The GT4 Culture
08-22-2016, 02:29 PM
#1
The GT4 Culture
I'm not sure if I'm the only one seeing this, but the GT4 seems to have developed its own unique culture/cult following. It seems like its becoming the "cool" car to have for any type of enthusiast.
Everything from street tuning, to hardcore tracking, to wild color graphics, to stripper car appreciation have already been accepted and although the price point is not outrageous, people and children already see it as target dream car. Since I've had mine, I think I've actually received more mouth drops/thumbs ups than I did with my 997 GT3.
Its as if the price point and limited availability allows people to see the car as attainable, yet unattainable at the same time. Most people see the GT3/2 as car's they'll never be able to afford hence making them poster cars in some ways. The GT4 seems to be the "peoples" car. There really aren't any other sports cars on the market that put everything together as well as the GT4 for a similar price. Its one of the purest sports cars on the market, yet gives you just about everything you need from a livable street car. Lotus makes amazing cars, but you don't get the fit and finish and interior ambiance as with the GT4. In my opinion the Lotus Exige is the closest option.
I think this bit of culture is part what's modulating the GT4's supply/demand curve. Its the car that nobody has, but everybody appreciates and wants.
My review is coming soon. Can't wait to start filming.
Thoughts?
Everything from street tuning, to hardcore tracking, to wild color graphics, to stripper car appreciation have already been accepted and although the price point is not outrageous, people and children already see it as target dream car. Since I've had mine, I think I've actually received more mouth drops/thumbs ups than I did with my 997 GT3.
Its as if the price point and limited availability allows people to see the car as attainable, yet unattainable at the same time. Most people see the GT3/2 as car's they'll never be able to afford hence making them poster cars in some ways. The GT4 seems to be the "peoples" car. There really aren't any other sports cars on the market that put everything together as well as the GT4 for a similar price. Its one of the purest sports cars on the market, yet gives you just about everything you need from a livable street car. Lotus makes amazing cars, but you don't get the fit and finish and interior ambiance as with the GT4. In my opinion the Lotus Exige is the closest option.
I think this bit of culture is part what's modulating the GT4's supply/demand curve. Its the car that nobody has, but everybody appreciates and wants.
My review is coming soon. Can't wait to start filming.
Thoughts?
08-22-2016, 02:46 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
It's the price. The car's too cheap. Everyone has 100K these days. And if you don't the bank has...
So they buy them and do all kinds of s**t with it...some things ok,some not so ok...
So they buy them and do all kinds of s**t with it...some things ok,some not so ok...
08-22-2016, 02:53 PM
#3
EDIT: Too fast on post finger. I must agree with OP. It seems to me that this car *could* be a cult car like the BMW M Coupe was. I remember a very rabid following on message boards of that car, but it took a long time for other people to understand it and get the desire.
I see some of the same thing here, but since the styling is less polarizing acceptance seems to be more ubiquitous.
Also outside of just the cool factor (IMHO it looks like a mini Carerra GT), this car carves canyons, and is right at home on the track. I've never personally had a car that did both so well. It truly is special.
08-22-2016, 02:54 PM
#4
I actually love that people are experimenting with the car. I can't remember any recent Porsche that built interest in as many aspects of car culture.
I'd assume Porsche's recent boom in branding has helped as well. Right now having a Porsche is the "it thing". Hell even Hip Hop artist are putting Porsche in tracks as much if not more than Ferrari and Lambo.
08-22-2016, 02:58 PM
#5
Oh, and looking forward to your review. I really enjoyed the one you did for the GT3.
08-22-2016, 02:59 PM
#6
Nordschleife Master
But in my opinion the price isnt a negative characteristic. I think the 100k price point is working in the car's favor. The higher the price, typically the lesser the demand from the mass market. At that point the car because a rich person's play toy/status symbol that will be dropped for the next cool thing. I actually love that people are experimenting with the car. I can't remember any recent Porsche that built interest in as many aspects of car culture. I'd assume Porsche's recent boom in branding has helped as well. Right now having a Porsche is the "it thing". Hell even Hip Hop artist are putting Porsche in tracks as much if not more than Ferrari and Lambo.
But it attracts all kinds of people because it's affordable...and some won't exactly represent the car for what it is : so you'll see GT4s like that " GT4 RS " for sale and soon enough some other " funky features ". But I guess it's part of the culture trend that you pointed out...
08-22-2016, 03:01 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
At Monterey Car week I parked right near Ocean St on tues during the show in my buddies office parking lot and my car immediately drew a crowd of people to the point I had to stop and answer questions for a bit before I could go look at the cars.
At the Werks Reunion there weren't as many GT4s as I expected (I think there was only 3 besides the Akrapovic car) and again my car drew a small crowd when we got there. Wifey told one guy when he asked if he could take pictures that they would be $5 a piece!
Later at the tuner's show I saw a lone GT4 trying to drive into the show on Cannery Row Blvd and he had to stop because the crowd got in his way trying to take pictures.
This car really does generate a lot of interest at this point in time! I think it appeals because it's one of the best looking cars Porsche has ever built and while it looks like a Porsche it's the closest thing they make to the more mainstream designs out there.
At the Werks Reunion there weren't as many GT4s as I expected (I think there was only 3 besides the Akrapovic car) and again my car drew a small crowd when we got there. Wifey told one guy when he asked if he could take pictures that they would be $5 a piece!
Later at the tuner's show I saw a lone GT4 trying to drive into the show on Cannery Row Blvd and he had to stop because the crowd got in his way trying to take pictures.
This car really does generate a lot of interest at this point in time! I think it appeals because it's one of the best looking cars Porsche has ever built and while it looks like a Porsche it's the closest thing they make to the more mainstream designs out there.
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08-22-2016, 03:47 PM
#9
Well lower pricing attracts more riffraff (like me) to the brand which dilutes the gentility and regalia associated with owning a Porsche. It's like building a light rail that connects the city to the upscale suburbs.
08-22-2016, 04:10 PM
#11
Race Director
I agree with OP. This car is a blast to drive and own. I actually think it is one pretty looking car.
My neighbors have seen my 991 GT3, Audi R8 V10 Spyder, 997 Turbo and just this morning I took it to Starbucks and when I pulled in to my drive way my neighbor came out of his house and came to my drive way to tell me two times in a row that I should know that my car(GT4) is the just wicked looking and he just loves it.
This car draws more attention than did my GT3. May be the CR and black rims are just an eye catcher. In a way, I used to love the wider body 911s but this car is more narrow and very sleek looking that it has such a nice flow to it.
My neighbors have seen my 991 GT3, Audi R8 V10 Spyder, 997 Turbo and just this morning I took it to Starbucks and when I pulled in to my drive way my neighbor came out of his house and came to my drive way to tell me two times in a row that I should know that my car(GT4) is the just wicked looking and he just loves it.
This car draws more attention than did my GT3. May be the CR and black rims are just an eye catcher. In a way, I used to love the wider body 911s but this car is more narrow and very sleek looking that it has such a nice flow to it.
08-22-2016, 04:45 PM
#12
I was also at Werks Reunion, but parked in the spectators section. Great show though, and agree when driving around Monterey there was a lot of picture taking and thumbs up from people.
08-22-2016, 04:58 PM
#13
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Rennlist Member
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