Engineering has killed the 911
#16
10-08-2011 | 02:54 PM
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 604
From: SoCal
Rep Power: 48
it's all about technology.. At some point we'll all sit back and 'tell' the car where we want to go, and it'll wake us up when we get there.
I recently saw a segment of "chasing classic cars" where wayne carini attended a cars & coffee event in socal. He was talking to a fella he knows who happens to be an engineer at ford (i think it was ford). The guy had driven his pristine porsche 356 to the event. Their conversation focused on how easy the car was to work on (i seem to remember the engineer saying something like, "everything in the car can be fixed with a pair of pliers and a screw driver.").
The bottom line in all this is that even an automotive engineer 'gets it'. We've made cars so safe and so fast that driving at speed has almost become mundane (not really, but almost).
There's a lot to be said about technological advances in high end cars. There's also a lot to be said about the simplicity and enjoyment of driving a classic.
I'll take one of each...
I recently saw a segment of "chasing classic cars" where wayne carini attended a cars & coffee event in socal. He was talking to a fella he knows who happens to be an engineer at ford (i think it was ford). The guy had driven his pristine porsche 356 to the event. Their conversation focused on how easy the car was to work on (i seem to remember the engineer saying something like, "everything in the car can be fixed with a pair of pliers and a screw driver.").
The bottom line in all this is that even an automotive engineer 'gets it'. We've made cars so safe and so fast that driving at speed has almost become mundane (not really, but almost).
There's a lot to be said about technological advances in high end cars. There's also a lot to be said about the simplicity and enjoyment of driving a classic.
I'll take one of each...
+1 :d
#17
10-08-2011 | 03:12 PM
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,499
From: Fremont, CA
Rep Power: 93
I for one don't mind all the advancements. My first Porsche was a 996 C4. What I really wanted was a 993 C4S, but this was to be a daily driver. At 6'4 270 pounds at the time, that was going to be one hell of an uncomfortable drive every day.
These days I drive a 996 X50 as a daily driver. I've often considered whether I should get a GT2 instead, but at the end of the day, having such a great car that can be driven anywhere anytime is pretty awesome. I even have a couple of back seats to throw my little kids in for short trips.
As others have posted earlier in the thread, in my ideal world I'd have a "regular" Turbo as a daily driver and a GT2 or GT3RS as my fun car that also does all the track duty.
Porsche just continues to cater to the masses and you can't argue with their sales figures. At the end of the day, they're in business to make money, and their corporate strategy has done one hell of a job turning a relatively niche car company into a giant. We should just be thankful they've kept true to their heritage in producing cars like the GT2 and GT3 RS and RSR versions, and continue to be a very big name in the racing world.
They could've gone the way of Mitsubishi when they decided to stop making the EVO any more and just build regular Lancers.
These days I drive a 996 X50 as a daily driver. I've often considered whether I should get a GT2 instead, but at the end of the day, having such a great car that can be driven anywhere anytime is pretty awesome. I even have a couple of back seats to throw my little kids in for short trips.
As others have posted earlier in the thread, in my ideal world I'd have a "regular" Turbo as a daily driver and a GT2 or GT3RS as my fun car that also does all the track duty.
Porsche just continues to cater to the masses and you can't argue with their sales figures. At the end of the day, they're in business to make money, and their corporate strategy has done one hell of a job turning a relatively niche car company into a giant. We should just be thankful they've kept true to their heritage in producing cars like the GT2 and GT3 RS and RSR versions, and continue to be a very big name in the racing world.
They could've gone the way of Mitsubishi when they decided to stop making the EVO any more and just build regular Lancers.
#18
10-08-2011 | 04:09 PM
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 462
From: HOUSTON
Rep Power: 39
According to the Excellence magazine, they are also focusing on emerging markets like China, Russia and India as well.
Last edited by turtle n hare; 10-09-2011 at 08:24 AM.
#19
10-08-2011 | 04:19 PM
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 547
From: NYC
Rep Power: 41
No one I know spends a lot of time "sliding" their 911 around. I think you're watching too much Top Gear. The new 991 will still be a car that, on the track, will still be fun to trail brake and to pivot using throttle off. Given where the engine remains in the 991, it will still rotate around the front axle.
#20
10-08-2011 | 05:58 PM
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 823
From: pa
Rep Power: 57
The rest of the automotive world is moving forward with technology. If Porsche doesn't continue they will undoubtedly loose their position. It is a matter of course. There will always be a more raw version to satisfy the thrill seekers. In the mean time, I think that it is great that Porsche is moving forward. It makes me interested in them again.
#21
10-09-2011 | 12:43 AM
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 568
From: HK
Rep Power: 44
I have not seen another 911 in the area that I live at all. There are actually more Gallardo than 911 in my area!
Right now the waiting list to buy ANY Porsche in china is around 2 years. Porsche have trouble keeping display cars in their showroom!
#23
10-09-2011 | 08:30 AM
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 462
From: HOUSTON
Rep Power: 39
Thats so interesting. The money that is spent over there must be crazy. Thanks for sharing what another part of the world does.
A 2 year waiting must carry a heavy over sticker price since a person must wait so long.
A 2 year waiting must carry a heavy over sticker price since a person must wait so long.
China is probably the biggest market now. But ppl in China hardly buys 911. All they buy is Panamera and Cayenne.... or Cayman/Boxster. There is probably ONE 911 out of Twenty Panamera sold here!
I have not seen another 911 in the area that I live at all. There are actually more Gallardo than 911 in my area!
Right now the waiting list to buy ANY Porsche in china is around 2 years. Porsche have trouble keeping display cars in their showroom!
I have not seen another 911 in the area that I live at all. There are actually more Gallardo than 911 in my area!
Right now the waiting list to buy ANY Porsche in china is around 2 years. Porsche have trouble keeping display cars in their showroom!
#24
10-09-2011 | 09:42 AM
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,079
From: Germany
Rep Power: 226
that´s why i love the internet/forums. It´s so interesting to see what´s going on in other parts of the world. even tho we may live in different parts of the world and have different native languages, we share similar desires and thoughts. we are all connected and that is so cool!
as far as germany is concerned, Cayenne and Panamera sales are much stronger than 911 sales. but the 911 is still the sportscar u`ll see most on the streets here. Cayman and Boxsters are a rarity over here. but that´s typical german, we love, love, love Wagons and SUVs. much more than we love sedans or coupes, even tho they are much sexier. first practicality, then looks.
#25
10-09-2011 | 10:02 AM
that´s why i love the internet/forums. It´s so interesting to see what´s going on in other parts of the world. even tho we may live in different parts of the world and have different native languages, we share similar desires and thoughts. we are all connected and that is so cool!
as far as germany is concerned, Cayenne and Panamera sales are much stronger than 911 sales. but the 911 is still the sportscar u`ll see most on the streets here. Cayman and Boxsters are a rarity over here. but that´s typical german, we love, love, love Wagons and SUVs. much more than we love sedans or coupes, even tho they are much sexier. first practicality, then looks.
as far as germany is concerned, Cayenne and Panamera sales are much stronger than 911 sales. but the 911 is still the sportscar u`ll see most on the streets here. Cayman and Boxsters are a rarity over here. but that´s typical german, we love, love, love Wagons and SUVs. much more than we love sedans or coupes, even tho they are much sexier. first practicality, then looks.
#26
10-10-2011 | 10:28 AM
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,079
From: Germany
Rep Power: 226
i have been to London about 20 times (business).
mainly with a car, using seacat (to Dover), M25 etc.
i agree, have seen not too many Porsches but many exotics.
but here is my thought:
the traffic in and around London is so annoying (in some areas u need an hour for 2 miles). Porsche is a driver´s car and driving is not really possible in London, so i understand that people take an exotic instead. at least u can have fun showing off a bit.
Last edited by catchmyshadow; 10-10-2011 at 10:31 AM.
#27
10-10-2011 | 10:40 AM
Yeah I could agree with that. I spent a month of last year in London on business, and go there every couple of months for a week at a time this year. You're more likely to see a Lambo or Ferrari than a 911. But Astons are everywhere. There's one small street on the east side of Hyde Park where I counted 11 Astons one day. The street might be 500 feet long but I bet it's closer to 300.
#28
10-10-2011 | 10:49 AM
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,079
From: Germany
Rep Power: 226
Yeah I could agree with that. I spent a month of last year in London on business, and go there every couple of months for a week at a time this year. You're more likely to see a Lambo or Ferrari than a 911. But Astons are everywhere. There's one small street on the east side of Hyde Park where I counted 11 Astons one day. The street might be 500 feet long but I bet it's closer to 300.
The "City Boys" used to drive Porsches 20 years ago.
That´s why Clarkson started to hate Porsche, cause he hated those guys.
Now they are driving Lambos, Keggs etc.
But he is still hating Porsche, lol.
Here is one of the reasons for the AM overdose:
http://www.globalmotors.net/aston-martin-named-the-coolest-brand-in-uk/
now imagine where AM would be without the british market?
Surely in the hands of Tata or Mercedes etc.
#29
10-11-2011 | 02:46 PM
Thread Starter
|
Registered PM
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 35
From: Austin
Rep Power: 0
No one I know spends a lot of time "sliding" their 911 around. I think you're watching too much Top Gear. The new 991 will still be a car that, on the track, will still be fun to trail brake and to pivot using throttle off. Given where the engine remains in the 991, it will still rotate around the front axle.
I don't watch Top Gear, in fact I hardly watch TV. But to assume I do just because I like fishtailing now and again is very narrow minded. Does everyone who enjoys a little sliding watch Top Gear as well? If you own a 911 and you've never gassed it enough to let the tail swing then you are probably just using the car to get attention. Why else would you put up with the bumpy ride vs just getting a Lexus? When the joy of owning a 911 has been engineered out of the car, I'll go buy a Lambo or a Ferrari to satisfy my love of cars. Most likely I'll switch to an Aston.
