4200 miles, nearly non stop: perfect.

[Schumi]

I'm exhausted, but wanted to compliment my car publicly before I go take a nap:

I just drove 4200 miles round trip for vacation in my 986S, one 24 hour trip one way, a week break, and one 24 hour trip back, no stops except for fuel and one night of sleep.

The car now has 51000 miles on it and performed absolutely flawlessly in every way. I averaged 29 MPG on the highways.

I did some experimentation with the fuel mileage and performance while on such long stints. I'll try and remember to post about these adventures when I'm more rested.

[BYprodriver]

Nice! reminds me of my drive from Dallas TX to Manhattan Beach in 1 day in my 2000 S. People say these cars are uncomfortable, its not the car. Interested to hear your observations on cruise rpm's etc.

[Schumi]

I varied my highway speeds over the course of half tanks/whole tanks of fuel to determine the best fuel mileage cruising RPM in 6th gear- 75mph, 80mph, 85mph, and 90mph averages.

The car definitely gets it's best fuel mileage by averaging around 80-85mph, but no more than this- after 90 or so, a significant drop in mileage occurs. Any dip into VarioCam RPM's destroys MPGs.

In 6th at 80 mph, the engine is right at 3000 rpm.

Also, the top down drastically decreases fuel mileage at high speeds. The car makes significantly more drag with the top down than up, and has a huge impact on the top speed of the car. Having the top down at 80mph reduced my fuel mileage over the course of a tank from 28-29 MPG to about 24 MPG.

Also of note: with the top up and the windows up, the top speed of the vehicle is significantly greater than the factory claims.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by Schumi

Also of note: with the top up and the windows up, the top speed of the vehicle is significantly greater than the factory claims.

Cool. Did you feel comfortable with the stability all the way to max speed?
I'm not sure 911 owners can say yes to that question. In fact, I've heard side wind is scary.

[turboflyer]

Originally Posted by milt

Cool. Did you feel comfortable with the stability all the way to max speed?
I'm not sure 911 owners can say yes to that question. In fact, I've heard side wind is scary.

I can say from quite a few runs at 155 my 01S is planted, more so than any car I have owned. Not saying flickable at that speed but not floating along either. Oh and the brakes pull her right down to legal speeds confidently. Interesting fuel usgae data. Yep 80-85 economy mode for the S.
DISCLAIMER>>>No I did not say it was OK for you to do it. Gezzz.

[BYprodriver]

[QUOTE=Schumi;5998301]I varied my highway speeds over the course of half tanks/whole tanks of fuel to determine the best fuel mileage cruising RPM in 6th gear- 75mph, 80mph, 85mph, and 90mph averages.

The car definitely gets it's best fuel mileage by averaging around 80-85mph, but no more than this- after 90 or so, a significant drop in mileage occurs. Any dip into VarioCam RPM's destroys MPGs.In 6th at 80 mph, the engine is right at 3000 rpm.

I think VarioCam retards cam timing between 2200-2500.

[Wayne 962]

Cool! They truly are modern, reliable cars. Don't try that in an early 911 if you don't have AAA.

-Wayne

[Schumi]

Originally Posted by milt

Cool. Did you feel comfortable with the stability all the way to max speed?
I'm not sure 911 owners can say yes to that question. In fact, I've heard side wind is scary.

I can say for certain that cruise control is not limited by speed in these cars. I know on other vehicles sold in the US, the cruise control turns off/doesn't work over a certain speed (usually 95-100 MPH). Not the case in the Boxster.

The car was very stable and high speeds. At the high end, small imperfections in the road surface became pronounced, and the front end did start feeling light. The brakes coming down from such speeds were absolutely stunning though. They settle the car well.

And again, the top speed of the S, in good conditions, is surprisingly more than the factory claim. Top must be up though.