Agree. 675LT is my dream car along with 458 speciale. Cars with performance, looks AND EMOTION! They can keep their MT 911R, I think Id be just as happy circulating the track in a GT4 or the next GT3 if MT was that important to me...

Id imagine one of the most challenging aspects of this years Targa was tyre choice and pressures. Changeable conditions can me a royal PITA to getting consistent mechanical grip when things are changing so much between stages.

 

haha Not sure if its a pipe dream but 675 for me too. Currency is getting better but not many vat qualifying?
Yes tyre choice was one of the big issues this year as only 6 allowed and rain forecast. I took 4 x Dunlop O3G M2 compound and 2 x R2 (harder). That meant 4 softer tyres for the wet but then had to run a mix in the dry. Rear tyres don't scrub out as much as front so I ran M2 on rear all rally with R2 for front in the dry. Not ideal in the dry because the M2 do go off a bit after 30km on a hot day, so handling does change with distance and tyre heat. Geo was perfect in the dry but too much camber in the wet on the front. After the 2x 40km Gentle Annies in the wet the inside front had worn much more then centre and outside. So the answer is to run a wet geo set up with less camber.
Lucky only 1 day to go by then. If it rained on the first day and half then 2 1/2dry days following I may have been struggling for tyres.

 

Yes VATQ is the challenge. Sports cars arent frequently purchased as company cars in the UK and most VATQ stock is being snapped up ny exporters - the UK dealers have cottoned on to VATQ being of value so the prices on such cars are also being jacked a bit. T

hey can be found however. Ive spent the last week getting into the finer points. One of our frequent posters is looking at a VATQ GT4 as we speak and another is about to do the deal on an M4 - they both work out very well landed NZ.

All new cars can be ordered and qualify VAT free (you use an intermediary like my guy), but the problem I am finding is the wait lists for popular model of new European cars in UK are 6+ months and then the shipping to NZ....

 

DOH. You are so right. So many trips I'm confusing myself

 

Looks like Car magazine just ran the almost same COTY. Spoiler alert the 675LT won but you have to buy the November mag they say to get the other placings. VERY competent field this year (F488, 911R etc).

 

For those not on FB. The 911R coming to NZ and no doubt parking in the same building Chris M and I use. I could see a water pumper in my garage if these ever become affordable. Yeah right

 

Yip. Go the lotto win John.

Or just buy a 991 GT3 and change the rear deck. You can buy the 991R engine under tray diffuser now too on Suncoast.

Here is one that was done in Holland in 2014 - long before the 911R was a reality!

A few of them knocking around now. 15K NZD in the full OEM parts plus labour cost including the diffuser. I think the decal could be had for a couple of grand fitted...not the real thing but a Facsimile that will be just as fast (and rev 500 rpm higher).

 

I know you jest. Fake it until you make it isn't in my vocabulary.

I would be spending all of that cash just to end up as the subject of quiet pit lane conversations. The lack of a manual gearbox and roof creases would give it away instantly.

It's for the same reason that I got rid of the RS side sill covers in the C4 and insisted on keeping the Carrera 4 rear badge. Plus am trying to source an original rear spoiler to fit at some stage. Love the car you have or move it on.

 

You should really go back to SUV ride height too John.

 

And D90 wheels. Loose the RS ducktail...

You crack me up John. But I agree. Having owned original RS and GT3 cars in not a fan of "fakies". I've always preferred to "reimagine" my own hot rods...

 

Don't forget 16" D90s as well!

 

And Flags.

 

As posted on FB earlier this week, I'm looking for the spoiler parts, although I have no real intention of fitting one. It's just insurance in case I ever do get the urge to go more original.

I'm well aware that views on mods differ e.g. there was real concern when I bought the second ducktail that it would go on the Project Car. It looks like I've sold that so no worries there for the purists.

Now, back to the R, I just need to work out what time the new owner drives to work so I can see it in motion.

 

Now that's a step too far. Next you'll be suggesting a snorkel

 

A fancy carbon fiber one for $60 maybe? :-)