Pure porn. The 996 Cabriolet

[stuartj]

My trusty steed is having some work done (Ruf bars, springs and shocks), and for the last few days I have been driving a 996 cabriolet. I was fortunate enough 18 months ago to drive all the currents P-cars on 2 day Porsche course and spent some time in a similar car, but have never “lived” with one. On that course, my favourite car of the Boxster, Boxster S, 911 Cab, 911coupe, 996TT and Cayenne was the plain old manual Carrera. It was the best drive, IMHO.

Now, this cab is pure porn. Ron Jeremy would be at home in this car. It’s a triple black 996 tiptronic. The curb appeal is impressive, especially when you get the top jammed half down- in the rain- in the middle of the city in peak hour, but that’s another story. Its very capable, its very quick, and I know from previous experience with them, it handles likes a Porsche. Did I mention people look?

But- it sounds terrible. The tranny whines like a Hyundai. The auto makes it utterly non-involving to drive. Every time I try the manual mode on the tip, I give up after 30 seconds, as its just stupid (and the tranny does what it wants anyway). It’s a good auto, it re-maps to driver input very quickly- but it shouldn’t be in such a car.

I suspect buyers for this car would be evaluating the 911 cab against Saabs, Volvo and BMW lidless models and the choice would depend on the fashion statement they wish to make whilst cruising the boulevards. Personally, I can see little or no evolutionary relationship between this car and my 86 or 964. It takes the 911out of Porsche, and turns the thing into just another high priced Euro luxo cruiser.

Not for me, I’m afraid.

Stuart

[ThePuf]

Just got to chime in here as I also did the 2 day P-car course. Interesting to compare the cars back to back. The Turbo was easily the fastest, but you didn't feel it when driving it. The Boxster was a nicely balanced but just didn't feel right for me. The most astonishing was the Cayenne, which despite the looks that I'm still at odds with, was a good steer both on and of road. I have to agree with you that the most enjoyable car I drove over that weekend was the 911 manual, with no traction control, although the clutch was strangely springy with a very high finish in relation to the other pedals.

Unfortunately, you are right that the engines have just lost it, aurally.
At WOT in the C4S, moving past 5500rpm, I was waiting for the change of engine note from a roar to a howl, like in the 3.2, but it never came. In fact, the engine noise was so insulated that I was having a normal conversation with the instructor. While this is arguably more comfortable day to day (and the a/c is great), I like my sports cars noisy, grumpy and to rock from side to side a little when at idle.

Can't have your cake and eat it I suppose...

Puf

[Joehand1]

I recently drove my partner's 996 coupe.

It was more powerful than mine, but when I took he and his 10 year old son out in mine, (blasting down the highway with the top off, the stereo playing Vertigo by U2 as loud as possible with the air cooled 6 whirling in the background) the experience caused my partner's son to want to negotiate a even trade for MY 18 year old car!!!!!

[pwd72s]

I'm sorry...but a 996 excites me not at all...ragtop or coupe, the aesthics just suck. A 356 Speedster on the other hand? WOW!

[89911]

Hey, look, another Boxster. (Car passes). No, I'm wrong, it was 996. Had to wait until it passed because they look like just another Boxster coming at you.