There are an enourmous number of options for 911s. Some options require or conflict with others, so it can take a while to figure out what is even possible. I've done quite a bit of research trying to understand all the options, in some cases with limited information becuase of the new model year. I've also tried to think about what options I would actually USE realistically. Here is my current option list:
- 19" Carrera Sport Wheel (XRR)
These are the wider wheel option that has an 11.5" wide rear rim - Leather Sport Seats (P77) (in Sand Beige (TE))
This is a sportier seat than the standard "Comfort" seats, but not the full racing bucket seat with harness pass-throughs. - Heated Seats (342)
This should be good for colder weather driving, as well as add to resale. I can't imagine it adds much, if any weight. - Floor Mats in Interior Color (810)
Need to have floor mats, don't want to wear the original carpet prematurely. - Navigation Module for PCM (672)
New for 2009 is a touch-screen navigation system, otherwise I would have skipped this option. Bose High End Sound Package (680)
I'm not 100% sold on this option yet, I'd like to compare the default sound system with a Bose one in a 2008 if at all possible. I've heard this option isn't worth the money.
[edit: I ended up deleting this option, again not much positive feedback and decided that this option wasn't in line with making it a "driver's" car.]- Universal Audio Interface (870)
This is cool, primarily for the USB interface which allows you to plug in a USB thumb drive and play MP3s from it. I'm getting this in place of the 6 disk CD changer. There is still a single-disk CD/DVD player in the dash (which also supports MP3s). - Sport Chrono Package Plus (640)
I was up in the air on this option, but it does add some more features other than just the Chrono so I opted for it. - Sport Shifter (XCZ)
I have a short-shift kit on my 944 and I like it, though the default shift throw is less on the 911 it should still be a nice, sporty upgrade. I should also mention that this option is only available for customer specified orders. - PASM Sports Suspension Package (P17)
This lowers the suspension another 10mm (20mm in total from the default Carrera), and adds the limited slip diff as well. - Delete Model Designation (498)
I opted for this option to keep the lines of the car as clean as possible; no badge on the rear of the car. It's a free option, and I don't need to "advertise" what the car is. - Bluetooth Interface for Mobile Phone (619)
While I don't talk on the phone in the car very much, I figured it would be a lot easier to do so with this option, and it's pretty much expected in any remotely higher-end vehicle nowadays. - Self Dimming Mirrors (267)
I initially thought I would skip this option, but I really like the self-dimming mirror in my Land Rover, and since the Carrera is much lower and therefore more in-line with other vehicles' headlights, glare will be that much more of a problem.
- 7 Speed PDK Transmission
For an automatic this is definitely a step up from the tiptronic, but as far as I'm concerned it's still an automatic. I haven't driven it yet, but I suspect it will still second-guess the driver's input in certain scenarios. If you can't stall the car while this transmission is in manual mode, it's not really a manual transmission. This is also the first year for the transmission so it might not be entirely sorted out. - Power seats / memory seats
This option varies depending on the type of seat you get, but it's generally on the expensive side and I imagine the full power seats must add some unwanted weight. The manual seat still has power recline, which I would do without as well if it were possible. - Park Assist System
Looks like this is in the rear of the car only and probably just beeps. I'll just learn to drive instead :). If this were actually a rear camera that displayed in the PCM display that would be cool, but it's not. - Electronic Logbook
This is neat in theory, I just don't see any practicality to it. What would I do with a log of my driving? - PCM Voice Control
This option is for customer specified orders only so I can't really check it out. Most voice activated systems I've used are inaccurate and/or slow to use, I'd rather just press buttons. I can't imagine this will hurt resale value. Plus with the bluetooth option, I imagine (don't know for sure) that you will be able to use the voice-activated features of your phone without this. - XM Radio
I don't have any satellite radio and don't plan on getting it. Also there is Sirius as well, so I'd be out of luck if I opted for that system in the future. Finally, the Universal Audio Interface provides an auxiliary input that I could plug any aftermarket system into. - 6-disk CD/DVD changer
As mentioned above, the ability to play MP3s via USB stick or in-dash CD/DVD should provide plenty of music playing time for me as I rip every CD I buy to MP3 format. - Rear Window Wiper
This option I elected not to get simply because I don't think it looks good. The rear wiper is kind of big and clunky and would hurt the clean lines of the car. - Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB)
$8,000? Wow. - Sports Exhaust System
This option is expensive and doesn't provide any performance improvement. The Carrera already sounds fantastic. - Interior Anything in Aluminum/Carbon Fiber/Exterior Color/Leather/etc.
These many interior options are highly configurable and can make for a very nice interior from the few examples I've seen at the dealer, however they are expensive and not performance related so I opted out of them. - Most Options In General
Many of these options that I didn't elect are able to be added at a later time by the dealer, they don't have to be ordered with the car. There are some exceptions, but as far as I know I can add the 6 disk changer, electronic logbook, rear model designation, different seats, sport exhaust, roof transport system, etc. at a later time if I change my mind.
[edit] Here are some photos of the color I took
with a camera phone on a 911 Cabriolet:
4 comments:
Congrats on your win Cecil! Thanks for the blog too, I've always been interested in hearing how the taxes and all that works out on these things.
Have you finalized on an order spec yet?
How about European Delivery? I'd love to see you continue this blog on through that experience!
Just curious, you mentioned narrowing down your choices, did it work out that you're essentially given a 92000 credit with PCNA and are allowed to spend it however you like? Did you give any thought to the 987 (Cayman/Boxster)?
As much as you talk about tracking and DE, I don't know that there's a better chassis/driveline then a MR. Coming from a FR, you might be in for a little shock at the behavior of the RR 911. If nothing else, you should certainly take a CaymanS for a test drive. That much credit would get you pretty much anything you want in a CS, including Exclusive options if you so chose.
Full Disclosure: I've driven everything in the current lineup, and I ended up buying a 987 (Boxster base) for the wife's daily driver and my canyon & eventual track toy. ;) I won't deny that the 911 has it in curb appeal and social cachet, but if you're looking for a competent daily driver and a track weapon you're doing yourself a disservice not to look at the cayman.
Corey - Thanks! I just posted another update with details of the order and euro delivery.
I believe that's correct, I could basically do anything with Porsche up to the value of the raffle configuration. I hadn't really considered looking at the Cayman, I was more focused on how far up the 911 chain I could go (not very). I haven't driven a Cayman, but I've driven Boxsters in the past.
I hear what you're saying about the big change in handling between my extremely well balanced 944 and the rear engined 911, but I'm up to the challenge. My Turbo makes a lot of power as well, and a Cayman would actually be a step down in that regard - the 2008 Carrera S I drove was just barely faster than my Turbo. Not that power is everything, but if I can learn to drive a 911 well I should be able to handle anything in between.
Congrats on getting the order in Cecil! One thing I just noticed missing from your list is one of the sport steering wheels. There are three options sport (Option 435), leather sport (Option 460) and thicker leather sport(Option XPA); the option codes should be the same for 997. All reduce the diameter of the wheel and add the enlarged areas at 10 and 2. There are some pictures at the Cayman Club Faq
This is definately one of those "order at build" options, your default steering wheel will have a triangle shaped airbag while the sports use a round. In order to change it out later, you'll need to replace the airbag and between the two (even at discount prices) it can quickly turn into a $1500-2000 mod. TechArt has some nice custom wheels they'll make with a core exchange, but those are also at $2k. The standard wheel just feels too thin and round for me, reminds me of a 50s american sedan in my minds eye even though I know it's not that bad in reality. ;)
I don't blame you for your choice, I was simply speaking up for the oft overlooked 987 platform as a great performance pick. In all my seat time in the different models it felt like it was easiest to really push the 987 without the potential for bite that the 997 has. That said, I think you have it absolutely right that if you're cognizant of that and are able to learn to drive it fast you can handle anything in between!
I personally think my first new Porsche will be a custom Cayman S that I'll drive gently and lightly mod until the Warranty is up, and then fix that whole power problem you mention by doing a 911 X51 transplant or turbocharge :D Or maybe by then PCNA will stop artificially limiting the 987 and we'll see a Cayman RS/CS/TT/GT3 etc (Hey, I can dream!):D
OK I had to double check, but my understanding from reading the 2009 Carrera Order Guide is that the Carrera S already comes with the 3-Spoke Sport Steering Wheel in Smooth Leather (option 460). I assume this because the option is only listed as available on the standard Carrera (non S model). The guide notes that it has a smaller diameter, rounded center and a contoured rim with thumb rests. So it looks like I'll be good there.
I did look into the thicker steering wheel option a bit, but I've heard that the extra padding actually pushes the diameter back to basically the same as the non-sport wheel. I'm more interested in the smaller diameter for clearance for my long legs to be able to heel/toe than a thicker wheel.
Sounds like a good plan for a new Cayman - other than the driving gently part; that's a question I'm still pondering with the Carrera - how long do I wait until I start messing with it. I think I'd like to leave it in factory form for as long as possible.
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