Porsche Archives

Review: Porsche World Roadshow – A Dream Come True

Every kid has had a poster of some sports or supercar hung in their bedrooms at some point in their lives. Some had a Lamborghini and some Ferrari and they grew up to live ordinary lives. The ones that grew up with petrol running through their veins and an engine for a heart had posters of Porsches.

Now we are not saying other sports cars are lesser, it’s just that Porsche does it better. Every detail and thought has gone into crafting a supercar with the perfect balance of speed, handling and braking.

This writer grew up watching the Bad Boys movies and in the first one, besides Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, the star of the show was the 911 Turbo 3.6 (Type 964). Just the thrill of seeing that beauty in action as a kid strengthened my love for Porsche. We also got to see the 911 Carrera 4S (Type 992) and the 911 Turbo S (Type 992) in the franchise.

I grew up dreaming of the day where I could get my hands on any one of those cars. Just recently, Porsche Malaysia made my dreams come true. We got to attend the Porsche World Roadshow 2024 where we did not only get to drive the 911 Turbo S, but also drive the GT3 RS, GT4 RS, Targa 4 GTS, Carrera 4 GTS, Spyder RS, Taycan Cross Turismo, the new Panamera, Macan and Cayenne.

Stepping into Sepang and seeing this lineup had me jumping like a kid. We were given a few tests to do which consisted of full circuit laps with the whole lineup, acceleration and braking tests with the Turbo S, a slalom test with the Spyder RS and off-roading with the Cayenne S.

Now Porsche said the reason for using the Spyder RS for the slalom test was because of its mid-engine configuration. It gives the perfect balance when shifting rapidly from one turn to the next and when we got to try it, we could feel what Porsche was talking about. Just the immediate response of flicking the steering wheel gave the car just the right amount of time to execute the corners. But of course, for safety reasons, we had to keep the roof up.

The acceleration and braking were done in the Turbo S and it was the perfect choice to showcase the raw power, sound and braking capabilities of a Porsche. We did one with and without the launch control for comparison. Without launch control, the rpm goes up to 4,000 before shooting off but with the launch control, it goes up an additional 1,000rpm. It might not sound like a lot, but it was a whole new world. The force that pushes you back and makes you know that you’re in a Porsche was a whole different experience. Yes, electric cars do it too, just like the Taycan Cross Turismo that we drove but something about that engine noise roaring just gives me the chills.

According to Porsche, the difference between Porsches launch control system and other manufacturers is that the ones in Porsche are limitless. This means you can launch it a hundred times and will not need to go in for a service or damage the car. One of the instructors there who has been testing cars for Porsche noted that before this, the car was launched over 900 times in two weeks. Only a tyre change was necessary. There are cars out there that will need a gearbox rebuild after just three launches.

Speaking of the Taycan, we were really impressed by it and IF, only IF, we decide to crossover to the “Greener” side of the automotive world, it would be for a Taycan. The car weighs over 2000kgs but the amount of power and torque that is being delivered, makes it feel like a feather. In the words of Muhammad Ali, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. And sting like a bee it did on straight roads and it floated like a butterfly in the corners.

The star of the show there was the GT3 RS, which everyone wanted to get their hands on. We drove the GT3 RS first and then the 911 Turbo S and honestly, I would rather have the Turbo S. I’ll explain why in a bit but for now let’s talk about the star of the show.

More refined than the GT4 RS, quieter, and aerodynamically improved with lots of airflow and that huge swan neck rear wing and for the first time in a production Porsche, a drag reduction system (DRS) is incorporated. The GT3 RS felt like it would keep you alive at high-speed corners and when you stepped on the gas again there was a thrilling sensation because of how refined the stability is.

Why is it so stable? Well because the suspension system receives aerodynamic consideration as well. Due to the significant airflow around the wheel arches of the new 911 GT3 RS, the elements of the double-wishbone front axle incorporate teardrop-shaped designs. These streamlined components, typically found in motorsport contexts, contribute to an 40kg increase in front axle downforce at maximum speed. Notably, the wider track of the 911 GT3 RS (29mm wider compared to the 911 GT3) necessitates longer double-wishbone front axle links.

The GT3 RS was a beast on the track but at the same time, it was a very sensitive car in the sense that, if you’re not a trained racecar driver, flicking the steering wheel too hard might cause the car to either over or understeer which may lead to a disaster. It was all about understanding the connection between you and what the car wants. If that understanding is not there, it would not be drivable. It’s best driven on track and in a controlled environment.

The reason I stated that I would rather have the Turbo S is because this monster is straightforward but could get you into a lot of trouble. It was fun to drive without the worry of flicking the wheel too hard because it pulls you back and stabilises the car with no drama whatsoever. We were so confident in this that we managed to take corners at 170km/h and hit a top speed of 230km/h! We threw it around corners and the car understood what we were trying to achieve and gave us what we wanted.

Another plus point is that the Turbo S can also be used as a daily car yet it can be a track monster as well.

Moving on, if you’re in the market for a mature family SUV, the Cayenne is the way to go. It was fun around the track and could handle the offroad challenges without any hesitation. All done with performance tyres, yes even the offroad section. It felt steady around corners on the track, and the power delivery was exceptional for an SUV.

However, if you want an SUV for yourself and not to bring the family in, the naughty little Macan is what you’re looking for. Now this is slightly slower than the Cayenne but the thrill it gives will keep you awake. This is if you’re throwing it around corners like we did. The Cayenne was stable and comfortable around bends at 130- 160km/h and you could not even feel it. The Macan will have you praying for your safety. But we enjoyed the Macan more because it was just so much more thrilling to drive. The thrill, the excitement, the crazy corners that we took and we managed to do all that and come out fine because, well, it is a Porsche!

We also got to experience a hot lap. This means we took the passenger seat, and these monsters were being driven by professional racers who flew in from Germany. We thought we were fast around the track, but we have never been so wrong before. Regardless of which car you’re in, you will be saying your prayers and holding on for dear life as the race drivers showed us how these cars were meant to be driven.

At the end of the day, Porsches are meant to be driven and not to be parked for show or to impress others. When someone buys a Porsche, they are buying it for themselves and not to show off. The only thing I can say is that when I was driving that Turbo S, I looked over to the passenger side and I could see the kid version of me laughing and smiling in excitement and joy.

The Porsche 718, encompassing both the Boxster and Cayman models, has long been a staple in the automaker’s lineup, offering a more affordable yet highly capable sports car experience. However, it has been clear for years regarding its future, and it seems the transition to an all-electric 718 is imminent. According to recent reports, the current generation of the 718 (the 982) will cease production in October 2025, marking the end of its run as an internal combustion engine (ICE) car.

This information comes from Twitter user Zerin Dube, who shared an image purportedly from Porsche’s dealer portal. The screen capture indicates a bulletin sent to Porsche dealers, highlighting updated product and sales information, including the projected discontinuation date for the current 718 model. This aligns with the expected timeline for the launch of its electric successor, anticipated to arrive in 2025 or 2026.

A Look Back at the 718’s Legacy

The Porsche 718 model line dates back to 1996 with the debut of the Boxster, named in homage to the lightweight 1957 race car. The introduction of the Cayman, the hardtop variant of the Boxster, followed and together, these models have not only matched their market segment but often punched above their weight. Many enthusiasts believe the 718 could have rivalled the 911 in terms of performance if not for the internal brand politics that ensured the 911 remained Porsche’s flagship sports car.

The Shift to Electric

The decision to end the ICE era for the 718 comes amidst evolving automotive regulations and a global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Notably, the 718 has already been pulled from the market in Europe due to a new EU cybersecurity law, underscoring the increasing regulatory challenges for traditional combustion engines.

The forthcoming electric 718 aims to retain the core driving dynamics that Porsche enthusiasts cherish. Unlike some EVs that prioritise extreme horsepower and long range, the electric 718 will focus on maintaining a lightweight structure to ensure superior handling and performance. This approach aligns with Porsche’s commitment to preserving the driving experience, even as it transitions to electric powertrains.

Future Prospects

The shift to an electric powertrain might offer the 718 an opportunity to step out of the 911’s shadow. The electric 718 could potentially unlock new levels of performance and innovation, allowing Porsche to explore the true potential of this model without the constraints of internal combustion engines. Additionally, the introduction of a hybrid 911 alongside the electric 718 suggests a broader strategy to modernise Porsche’s sports car lineup while maintaining their storied legacy.

In conclusion, while the end of the ICE 718 marks the closing of a significant chapter in Porsche’s history, it also heralds the beginning of a new era. The transition to electric power offers exciting possibilities for the 718, promising to deliver the performance and driving pleasure that Porsche is renowned for, in a more sustainable and future-ready package.