Originally Posted by TXshaggy

The same people also said the Spyder couldn't be an RS because no roof.

AP said recently RS also means fun car.

I don't think RS definitions stopped the manual; just couldn't make a business case of it.

Originally Posted by raymort

PTS shows as an option in the configurator

Originally Posted by sin911

Where can we test drive a GT4 RS? Don't think they're that abundant to take it out for a spin. It's not an Audi A4 that every dealer you visit there's 20 sitting on the lot. Also with these cars taking a 'test drive' around the block of the dealership does not allow one to really get a feel for the true potential of the car. The closest you can get to really experience any of these cars, unless you already own one and can take it to a track, are at PECs. Even PEC tracks are mostly BS (no runoff, small and narrow track). Going to UK next week, thought about visiting PEC there since it's in Silverstone (and is one of my dream is to drive on the GP track along with Spa and Ring) but they're not using the real circuit there either, Porsche built a mini-track within the unused inner parts of the track, so not really worth it. It's an online forum, how else are we supposed to have fun mate? We're dreamers! What is wrong with wanting a more pure and involving driving experience?

Porsche is pretty much the only remaining manufacturer to truly offer a sports car with a naturally aspirated engine and a manual transmission these days. Hats off in that regard. That is why they have my business. But, at the end of the day they're making cars to make money and the bean counters are trying to maximize the profits. Therefore they obviously did not want to spend the $$$ for the R&D for a manual transmission for a car that they will only make 1,000-1,500 and then switch to all EV Cayman/Boxster platform. From a business perspective it makes sense, just sucks for the small portion of us fans that want the manual experience still. They're covering it up under the excuse of 'it's an RS meant for the track' and keep changing the definition of what the 'RS' moniker represents. Always said it and will keep saying it: if the GT4 RS was offered with a manual...

Originally Posted by Manifold

It's a somewhat odd amalgation of a car:

- It's an RS, but lacks a big wing and has less racy presence than a GT3
- It's an RS, but softer suspension than GT4 RS
- It's an RS, but not meant for the track
- It's meant to be a road car, but PDK only
- Effort has been made to save weight, but the small weight savings won't make a real difference on the road
- As a road car, the top isn't very practical. But it's not suitable as a track car without a hard top

Overall, I see this as a 718 Spyder with an upgraded engine and probably a more interesting sound show.

Originally Posted by Wild Weasel

If there's one tiny detail I don't much care for, it's those attachment points on the roll hoops. I'm assuming that's for the back section of the roof. It's a shame though that they break up the smooth lines of those covers and couldn't be more integrated.

Originally Posted by Manifold

- It's an RS, but not meant for the track
- It's meant to be a road car, but PDK only
- Effort has been made to save weight, but the small weight savings won't make a real difference on the road
- As a road car, the top isn't very practical. But it's not suitable as a track car without a hard top

Originally Posted by n4v4nod

It's to secure the pegs on Sunshade Support Bar.

Originally Posted by lilbza

Lol at this thread.... it's gone from the most anticipated release of the year, to a bunch of people telling us how they're not interested and will be keeping their *insert car model* because of XYZ.

Originally Posted by DodoBrd

Huge miss on not offering the Spyder RS with a manual, it's obviously not a track focused car so why not provide both? Maybe that's what the 718 R is going to be.

I had the 987 Spyder with the manual roof. Don't let anyone fool you, doing it by yourself is a PITA with high potential for things to knock into each other, can't imagine all the scratches on the carbon fiber. But it is pretty cool they offer it to save weight, it's just weird they don't offer MT to save even more weight.

This car has mixed ethos'

Originally Posted by Puggz

BTW, Porsche has been the most profitable auto manufacturer on the planet. Maybe not volume, but pure profit. And good on them, they found a formula that works and lets face it, they do deliver a pretty awesome product. Regarding your rant over a manual, suck it up, buttercup and be happy that they offer it at all. Everyone else in the word has gone automatic and forced induction.

Originally Posted by Wild Weasel

Far as I'm concerned this thing would be epic on the track. There are plenty of open top track cars. Of course, fitting a roll bar seems to be an issue as I'm not aware of any currently existing for the current Spyder either. But if the built-in rollover protection is enough then a harness bar can probably be fitted.

People keep talking about the weight savings from the top being negligible. I agree that it's not a big deal but I think people are missing the purpose here. I don't think for a second that they developed this top to save weight. That's just a bonus talking point. It seems to me they developed it because they needed the space for the new intakes.

Originally Posted by Puggz

I can just see AP reading this over his morning coffee saying to himself "wow, we really eff'd up this one" NOT.

Originally Posted by tcsracing1

every RS variant is PDK.

A manual would make the model non RS.

Originally Posted by TXshaggy

The same people also said the Spyder couldn't be an RS because no roof.

AP said recently RS also means fun car.

I don't think RS definitions stopped the manual; just couldn't make a business case of it.

Originally Posted by Manifold

Personally, I'm not comfortable with tracking a convertible. The added risk doesn't seem worth it to me.