GT3 Allocation Available at Porsche of Monterey
#16
Race Director
I know for certain I will not get the adaptive sport seats which are available. I will be the only driver and don't need an 18 way electric seat costing close to $6000. I figured I would save the additional $2000 and option it elsewhere.
I also agree that sport bucket seats are very difficult for resale except in cars like the GT3 which is basically a road race car. I think they are a must for a car like the GT3 but I am not willing to wait a year to get them. A deal with the dealer is an excellent suggestion should I want them later.
I also agree that sport bucket seats are very difficult for resale except in cars like the GT3 which is basically a road race car. I think they are a must for a car like the GT3 but I am not willing to wait a year to get them. A deal with the dealer is an excellent suggestion should I want them later.
I'm not thrilled about the extra 30 lbs for the adaptive seats over the sport plus. However I did test sit in some. While I don't care at all about lumbar, the ability to extend the bottom cushion gives more thigh support and in combo with the rake adjustment (not available on the sport plus) you can get a seating position where your butt is locked in pretty snugly; almost as good as with the sport buckets in my Carrera S. The adjustable side bolsters also add a bit of snugness. No harness slots, of course, which would be tolerable for autox but not for extensive DE. Maybe a separate, less expensive aftermarket driver's seat would be an option, depending on how many events I'd be doing. Still sorting it out....
According to my saleman, his dealership has gotten calls from all over the country asking if they would take a deposit, but they already have more waiters in line than likely allocations. I suspect worldwide Porsche is looking at potentially full order books, despite the few defections we've seen posted about here.
#17
Rennlist Member
Mike, you're right. If you just take the basic seat it is no charge. The 18 way with leather is $5900. If you take the basis seat with leather the difference is as you stated $2635. Have you had adaptive seats? I hate to admit this but I don't remember if my 997.2TT cab had adaptive seats. I do recall having a car where I was able to extend the bottom cushion but not sure if it was the TT. I need to find out from my salesman.
As far as the GT3 selling out, on that I have no doubt. We have yet to receive the reviews and once those are out the dealerships will be inundated with request to be placed on the list.
As far as the GT3 selling out, on that I have no doubt. We have yet to receive the reviews and once those are out the dealerships will be inundated with request to be placed on the list.
#18
#19
Race Director
Mike, you're right. If you just take the basic seat it is no charge. The 18 way with leather is $5900. If you take the basis seat with leather the difference is as you stated $2635. Have you had adaptive seats? I hate to admit this but I don't remember if my 997.2TT cab had adaptive seats. I do recall having a car where I was able to extend the bottom cushion but not sure if it was the TT. I need to find out from my salesman.
As far as the GT3 selling out, on that I have no doubt. We have yet to receive the reviews and once those are out the dealerships will be inundated with request to be placed on the list.
As far as the GT3 selling out, on that I have no doubt. We have yet to receive the reviews and once those are out the dealerships will be inundated with request to be placed on the list.
#20
Race Director
how do the buckets feel for day-to-day driving... too harsh? I feel like a gt3 without them may be missing something.
#21
Race Director
can someone in the know discuss this a bit further. This will be my first modern porsche and definitely first gt3. I felt a bit dismayed when I found out on this forum that we don't get the buckets like in Europe... is this going to change? I have a 2014 summer delivery spot.. are these going to be extra cost?
how do the buckets feel for day-to-day driving... too harsh? I feel like a gt3 without them may be missing something.
how do the buckets feel for day-to-day driving... too harsh? I feel like a gt3 without them may be missing something.
As for comfort, it's obviously subjective. The main thing is, will you fit. They are relatively narrow so larger body types may feel squeezed. I'm 6'1" 190 and they fit me perfectly. Getting in and out requires some dexterity, especially if you don't want to drag your butt on the bolsters and wear them prematurely. All that said, they give me a great driving position, are comfortable enough for daily driving or long trips (IMO), very supportive, are lighter, are essential if you want a factory seat you can use with a harness, and look great. If they aren't available when I order, I'll add them after the fact.
#22
can someone in the know discuss this a bit further. This will be my first modern porsche and definitely first gt3. I felt a bit dismayed when I found out on this forum that we don't get the buckets like in Europe... is this going to change? I have a 2014 summer delivery spot.. are these going to be extra cost?
how do the buckets feel for day-to-day driving... too harsh? I feel like a gt3 without them may be missing something.
how do the buckets feel for day-to-day driving... too harsh? I feel like a gt3 without them may be missing something.
Also, if you plan on wearing a suit, you run a very high risk of tearing the seat or pockets of your suit with the gymnastics required to get in and out of the buckets. In fact, I did this with the sports plus seats as well.
IMO Porsche needs a squared off at the bottom (like the Audi R8) or smaller steering wheel to make this less of an issue for larger people.
#23
Nobody knows at this point when the seats will be available; when they are they are certain to be extra cost in the GT3. Probably standard in the RS.
As for comfort, it's obviously subjective. The main thing is, will you fit. They are relatively narrow so larger body types may feel squeezed. I'm 6'1" 190 and they fit me perfectly. Getting in and out requires some dexterity, especially if you don't want to drag your butt on the bolsters and wear them prematurely. All that said, they give me a great driving position, are comfortable enough for daily driving or long trips (IMO), very supportive, are lighter, are essential if you want a factory seat you can use with a harness, and look great. If they aren't available when I order, I'll add them after the fact.
As for comfort, it's obviously subjective. The main thing is, will you fit. They are relatively narrow so larger body types may feel squeezed. I'm 6'1" 190 and they fit me perfectly. Getting in and out requires some dexterity, especially if you don't want to drag your butt on the bolsters and wear them prematurely. All that said, they give me a great driving position, are comfortable enough for daily driving or long trips (IMO), very supportive, are lighter, are essential if you want a factory seat you can use with a harness, and look great. If they aren't available when I order, I'll add them after the fact.
Mike, I know we talked about the weight delta. I recall someone here weighing both and coming up with over 45 lbs if not closer to 50 lbs. You could most certainly be right with the 30 lb calculation; just saying.
We all try to justify our purchases. That said, I'm thinking skipping *** and using the savings towards PCCBs. Total weight savings would be significant and the majority in the the most meaningful place. This way the ceramics ONLY cost $6500 or so. Not over-priced at all, lol.
#24
Race Director
I found the standard, free, sport seats in my .2 gt3 to more be great for normal driving and hard cornering. However, I would have to pin my lt. knee against the door and rt. against the tunnel to stay seated. Not sure if the same would be present with the ***. I may skip the extra $2650 and weight and get the standard seats again. I thought I'd miss the rake adjustment but didn't.
Mike, I know we talked about the weight delta. I recall someone here weighing both and coming up with over 45 lbs if not closer to 50 lbs. You could most certainly be right with the 30 lb calculation; just saying.
We all try to justify our purchases. That said, I'm thinking skipping *** and using the savings towards PCCBs. Total weight savings would be significant and the majority in the the most meaningful place. This way the ceramics ONLY cost $6500 or so. Not over-priced at all, lol.
Mike, I know we talked about the weight delta. I recall someone here weighing both and coming up with over 45 lbs if not closer to 50 lbs. You could most certainly be right with the 30 lb calculation; just saying.
We all try to justify our purchases. That said, I'm thinking skipping *** and using the savings towards PCCBs. Total weight savings would be significant and the majority in the the most meaningful place. This way the ceramics ONLY cost $6500 or so. Not over-priced at all, lol.
Speaking of weight, I can't remember if I posted the numbers I have on the seats nor can I remember where I got them from but I did write them down. No guarantee on accuracy as I haven't personally confirmed them but FWIW:
Adaptive Sport Seats 128 lbs
Sport Plus Seats 97.2 lbs
GT2 Style Sport Buckets 78 lbs
And, yeah, we most definitely find ways to justify what we really want to do!
#25
911dev, that's some justification right there!
But anyway, I wouldn't get ceramics if you plan on or have the possibility of a bunch of track days, b/c the rotors are huge money to replace. I felt my 997S was more 'lively' and braking feel was improved with ceramics, when I compared my car against the standard brakes but not worth the drawbacks for a track used car (cost and extra care changing wheels).
But anyway, I wouldn't get ceramics if you plan on or have the possibility of a bunch of track days, b/c the rotors are huge money to replace. I felt my 997S was more 'lively' and braking feel was improved with ceramics, when I compared my car against the standard brakes but not worth the drawbacks for a track used car (cost and extra care changing wheels).
#26
911dev, that's some justification right there!
But anyway, I wouldn't get ceramics if you plan on or have the possibility of a bunch of track days, b/c the rotors are huge money to replace. I felt my 997S was more 'lively' and braking feel was improved with ceramics, when I compared my car against the standard brakes but not worth the drawbacks for a track used car (cost and extra care changing wheels).
But anyway, I wouldn't get ceramics if you plan on or have the possibility of a bunch of track days, b/c the rotors are huge money to replace. I felt my 997S was more 'lively' and braking feel was improved with ceramics, when I compared my car against the standard brakes but not worth the drawbacks for a track used car (cost and extra care changing wheels).
#28
Good info Chris, thanks. As you say, using your knees to keep yourself braced isn't optimal; I've done that too with the original seats in my 996 which is why I changed them out at the time for the Euro GT3 seats. Never had the problem, of course with the sport buckets and harness in the 997. After having sat in the *** and played with the adjustable bolsters I doubt they would make a big difference, so as I said, I'm likely to get the free seats and upgrade when the buckets can be had.
Speaking of weight, I can't remember if I posted the numbers I have on the seats nor can I remember where I got them from but I did write them down. No guarantee on accuracy as I haven't personally confirmed them but FWIW:
Adaptive Sport Seats 128 lbs
Sport Plus Seats 97.2 lbs
GT2 Style Sport Buckets 78 lbs
And, yeah, we most definitely find ways to justify what we really want to do!
Speaking of weight, I can't remember if I posted the numbers I have on the seats nor can I remember where I got them from but I did write them down. No guarantee on accuracy as I haven't personally confirmed them but FWIW:
Adaptive Sport Seats 128 lbs
Sport Plus Seats 97.2 lbs
GT2 Style Sport Buckets 78 lbs
And, yeah, we most definitely find ways to justify what we really want to do!
#30