Well, went into the dealer today, and they only have one build allocation left between now and May, so am putting down the deposit in the am. I know there have been some discussions on here re: options, but I need some clarification on a few since I am fortunately ordering the car.

a) Steering Wheel - Cannot decide between the paddles and the multi function wheel. I am really disdain the buttons, but am afraid that as a DD, I will get annoyed that I cannot control phone, radio volume, etc from the wheel. That said, the paddles just look so much more sporty and fitting on the car. Plus, how hard is it really to simply move my hand 10 inches over and change the station. Would appreciate some input here.

b) PDDC - Live in Fl, so not too many twisty roads. However, the car is a DD, and I do enjoy spirited driving, even if only on minimally curved roads, offramps, etc. Is the option worth it>

c) Servtronic - I know supposed to help with low speed maneuvers, but I heard it really provides an odd sense of handling at speed. Interestingly, the dealer says he always orders their cars with it. It's a cheap option, so it cant be simply because they male some money on it. Any input here?

d) Carmine Black GTS package - Seems expensive for what it is, but alcantara seat inserts and red seat belts seems awesome.....anyone get this?


Thats about it I think, but would appreciate all other relevant input. Likely getting the following:

- Platinum Silver
- 20" Turbo II wheels
- Black Interior (still debating the Carmine Black interior package)
- Bose (can't stomach $6K for a stereo)
- LCA
- F&R Park Assist, with Camera
- Entry and Drive


Thanks gettin' excited!!

 

Carmine black GTS interior awesome, I also did carbon interior package, I bought alcantara multi fxn wheel and love it. buttons very functional. I have all suspension options and absolutely love this car. handles better than my 911 did and has very comfortable ride when you want that too. I went flat black with RS spyder rims. I think i have most options but for what ever reason forgot the LCA which I would def recommend

 

Thanks for the quick response doc....curious why you did not get the paddles? Was it because the tranny so good, you let it shift itself each time? or, did you decide the multi function was so necessary, that you'd live with thebuttons?

 

The PDK and the gearing in the GTS is simply amazing and I can still use the existing push pull shifters on the mfxn wheel. I find I really only pull towards me to down shift to slow down , hear the awesome exhaust or want to accelerate faster. Usually drive in sport mode. Sport plus is ridiculous fast. I also think the alcantara mfxn wheel gives me a very functional yet sporty wheel. I stayed with standard shifter finish. I did get 3m autobahn clear bra at dealer but average job and product. I plan soon to have front end complete wrap with x pel at unique auto care in Wakefield mass.

 

Cole, sorry for answering out of turn but thought I'd also chime in. On my Panamera Turbo, I went with the multi-function wheel. While I initially preferred the look of the sport wheel and paddles the functional features were just so practical and the PDK is so good in auto mode anyway that I keep it there most of the time and have learned to use the wheel shift buttons. Overall, Im glad I went with the multi-function wheel. If I bought the GTS, I might feel differently.
Nelson

 

It's a little thing, but maybe not. My CS is loaded up pretty much with everything yet the one thing I take notice of each time I get in and grab it—the sport wheel. I just love the way it feels while driving the car. I'd suggest trying both out while at the dealer. I find that I like the wheel and paddles more than I miss the buttons from my previous SUV. As with other stuff, it's a personal choice.

That GTS is sweet. I was able to drive one at a factory sponsored track day. Loved it. Especially the PDK.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys It is definitely something I am pondering, as it's the one thing I will be touching each and everytime I get in the car since the GTS is already specially tuned on the PDK, and since the buttons still work, I am likely leaning toward the multi wheel, mainly because the car will be a DD however, I am still curious on others' feeback

What about the Servrtonic I am leaning toward NOT getting that option, but would lve to hear from people on the topic

 

I'm thinking GTS sometime in 2013 (waiting for the facelift) and you're asking the same questions I'm asking myself at this point. This won't help you now, but what I don't understand is why Porshe makes you choose on the steering wheel (and ventilated seats for that matter). BMW and Audi have fine thick sport steering wheels with proper paddles that also have controls AND heat. I've driven Panny's and 991's with both style steering wheels - tough call. If I had to decide now, I think I'd go with the sport wheel with paddles. As Bill P noted, it is as much a feel thing as it is functionality.

Great car, good luck.

 

Thanks.. Facelift?? I heard that may was the end of the panny gts for a few years...so, put deposit down on my April build. Am I incorrect?

ON the wheel thing, I thought the multi fxn and paddle/ sport wheels were same thickness... Am I wrong here to?

By the way, I have an m3 vert,... Dct...great paddles and a multi fxn wheel... Go figure...

 

Great start on your build.

On Steering wheel - I got paddle shifter wheel on my 2012 PTT, I also disdain the buttons. Dealer recommended against the paddles, as I would miss the functionality of the rest of the wheel.

I rarely use the paddles, so even thought it looks cool, unless you are using it you may be better off with the multifunction wheel. What I found is you can run pretty much everything, except radio volume control and from the stick on the right side of the steering column. The radio volume is well within reach. For the Navigation you will get used to it. So if you don't use the paddles, which for DD I think you won't, the multifunction wheel might be more usable.

If I ordered a new car today knowing what I know I would get the carbon wheel with the multifunction and live with the bass ackwards shift buttons.

PDCC is expensive but worth if for what you get. It transforms the car, even if just for a freeway on ramp. I would get this for sure.

Servetronic has lots of coverage on the board. I got it, I like it and I would get it again. For a DD it just make the car that much better.

Carmine stitching. Before I got my PTT I had a Black GTS ordered to spec. When it came in I decided to get a PTT instead. I got the Carmine interior with red stitching in the GTS I ordered, and to me it "makes" the GTS. If you get this get the rear luggage cover "covered" in leather and they will stich that in red also and that just looks so custom and awesom. To me this is the one thing I could not get on my PTT that I wish I had.

Bose - I would spring for the Burnmeister - in a DD you will never regret having that stereo! It is something you will use and enjoy every time you are in the car. So unlike PDCC, which will get used once every few weeks and only for a brief time, the Burnmeister will get used daily and is worth every penny in my opinion.

Another thing I got on the GTS I ordered was the "Panamera GTS" stickers on the side of the car, a no cost option - they looked cool!

Finally the Carbon Illuminated door sill are really cool for the GTS also. GTS is in red and with the Carmine red stiching it is simply awesome looking.

Good luck with your order you will be very happy with the car.

 

I thought when they do the facelift sometime in 2013 it would be for the entire line including the GTS - I'd like to hear confirmation of this; as I want to wait for the facelift but I don't want to miss out on the GTS. The next generation isn't for a couple of years after that.

I think the sport wheel is a bit thicker but haven't measured it and drove them on different days; should be an easy thing to check at a dealer, even if you look at 991 911 or 981 Boxster.

 

I'm jealous. Just test drove a 13 Turbo and it had the sport wheel. I love this steering wheel, most likely because my current car is a 10 BMW M5 and I use the paddle shifters alot. Always going between auto and manual shifting.

I want to order a new Pano GTS, but alittle out of the price range right now. The wife just bought a new Cayenne S Hybrid and I bought an 08 GT3 RS, so our monthly budget went to hell. However in about 18-24 months, I will start the search. I may have to buy a used one, but would love to build a new one.

Good luck with the purchase and always have fun with the car

 

Thanks very much gents...I enjoy being a part of this forum, and appreciate all of the quick input. At this point, I am still torn on the steeling wheel aspect, I am leaning multi fxn, unless it feels very thin in my hahnds. Everyone is indicating that this tranny is so darn good, that it seems reasonable that I hardly will need to upshift the car....so, the back asswards buttons still work adequately for downshifts

Keep the comments coming!

 

That is one bad azz build S cup....I just can't get over the price of that Carmine package $3500 for some belts and stitching...sheesh...Porsche knows they have us by the ballz!

 

Just a couple of thoughts about the original post.

I have PDK/paddles in my Carrera GTS, and PDK/multi-function in my Panamera 4S. I think each wheel is appropriate in the respective cars.

My previous C2S was PDK/multi-function. I found myself inadvertently upshifting in AX and DE events. So for the GTS, paddles are better. But in the Panamera (which I don't track) that has never been an issue and I like the multi-function buttons. As another person commented, in the Panny I hardly ever shift at all - I just leave it in D and let the PDK think for me.

I don't have servotronic steering in either of my cars - but I've never read a magazine article about it that had anything good to say. the steering in both my cars is great without it - so I'd avoid it altogether.

You DEFINITELY want the park assist/camera option. I have park assist without the camera, and have inquired if a camera could be installed by the dealer. Sadly, the answer seems to be "no." You will not regret that option, believe me.

DMoore
'10 P4S
'11 C2 GTS