Custom Ordering a 981, 'Porsche Exclusive' and You!
#11
07-28-2012, 07:57 PM
Alert to an error in above post!
I want to thank 6speed forum member 'Shineman' for alerting me to a mistake on my original post above. 'Black/Platinum Grey' option is not yet available on the 981! What is available is 'Agate Grey/Pebble Grey'.
Also he was a bit confused about the cost I quoted. Please note that the amount I quote is ON TOP OF WHAT YOU NEED TO PAY FOR either 'PARTIAL' or 'FULL LEATHER' option of standard color. For example, the minimum cost Porsche charges for 'Full Leather' with 2-way electric 'Sport Seats' is $2,385 on a 981. If you want Two Tone 'Full Leather', you add $430 to that amount per PCNA Configurator. I hope this is clear to most of you!
Attached are photos of an 'Agate Grey' Cabriolet with 'Agate Grey/Pebble Grey' interior I took at 'Porsche of Colorado Springs'. Please imagine what it would look like in a 981!
Saludos,
Eduardo
Vail Valley, Colorado
Also he was a bit confused about the cost I quoted. Please note that the amount I quote is ON TOP OF WHAT YOU NEED TO PAY FOR either 'PARTIAL' or 'FULL LEATHER' option of standard color. For example, the minimum cost Porsche charges for 'Full Leather' with 2-way electric 'Sport Seats' is $2,385 on a 981. If you want Two Tone 'Full Leather', you add $430 to that amount per PCNA Configurator. I hope this is clear to most of you!
Attached are photos of an 'Agate Grey' Cabriolet with 'Agate Grey/Pebble Grey' interior I took at 'Porsche of Colorado Springs'. Please imagine what it would look like in a 981!
Saludos,
Eduardo
Vail Valley, Colorado
#12
07-31-2012, 01:12 PM
New Options About To Be Announced!
I am going to interrupt my sequence of topics for just a bit and talk to you briefly about new options about to be announced! This is always a delicate subject because Porsche AG, PCNA, the local dealers and your salesman in particular do not want anyone to hold up their order or postpone their buying decision based on future options availability. But I don't work for PAG, PCNA or a dealer, so I am more interested in getting you the facts so you can decide what & when to buy..and create the perfect spec on your next Porsche!
1) Adaptive Cruise Control
Porsche AG will finally adopt this incredible technology and incorporated into the 991. I have experienced this technology in two previous BMW's (a '04 745i Sport and a '07 650i Vert) and currently have it on my '07 CL600 (where its called Distronics Plus). Before any of you make a decision that such technology is totally superfluous on a sport car, please do a little research & keep an open mind. Even those of you that mostly use your Porsches at the race track have to travel long distances to get there & back. It also has a safety function called a Precrash system, which warns the driver and/or provides brake support if there is a high risk of a collision. This feature is called 'Porsche Active Safe' (PAS) in Porsche's version of ACC.
The system is probably radar based (Bosch) and will be fitted in the lower center part of your front bumper (see attached representation). When ordered in conjunction with front parking sensors, the latter are relocated to the extreme right & left corner of the grilles, which is something already seen in Spy photos of certain models (e.g. testing mules of upcoming 991 Targa). It will be interesting to see where they put the additional front center radiator that is part of the 'desert' option for extreme heat markets. The ACC is located where that normally goes!
Initially this option is being offered on the 991. I don't know yet when it will be extended to the 981. The anticipated cost here should be around $2000+, but I have not yet seen it publicly announced by PCNA! It is around approx. $1714 in one Gulf State market when converted from the local currency. I have loved every application of Adaptive Cruise Control I have own and strongly recommend it to a prospective Porsche owner on your next order!
2) Illuminated Sill Guards
These have been offered by Porsche before in the 997 and others. The reason it was not offered at the 991 introduction was because of technical issues that required more R & D. As you all know, the 997 had a door alignment feature integrated into the jam area on the chassis. In the 991, this feature is now located in the bottom & center of the actual door and it slides into a cavity that sits just below the entry sill! Apparently, it took some experimentation to make sure that the electrical wiring required for illuminating the sills were properly safeguarded before this option was offered in series production! As expected, the Illuminated Sill Guards will highlight the model you have ordered (Carrera, Carrera S, etc). It is my understanding that when the 'Powerkit' option is available to us, you will be able to order one with 'Power Kit S" or something to that effect! The anticipated cost here should be just under $1000, but I have not yet seen it publicly announced by PCNA.
3) Steering Column in Leather
Available in the recent past. I ordered it on my '12 Spyder.
The anticipated cost here should be around $465 (as it was last year) or below!
4) Rear View Mirror in Leather
Available in the recent past. I ordered it on my '12 Spyder.
The anticipated cost here should be around $675 (as it was last year) or below!
5) Steering Wheel with Deviating Stitching
"Deviating stitching in steering wheel rim. Note: stitching available in Silver, Racing Yellow, Guards Red, Black, White, Platinum Grey, Pebble Grey, Cream, Yachting Blue, Luxor Beige, Espresso., Umber, Aqua Blue, Peridot, Amber Orange, Agate Grey, Limegold, Cognac, Carrera Red. For multifunction steering wheel (order no. 844) only available in conjunction with PDK (order no. 250)" . It is not clear to me if the deviating stitching option will be offered on both the standard steering wheel (batman style) or the optional 'Sport Design' wheel. But I anticipate it will be offered on both! Don't know yet the pricing but it should be reasonable.
6) Sport Bucket Seats
Available in the recent past on the .2 997 gt3, RS, GTS, Spyder & Cayman R. Expected to be offered in the US shortly. Remember that PCNA makes decision as to what factory options to allow in US market based on our individual market, demand and dealer's input. Sport Buckets with the integrated airbag was first offered here on the MY2008 gt2. I was then briefly seen in some MY2009 .2 997 (e.g. Intro Meteor Grey C4S) and then offered as standard on the .2 gt3, gt3 RS, gt2 RS, Spyder, Cayman R, GTS, and 4.0 Limited Edition gt3 RS. On cars ordered by dealers for inventory, you rarely saw them as they were considered too restrictive and unpopular according to them! On custom order cars, they were almost always present.
Suggest if you want to see them again offered here in US in anything other than future 991 gt3 & RS that you contact PCNA and make your case! If enough folks demand it, it will be offered! I have them on my '12 Spyder and they are very comfortable after you get in them and are on the road! However, they don't allow for adjustments, other than front to rear slide. So depending on your body built and height, they are not universally suitable for everyone! Don't know yet about pricing on regular 991's & 981's if offered, but they will be a no charge standard seating on the gt3/gt2 models and future Spyders and Cayman R's.
My understanding is that an improved & fully adjustable 'sport bucket seat' is being developed for the 918 Spyder! I know the in-house Porsche designer that is working on it. Once that seat is fully tested then introduced in the exclusive Spyder model, expect a 'pedestrian' version of that improved & adjustable 'sport bucket seat' to be introduced in series production vehicles!
************************************************
The options described above are far along in development at Zuffenhausen and already appear in the Configurators in some markets. Some are available already for ordering and are being done at the factory as we speak. Others are being accepted for production orders on cars that will be built this Fall and beyond. The ones that I have included today are seen in the Porsche Dubai configurator. I thank Naser Alharbi for graciously sending me the information on them!
Another leather option expected to be announced in the next few months is leather interior sills! They do not appear yet in any Configurator to my knowledge. But they are coming! I will resume my discussion of 'Interior Leather Choices' on my next post!
Because I can not repeat photos on Teamspeed that I have posted elsewhere in the forum, please look at the ones I have attached to my post at the 991 forum!
https://teamspeed.com/forums/991-997...ive-you-3.html
Saludos,
Eduardo
My last day in Vail before I return to Carmel!
1) Adaptive Cruise Control
Porsche AG will finally adopt this incredible technology and incorporated into the 991. I have experienced this technology in two previous BMW's (a '04 745i Sport and a '07 650i Vert) and currently have it on my '07 CL600 (where its called Distronics Plus). Before any of you make a decision that such technology is totally superfluous on a sport car, please do a little research & keep an open mind. Even those of you that mostly use your Porsches at the race track have to travel long distances to get there & back. It also has a safety function called a Precrash system, which warns the driver and/or provides brake support if there is a high risk of a collision. This feature is called 'Porsche Active Safe' (PAS) in Porsche's version of ACC.
The system is probably radar based (Bosch) and will be fitted in the lower center part of your front bumper (see attached representation). When ordered in conjunction with front parking sensors, the latter are relocated to the extreme right & left corner of the grilles, which is something already seen in Spy photos of certain models (e.g. testing mules of upcoming 991 Targa). It will be interesting to see where they put the additional front center radiator that is part of the 'desert' option for extreme heat markets. The ACC is located where that normally goes!
Initially this option is being offered on the 991. I don't know yet when it will be extended to the 981. The anticipated cost here should be around $2000+, but I have not yet seen it publicly announced by PCNA! It is around approx. $1714 in one Gulf State market when converted from the local currency. I have loved every application of Adaptive Cruise Control I have own and strongly recommend it to a prospective Porsche owner on your next order!
2) Illuminated Sill Guards
These have been offered by Porsche before in the 997 and others. The reason it was not offered at the 991 introduction was because of technical issues that required more R & D. As you all know, the 997 had a door alignment feature integrated into the jam area on the chassis. In the 991, this feature is now located in the bottom & center of the actual door and it slides into a cavity that sits just below the entry sill! Apparently, it took some experimentation to make sure that the electrical wiring required for illuminating the sills were properly safeguarded before this option was offered in series production! As expected, the Illuminated Sill Guards will highlight the model you have ordered (Carrera, Carrera S, etc). It is my understanding that when the 'Powerkit' option is available to us, you will be able to order one with 'Power Kit S" or something to that effect! The anticipated cost here should be just under $1000, but I have not yet seen it publicly announced by PCNA.
3) Steering Column in Leather
Available in the recent past. I ordered it on my '12 Spyder.
The anticipated cost here should be around $465 (as it was last year) or below!
4) Rear View Mirror in Leather
Available in the recent past. I ordered it on my '12 Spyder.
The anticipated cost here should be around $675 (as it was last year) or below!
5) Steering Wheel with Deviating Stitching
"Deviating stitching in steering wheel rim. Note: stitching available in Silver, Racing Yellow, Guards Red, Black, White, Platinum Grey, Pebble Grey, Cream, Yachting Blue, Luxor Beige, Espresso., Umber, Aqua Blue, Peridot, Amber Orange, Agate Grey, Limegold, Cognac, Carrera Red. For multifunction steering wheel (order no. 844) only available in conjunction with PDK (order no. 250)" . It is not clear to me if the deviating stitching option will be offered on both the standard steering wheel (batman style) or the optional 'Sport Design' wheel. But I anticipate it will be offered on both! Don't know yet the pricing but it should be reasonable.
6) Sport Bucket Seats
Available in the recent past on the .2 997 gt3, RS, GTS, Spyder & Cayman R. Expected to be offered in the US shortly. Remember that PCNA makes decision as to what factory options to allow in US market based on our individual market, demand and dealer's input. Sport Buckets with the integrated airbag was first offered here on the MY2008 gt2. I was then briefly seen in some MY2009 .2 997 (e.g. Intro Meteor Grey C4S) and then offered as standard on the .2 gt3, gt3 RS, gt2 RS, Spyder, Cayman R, GTS, and 4.0 Limited Edition gt3 RS. On cars ordered by dealers for inventory, you rarely saw them as they were considered too restrictive and unpopular according to them! On custom order cars, they were almost always present.
Suggest if you want to see them again offered here in US in anything other than future 991 gt3 & RS that you contact PCNA and make your case! If enough folks demand it, it will be offered! I have them on my '12 Spyder and they are very comfortable after you get in them and are on the road! However, they don't allow for adjustments, other than front to rear slide. So depending on your body built and height, they are not universally suitable for everyone! Don't know yet about pricing on regular 991's & 981's if offered, but they will be a no charge standard seating on the gt3/gt2 models and future Spyders and Cayman R's.
My understanding is that an improved & fully adjustable 'sport bucket seat' is being developed for the 918 Spyder! I know the in-house Porsche designer that is working on it. Once that seat is fully tested then introduced in the exclusive Spyder model, expect a 'pedestrian' version of that improved & adjustable 'sport bucket seat' to be introduced in series production vehicles!
************************************************
The options described above are far along in development at Zuffenhausen and already appear in the Configurators in some markets. Some are available already for ordering and are being done at the factory as we speak. Others are being accepted for production orders on cars that will be built this Fall and beyond. The ones that I have included today are seen in the Porsche Dubai configurator. I thank Naser Alharbi for graciously sending me the information on them!
Another leather option expected to be announced in the next few months is leather interior sills! They do not appear yet in any Configurator to my knowledge. But they are coming! I will resume my discussion of 'Interior Leather Choices' on my next post!
Because I can not repeat photos on Teamspeed that I have posted elsewhere in the forum, please look at the ones I have attached to my post at the 991 forum!
https://teamspeed.com/forums/991-997...ive-you-3.html
Saludos,
Eduardo
My last day in Vail before I return to Carmel!
#13
08-03-2012, 01:40 PM
RE: Two Tone Partial vs Two Tone Full Leather on 981
Over on the 6Speed forum, member 'Shineman' posted the following which I think merits consideration by all:
"On the 981 there are two different two tone interiors. One is very similar to the 991. Order a Leather interior and a Two-Tone choice of two colors, Agate Grey/ Pebble Grey or Agate Grey/ Amber Orange. This includes deviating stitching on the dash and doors...The second option which I believe is unique to the 981 is to order the Partial leather seats with leather package and a Two-tone Leather Package in one of three colors, Agate Grey/ Pebble Grey, Agate Grey/ Amber Orange or Agate Grey/ Lime Gold. This gives a very different look...the dash and the majority of the door panels are not covered in leather and there is no deviating stitching...a very subtle difference in the order can have dramatically different results."
This is all very true and you should carefully study what 'Partial' leather offers you, because many will not find it very attractive! I just took photos on Wednesday at 'Porsche of Colorado Springs' of a 981 with Dual Tone 'Agate/Pebble Grey' full leather interior. The photo files are too large to post here. But the BiColor combination looks pretty much like it does on the 991. This 'full leather' option will always be the more desirable one to get on the 981 in any case!
Saludos,
Eduardo
Currently in Shell Beach, CA (near Pismo)
"On the 981 there are two different two tone interiors. One is very similar to the 991. Order a Leather interior and a Two-Tone choice of two colors, Agate Grey/ Pebble Grey or Agate Grey/ Amber Orange. This includes deviating stitching on the dash and doors...The second option which I believe is unique to the 981 is to order the Partial leather seats with leather package and a Two-tone Leather Package in one of three colors, Agate Grey/ Pebble Grey, Agate Grey/ Amber Orange or Agate Grey/ Lime Gold. This gives a very different look...the dash and the majority of the door panels are not covered in leather and there is no deviating stitching...a very subtle difference in the order can have dramatically different results."
This is all very true and you should carefully study what 'Partial' leather offers you, because many will not find it very attractive! I just took photos on Wednesday at 'Porsche of Colorado Springs' of a 981 with Dual Tone 'Agate/Pebble Grey' full leather interior. The photo files are too large to post here. But the BiColor combination looks pretty much like it does on the 991. This 'full leather' option will always be the more desirable one to get on the 981 in any case!
Saludos,
Eduardo
Currently in Shell Beach, CA (near Pismo)
#14
08-05-2012, 05:16 AM
Hi Eduardo, great threat!
I just ordered my 981S a few weeks ago with a build date in September. Since I chose a yellow/black theme, I was hoping to get yellow stitching but according to my sales consultant, yellow is not available. So I ordered some stitches in pebble gray instead (e.g., part no 25101). However, I now have seen that there is another part no for one-off stitches and I wonder if I could switch to that with yellow (e.g., 26002). Thanks to your post I have a mail out now to Ms. Witek and Herrn Glaeser.
I will report back if I hear more from them.
Mike
PS: I love the agate gray/pebble gray two tone, but since I will not have clean shoes all the time and I was not sure how the agate gray will go with the racing yellow, I decided to go with the "teutonic black" option with some additional color stitching instead.
I just ordered my 981S a few weeks ago with a build date in September. Since I chose a yellow/black theme, I was hoping to get yellow stitching but according to my sales consultant, yellow is not available. So I ordered some stitches in pebble gray instead (e.g., part no 25101). However, I now have seen that there is another part no for one-off stitches and I wonder if I could switch to that with yellow (e.g., 26002). Thanks to your post I have a mail out now to Ms. Witek and Herrn Glaeser.
I will report back if I hear more from them.Mike
PS: I love the agate gray/pebble gray two tone, but since I will not have clean shoes all the time and I was not sure how the agate gray will go with the racing yellow, I decided to go with the "teutonic black" option with some additional color stitching instead.
#15
08-05-2012, 11:42 AM
Hi Eduardo, great threat!
I just ordered my 981S a few weeks ago with a build date in September. Since I chose a yellow/black theme, I was hoping to get yellow stitching but according to my sales consultant, yellow is not available. So I ordered some stitches in pebble gray instead (e.g., part no 25101). However, I now have seen that there is another part no for one-off stitches and I wonder if I could switch to that with yellow (e.g., 26002). Thanks to your post I have a mail out now to Ms. Witek and Herrn Glaeser. I will report back if I hear more from them.
Mike
PS: I love the agate gray/pebble gray two tone, but since I will not have clean shoes all the time and I was not sure how the agate gray will go with the racing yellow, I decided to go with the "teutonic black" option with some additional color stitching instead.
I just ordered my 981S a few weeks ago with a build date in September. Since I chose a yellow/black theme, I was hoping to get yellow stitching but according to my sales consultant, yellow is not available. So I ordered some stitches in pebble gray instead (e.g., part no 25101). However, I now have seen that there is another part no for one-off stitches and I wonder if I could switch to that with yellow (e.g., 26002). Thanks to your post I have a mail out now to Ms. Witek and Herrn Glaeser.
I will report back if I hear more from them.Mike
PS: I love the agate gray/pebble gray two tone, but since I will not have clean shoes all the time and I was not sure how the agate gray will go with the racing yellow, I decided to go with the "teutonic black" option with some additional color stitching instead.
RE: Stitching. I will start talking about deviating stitching soon on this thread, but initially PAG seemed to have limited the standard stitching selection to the following colors:
Black
Platinum Grey
Yachting Blue
Luxor Beige
Espresso
Pebble Grey
Carrera Red
Agate Grey
Guards Red
Lime Gold
But there was a part # for individualized colors (e.g. 26002) in the computer order guides and your dealer SHOULD have explored that possibility with 'Porsche Exclusive' when the order was taken! Let me know (via pm, email or public posting) what you learn from Ms. Witek and Mr. Glaeser so that I can incorporate that knowledge into my upcoming thread on deviating stitching! The issue here is that many of the parts on the interior come from outside contractors and they have limited the deviating stitching color selection to simplify the process initially and not create bottlenecks in production!
RE: Clean Shoes. Please remember you could always order 'carpeting in deviating color' on any interior and it's pretty inexpensive!
Standard carpeting in deviating color
25071
$550
In your case, the darker 'Agate Grey' carpet with the 'Agate/Pebble Grey' BiColor interior would have worked very well!
RE: Interior color combinations with the new color 'Racing Yellow'! I have seen two types of BiColor Two Tone interiors done with it already on the 991, besides the traditional Teutonic 'Black' (which is the default color for every exterior color selection!). The 'Black/Platinum Grey' is on the first photo. This option is not yet available for the 981 but I thought you might be interested in seeing what it looks on a 'Racing Yellow' 991 for comparison purposes. The 'Agate/Pebble Grey' is the one you can choose. Attached are two photos of a 991/'Agate/Pebble'. You will have to decide it you think it goes well together...or not! And don't forget 'Agate/Amber Orange'! We will have to wait until some brave soul orders it with this combination on a 'Racing Yellow' 981!
Saludos,
Eduardo
Carmel
#16
08-05-2012, 11:10 PM
Thanks again. The agate/pebble gray works very well with yellow on that 991. I will let you know what answer I will be getting. Since the factories are closed now, I hope we can adjust the stitching (the mfg completion date is 9/27 if I remember correctly). And sorry, I am not brave enough for the orange interior hehe...
#17
08-06-2012, 10:17 PM
'The Top Cars of Porsche Custom'
This digital article just came out and features at least two cars I recognized and are owned by people I know. The article is entitled 'The Top Cars of Porsche Custom' and is found on a digital magazine called 'Life and Times'. It highlights the job that Sascha Glaeser (Manager, Customer Consultation) is doing with 'Porsche Exclusive' in the United States. Take a look:
The Top Cars of Porsche Custom | Life + Times
Saludos,
Eduardo
Carmel, CA
The Top Cars of Porsche Custom | Life + Times
Saludos,
Eduardo
Carmel, CA
#18
08-07-2012, 03:33 PM
Latest PTS List issued by PCNA on 8/07/12!
This is the latest 'Paint to Sample' List from PCNA issued today. It is an update to the one I last posted here on my thread in late July, dated 6/04/12 (post #1). I will compare it to that one later today to see if there are any changes. But I thought I would posted right away to give everyone a head start!
Since I can repost the same attachment twice, please see at Teamspeed's 991 Forum:
https://teamspeed.com/forums/991-997...ive-you-4.html
Saludos,
Eduardo
Carmel
Since I can repost the same attachment twice, please see at Teamspeed's 991 Forum:
https://teamspeed.com/forums/991-997...ive-you-4.html
Saludos,
Eduardo
Carmel
#20
08-09-2012, 03:19 AM
As anticipated, PCNA just added new options to US configurator!
As foreseen in my 7/31/12 post on this thread, PCNA has added these options this week to the 981:
1) Steering column casing in leather, Option #XNS for $465 (same # & cost as for 991).
2) Rear-view mirror in leather, Option #CVW for $675 (same # & cost as for 991).
a) Must be ordered with Automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor Option # P13 for $690
or pkg that has P13.
Interestingly, the 981 is not yet allowed to order this deviating stitching option as just announced for the 991 as I talked about in my 7/31/12 post:
Deviating stitching in steering wheel rim. Note: stitching available in Silver, Racing Yellow, Guards Red, Black, White, Platinum Grey, Pebble Grey, Cream, Yachting Blue, Luxor Beige, Espresso., Umber, Aqua Blue, Peridot, Amber Orange, Agate Grey, Limegold, Cognac, Carrera Red. For multifunction steering wheel (order no. 844) only available in conjunction with PDK (order no. 250)
Cost is $1,025 Option # CLU.
a) Not available on standard wheel!
b) Available only by adding 'Sport Design Wheel', Option #840 for $250',
Or Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Option #844 for $615 (but only PDK).
I predict this option will be allowed on the 981 very soon!
The other options I mentioned in my earlier post (e.g. Illuminated Sill Guards, Adaptive Cruise Control) should appear shortly! I don't expect dealers to ask PCNA to allow 'Sport Bucket Seats' in regular 981's until AFTER the gt3's are released or even further out, after next Spyder/CaymanR...but that is my personal reading of what US dealers 'want/not want', but I hope I am wrong!
Saludos,
Eduardo
1) Steering column casing in leather, Option #XNS for $465 (same # & cost as for 991).
2) Rear-view mirror in leather, Option #CVW for $675 (same # & cost as for 991).
a) Must be ordered with Automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor Option # P13 for $690
or pkg that has P13.
Interestingly, the 981 is not yet allowed to order this deviating stitching option as just announced for the 991 as I talked about in my 7/31/12 post:
Deviating stitching in steering wheel rim. Note: stitching available in Silver, Racing Yellow, Guards Red, Black, White, Platinum Grey, Pebble Grey, Cream, Yachting Blue, Luxor Beige, Espresso., Umber, Aqua Blue, Peridot, Amber Orange, Agate Grey, Limegold, Cognac, Carrera Red. For multifunction steering wheel (order no. 844) only available in conjunction with PDK (order no. 250)
Cost is $1,025 Option # CLU.
a) Not available on standard wheel!
b) Available only by adding 'Sport Design Wheel', Option #840 for $250',
Or Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Option #844 for $615 (but only PDK).
I predict this option will be allowed on the 981 very soon!
The other options I mentioned in my earlier post (e.g. Illuminated Sill Guards, Adaptive Cruise Control) should appear shortly! I don't expect dealers to ask PCNA to allow 'Sport Bucket Seats' in regular 981's until AFTER the gt3's are released or even further out, after next Spyder/CaymanR...but that is my personal reading of what US dealers 'want/not want', but I hope I am wrong!
Saludos,
Eduardo