Anybody read JLeno's article about Porsche in PM?

Wrecked944 · 12:25 PM

Jay Leno does a monthly article about cars in Popular Mechanics. It is usually a great read by a guy who really loves cars. Well, this month his article is dedicated to praising Porsche. He focuses on the design of the CGT clutch - yup, the clutch. While many find the clutch to be a PITA to drive, Leno finds beauty in its indestructible engineering and explains why it is so typical of all things Porsche. He points out that you just can't beat on a Lambo or f-car the way you can a Porsche. The other top end cars just won't survive a good thrashing without needing zillions of $$ in repairs (oops, I mean "maintenance"). But as many of us have found from personal experience, that which does not kill your Porsche only makes it stronger. And Leno clearly agrees.

Nice to see a guy with every imaginable car in his collection finding the same virtues in Porsches that we do.

nhromyak · nhromyak's Garage

Awesome. Nice summary, thanks for the info.

ckissick · 12-06-2004, 12:29 PM

But from what I've read here, his very first Porsche is a recent purchase of a Carrera GT. Is this right? Apparently, he likes the big V8 sound. Maybe he ought to try a "real" Porsche, as in one that normal people can afford.

maxnine11 · maxnine11's Garage

Quote:

Apparently, he likes the big V8 sound

Imagine when he gets it running on all ten !!

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by ckissick
But from what I've read here, his very first Porsche is a recent purchase of a Carrera GT.

Charlie, the topic of the PM column, (and this thread), is the CGT clutch, which is supposedly the "achiles heel" of an otherwise great car. Jay Leno actually likes the clutch on his, hence the column, and this thread.

We know that he owns a CGT.

Craig 930 RS · 12-06-2004, 01:18 PM

After 6 years at the track with my car, I've seen *1* Porsche 911 go home with a mechanical. Lots of BMWs and Ferraris, several 94- series cars, and many other Datsun etc went home on Ye Olde Flatbed.

911s are tough mothers.

Lukesportsman · 12-06-2004, 01:20 PM

Just give him a chance and maybe this won't be his last Porsche. He does tend to like the extravagant and rare. Possibly his buddy, Seinfeld can lend him a few to try out. I doubt we'll see him driving a 914 anytime soon though

RoninLB · 12-06-2004, 03:54 PM

Jay did a lotta motorcycle riding in Malibu Canyon a few years ago, maybe still does. Friends have said he's ok and cool to hang with. So my impression is that he really loves his motorized entertainment He's not just a collector.

Lorenfb · 12-06-2004, 05:54 PM

"Nice to see a guy with every imaginable car in his collection finding the same virtues in Porsches"

Too bad he's yet to learn the correct pronunciation of Porsche. Just yesterday on
an auto talk radio show, he continues the "classless" pronunciation. So no matter
how you much money you have, it can't buy "everything".

kycarguy 935 · 12-06-2004, 05:59 PM

I met Jay in 1991 at the Palm Springs Vintage Road Races during the car auction there. I was helping a guy get his Ford GT-40 up the ramp on the auction podium and I heard somebody yelling and then that somebody was next to me then I looked to my side and it was Jay Leno. He helped me push the car up on the podium then we talked a bit. Was nice to go to his garage back in 1999 and see his collection too. He does get his hands dirty and has a few mechanics to help.

mattr_914 · 12-06-2004, 07:15 PM

I've read all his PM articles (they are archived and I subscribe) and I really like his views on cars today. Basically he vents about not being able to find a good machinist and how society is geared toward accoutants and lawyers and not machinists and people that are good with their hands. Lots of very good points that I can relate to.

Sonic dB · Sonic dB's Garage

I see his silver CGT parked out side the Comedy Club in Hermosa for his occaisional Sunday night gig. They rope it off on the street.

lateapex911 · 12-06-2004, 08:38 PM

Hey...he might not pronounce the name right, but who cares! HAve you guys seen soem of the cool cars he's (had) made?? He's helped put the best builder in the biz, the Moal Brothers on the map, IIRC.

Besides, I hear he really DRIVES his car..he's not a posuer.

rattlsnak · rattlsnak's Garage

>>Apparently, he likes the big V8 sound<<

>Imagine when he gets it running on all ten !!<

ROFL !

Lorenfb · 08:24 AM

"So no matter how you much money you have, it can't buy "everything". - Loren -

The typical status buyer (e.g. Rolex watches - TJ knockoff $60) who knows little
to nothing about a product nor its' history, but buys one because it's a "must have".

"I'm more cool now. I got a Porsch." - Leno -

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

Having to visit the NBC lot in Burbank frequently for my job, I always make it a point to go check out Jay's parking space next to the "Tonight Show" stage. Always something interesting and I've never seen the same car or motorcycle twice.

Superman · 12-07-2004, 08:48 AM

I also get the feeling that he loves motoring in the right way. That makes me wonder what his reaction would be in driving a '73 RS Lightweight.

klatinn · 12-07-2004, 08:54 AM

Hi,

Mispronouncing Porsche can get you in trouble as the following story shows (maybe has been posted before, in that case sorry):

A blonde walks up to a house and rings the bell. Owner comes out.
Blonde:
'I'm out of a job since months. I can do any handywork you need done. I just need the money'.

Homeowner:
'All right, my wife is after me since a while to repaint the porch. Can you do that?'

Blonde:
'Yes, costs you 100 bucks'.

Homeowner:
'Ok, everything you need you'll find in the garage over there. Paint, brushes and so on. Come in when you are done.'

Homeowner goes back in to his wife and tells here the deal. She points out that their porch is big and takes at least 6 hrs to paint. So 100 bucks is too cheap.

Blonde rings the bell after 2 hrs:
'I'm finished. There was enough paint for 4 coats. BTW, it's not a Porsch, but a Lexus'.

Regards,
Klaus

Lorenfb · 12-07-2004, 08:55 AM

"That makes me wonder what his reaction would be in driving a '73 RS Lightweight."

Not fast enough for him! In "his world", what's that?

Rot 911 · 12-07-2004, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lorenfb
"So no matter how you much money you have, it can't buy "everything". - Loren -
The typical status buyer (e.g. Rolex watches - TJ knockoff $60) who knows little
to nothing about a product nor its' history, but buys one because it's a "must have".
"I'm more cool now. I got a Porsch." - Leno -

Tell the truth Loren, you are just pisssed because you found out Jay Leno bought a SteveW chip!