the ladies that this was a great thing I was doing for them....

 

That is the answer exactly. They must remain independent, their profit margin is part of that strategy, not that I enjoy paying for their independence but what are you going to do, at least I didn't pay OVER sticker for a Ferrari or some other high-demand testicular, I mean vehicular transportation.

 

Bose High End Sound package.......$1390.00
Remote 6 disc CD changer..............$ 650.00

Thats $2040.00 for a audio system that is marginal at best. Try listening to the Mark Levinson radio in the new Lexus auto for a great factory audio system. With Porsche's economy of scale they could do the same thing...maybe better.
I for one resent the outrageous mark-up Porsche forces upon us with their "options"
Yeah, yeah I know I wasn't forced to buy the car. End of rant!

 

poor base 997 owners!! LOL, I like the Cayman S more