Anyway, I've recently just put down the deposit for a new GTS. My likely spec is something like this: http://www.porsche-code.com/PMMVAH35. I've always been keen on moving to an electric car for environmental reasons but have decided that I've got one more (noisy
) car in me before I go electric and as such, I don't want to find myself skimping options (within reason) this time. We're all individuals with different priorities which is why the option list is lots of fun(!), and there are some things that are 'must haves' for me with others that are 'mustn't haves'! And then there's the grey area in the middle where I'm trying to work out whether I'd actually spec it in the end or not. That's where I'd love to get any views that anyone wants to share!My must haves are: pano roof, roof rails, air (it's brilliant!), sports chrono, PS+, 75l, dimming mirrors, speed limit indicator (also missed that last time and it was a mistake), 14 way seats (appreciate opinion divided on this, but after having decided on the 18-ways on the test GTS, I immediately switched back to my comfy 14 ways when getting out as I found getting out difficult over the bolster!), 20" Spyders (I love the 21" simple 5 spoke black wheels, but I can't justify them as I've also loved my current 20" Spyders), BOSE. But then the areas I'm not so sure on and would love any comments are:
- Colour. Obviously a personal choice but I'd initially wanted a change and thought the Dolomite Silver with lots of black accents (such as the handles) was the way forward. I love it, but I've realised that having mentally refused to pay for the lovely Crayon (I appreciate that divides opinion as well!), it came down to the Night Blue, Silver or Volcano Grey. And right now, I'm happy to be boring and keep the same Volcano Grey - as I said, I still love my current VG GTS! I think I'd go Night Blue potentially, except there seem to be very few of them around and therefore I haven't been able to see a GTS and how it looks with the black wheels, black accents etc. Also extends to this time having the sideblades in body colour rather than black and possibly having the model designation in silver or red assuming it's a mistake on the configurator which currently doesn't allow this (but should, I'm informed).
- Adaptive Cruise Control. It's expensive and I'm not sure how good it is or whether I really need it (much like reversing cameras etc which for me, I don't consider necessary). The problem is that ACC seems to bring with it all the basic safety equipment that comes as standard on most other cars such as emergency brake assist etc. I've researched this a lot and it doesn't seem to be a mistake - you have to spend nearly £900 on ACC to get these safety features. Mind you, I've lived without them for 4 years; perhaps they're not essential!
- Heated Windscreen. Again, lots of different opinions on this and having had a Focus C-Max about 10 years ago with this built in, it's difficult to understand how it isn't standard on all cars today - it was amazing. But I accept that for some, they may get put off by the lines in the windscreen. As far as I can tell, Porsche has implemented it with transparent silver running across the windscreen (sounds like marketing speak to me!), to have an effect that's perhaps considerably less than the Ford system, and even possibly reducing mobile reception in the car, I've read. I'd really like this option, but I'd love to know more about people's informed views on it.
- GT sports steering wheel. I've added this to the spec now as I want one cos it must be better! But is it really for those that have used both? I love my current wheel and am not sure why I'm now drawn to this option, but for now, it stays!
- Black / Carmine Red GTS extended leather interior. I didn't come from a leather clad car before and therefore went with the basic 'free' leather that came with the original GTS. It's great. But I'm drawn to the red revs dial (which I've got, but in a deeper red today), red belts and red stitching. Feels like a huge amount of money £2,700) for leather in a few more places and some contrast stitching, but a) I want full luxury this time and b) it seems that those who have specced this have been universally happy with it. Would love to know what the split is on this amongst GTS owners / prospective owners! Feels to me like it's acceptable to go conservative dark grey on the outside if the inside has some red bits!
There's mixed opinion on some of the cheaper options such as comfort lighting, loadspace management, storage package etc. I've decided to keep all of these - I had the first two in my current car (the loadspace management is brilliant by the way!), but regret deselecting the storage package as just a small space under the front seat would be incredibly useful.
Finally, I think the GTS model year 2021 spec is still catching up on the configurator, but I asked Porsche for a specific account of what had changed. It came down to three things: 1) Alcantara is now called Race-Tex (doesn't bother me - I don't want it - I prefer the leather and it's not an option on 14 way anyway), 2) heated front seats are standard now in the GTS (only the GTS mind, and they don't show in the pictures on the configurator) and 3) you now need to select tyre sealing compound and electric air compressor (1G8) under wheel accessories otherwise you don't get anything (again, this only appears to apply to the GTS).
Looking forward to members' thoughts on these. I'm 80% sure it will all go ahead and I'll be getting the car sometime in October-ish, but having put down my deposit, especially in these times, I won't be progressing for anything less than a very good final part ex value on my car: but I consider that it's a win-win - I still love my 1st Gen GTS so if I end up living with it for a year longer, that's not really a hardship!
