Decided to use the CGT as my daily-driver for one week in Los Angeles to see what I thought. NEVER used another car.

Here are some impressions and information:

avg mpg 12.3

avg speed 19 (ah, LA)

# of times I stalled: 1. But not because of the clutch being tough. I was on the phone and parked and thought it was in Neutral.

Percent of time with top on: 65%. This is much higher than I thought it would be. It was simply because the sun was frying me. FWIW -- I love the car with the top on.

Amount of time it takes me to remove top now: under two minutes all in, and can talk etc... at same time. It's like tying my shoes in that I don't have to think about what I'm doing.

# of times scraped -- 3. All of them VERY minor.

# of times I avoided scraping by either thinking or planning or turning (as in, doing some SERIOUS angling) -- at least 35. However, it becomes VERY second nature, and I am surprised at how useable the car is.

# of times I wished for more space to store things: 1. But I think space is actually the really limiting factor for day to day use. If you have a passenger AND want the top off don't count on any big shopping trips.

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Overall, the car was much better than I thought, and after about a day you begin to forget you are in a "pain in the *** CGT" at normal speeds. I mean, you never forget it is a CGT, but you forget it is supposed to be a pain.

However, when you do have a little room ahead and can depress the gas pedal more than the 10mm one uses in normal driving, then look out!

My biggest worries -- parking and scraping didn't turn out to be too bad. You get used to spending a little extra time in new locations looking for the right place to park...etc. And you do tend to stay away from car parks. But, after two days I'd totally gotten used to that as well.

So -- IMHO -- a CGT can be used every day, though it is not a daily driver in terms of practicality.

 

Good write up. Is there a protection plate that you can buy for the front bumper to absorb the scrape?

 

It has two small protective plastic strips -- one near the nose, one just before the wheels. They take the scrape -- and are replaceable -- should probably be sold in packs of twelve.

 

Good info... maybe I should be driving my measily Turbo more, lol. What I found to be the most challenging in LA is the entrance and exits to facilities, driveways, etc... you never know how bad it's going to be til you arrive at your destination.

 

Can you describe the reactions you are getting from people

 

Great write up!!! So will you continue using it as your Daily Driver? or was this just to see how it would be?

 

This is something I always wonder. I know when I see any kind of exotic on the road Im almost in an accident trying to check it out. So we must know, whats it like driving a CGT around LA and have all eyes on you ?


-Markus-

 

Nice write up!! Thanks for sharing the info and your passion for CGT.

 

Saw a great product for the CGT in Excellence. Two black screens that are Dye Cut to match the small intake hole on the back of the CGT. They fit behind the front tires to stop debris from hitting the doors. No drilling required and the look stock. Great fix for a serious problem. If anyone is interested I will scan and post the article.

 

where in LA would you say your time was concentrated?

 

Answers:

Where in LA -- Mostly west of the 405, with incursions into Hollywood and one trip to Irvine in traffic.

Reactions -- The car does get a lot of them. Most of them very pleasant and very favorable. Seems to get a little less of "you must be a snobby a$$hole" than say a 430 Spider. Motorcyclists love the car. And you get used to people holding up their camera phones -- the number of which seems to rival lighters during a balade at a rock concert.

I've seen that screen for the wheel well area. It is a good idea.

 

Nice writeup

 

interesting writeup...did you happen to snap any quick photos taken at some of the random stops you made during the day....dry cleaners, gym, drive thru, home depot, mall, etc... u get the idea. I think a sequence of photos like this would make for such a unique pictorial to complement your writeup.

 

The GT is really growing on me. How is the clutch? Heard that the later cars (after production number 450 or so) has smoother engagement. What is your car's production number?

 

if I was to see a Carrera GT I'd bust out my Digital Camera and just start taking pictures of the car/blinding the driver No I'm j/k