Hi All

Moving over from the 996 GT3 forum as I just bought a 2012 GTS. Had the GT3 since Jan '05, and, probably, would have been buried in it. But facing some ankle surgery that will restrict my driving of a manual transmission. Moving to a PDK-equipped GTS seems like a good move.

I'm a "more mature" (71) guy, retired from the Army after 23 years, retired from the corporate world in '98 (corporate finance), did the .com thing '99 to '01, and worked 2 days a week (bookkeeper) from '05 to last October. I now have 7 day weekends.

Started in sports cars in '86 with an RX-7 GSL-SE, then in '92 a '93 RX-7 (a TT that over the years I took from its stock 255 hp to 400). My first Porsche was a '99 C2 in '04, which wasn't nearly enough car coming out of the RX-7. Had that 996 only a few months before I moved to a 993TT (the one that got away!). Being a track junkie, was advised that the GT3 was the car to have, so, had that lovely SY machine until just now (still sitting in my garage awaiting the carrier).

Bought the GTS from Rusnak-Westlake Porsche. (Can't recommend them highly enough. All discussions/negotiations were done via email and phonecons. Flew down Sunday, and all was as agreed.) The GTS is all black, PDK, Sport Suspension, Sport Chrono Plus, full leather, Bose, PDLS, Sport Design wheel, center lock wheels, .... Frankly, a bit more optioned than I wanted, and a color that was down on my list (wanted GR), but too well-priced to pass up.

Now, to learn to drive with the PDK and all those buttons. Certainly, not elemental as the GT3. Maybe, too many choices. Any advice on which buttons to push or not push?

(Need to change my sig and avatar, I see. DONE)

 

Looks great. Hi would you compare the performance to the GT3?

 

Haven't run it hard at all, and no canyon-carving, so, no opinion yet. Just droned up the highway yesterday. Initial opinion, doubt that it's the driver's car that the GT3 is, but that could be my unfamiliarity with the GTS to this point.

 

As a "more mature" guy myself, though not a track guy, I've had my 2010 C2S for a little over a year. I had a Boxster before that with a 5 speed, so the PDK is a different animal. After starting the car and putting your seatbelt on, the next thing to do is push the sport button. If you don't, the PDK will be in 6th gear by the time you reach the end of the block. I can guarantee you'll miss shifting, but overall I don't regret getting the PDK.

 

Congrats!!!!! As said above, the Sport button will prevent it from (VERY) conservatively upshifting every chance it gets. Generally I drive in manual with the Sport button on. Make full use of your Sports Chrono and give it a launch when you're ready it should excite you a little more

 

Beauty!

 

When the PDK/Sport Chrono package was introduced, did a Porsche intro event at a local stadium parking lot. The instructor had me do a launch. Had to slam on the brakes pretty quickly as it gave me vertigo. Took me 15 minutes to settle down. Scared the S..T out of me. But looking forward to playing with that a few times just for grins. Unlikely to use it much.

 

Hahaha (somewhat) good to hear. What model was it?

 

Nice car! If you decide to try to cover all bases, the 2014 GT3 comes PDK standard, lighter car and much lighter wallet.

I launched my car with a passenger who had a similar experience to OP. Took a while for him to re-orient.

 

It was a C2S as I recall.

 

very nice car. enjoy it!

 

I had the same issue - probably due to old age and low blood pressure. I recently tried it while flexing both legs and no problem.

 

Congratulations! My wife took ownership of a black-on-black 2011 Carrera S Cabriolet 6-speed manual right after Christmas last year. We're just up the hill from you in the Highlands neighborhood of unincorporated San Mateo County and make it to Half Moon Bay frequently for beach outings, meals, and driving fun. 92 to Skyline and down 84 is one of our favorites. We'll have to look out for each other!

 

Congrats on your beautiful car. Let us know how you like the GTS, my next P car probably a PDK also.

 

Congratulations and welcome to the GTS club!