Tag Archives: 718

Bored With The Wrangler

So, I bought a Jeep Wrangler Sport S back in October 2018. I love Wranglers. I still love this vehicle, but I’m not sure it’s Covid-19 (I no longer drive to/from work – in fact, I rarely drive now) or the fact that there’s not a lot of trails around here to drive on, but I’m beginning to be bored with the Wrangler.

It has some mods but nothing traditional. For example, the first thing folks do is throw on big wheels and a lift. I don’t really want bigger wheels or even a lift. Why? Because Jeep will not remedy (under warranty) suspension issues if I start adding my own parts. I like the way the Jeep currently rides. Also, I can’t stand tire hum and big all-terrain tires will do that. Yes, I can have two sets of wheels/tires in case I want to play on the trails, but there are no trails close by. I’m not going to spend the money on a lift and tires/wheels if I’m not going to use those tires/wheels.

Currently, I’ve side steps, LED headlights (mandatory, IMO), and Mopar mats in both the front and back.

What I really miss is my STI. Will I be getting another? Not unless they release a new revamped version.

I have been looking at several other sports cars:

Late model (2008) Porsche 997.1 Carrera 2 Manual

Porsche (2009) 997.2 Carrera 4S w/ PDK & Chrono package.

Early Porsche 718 w/ PDK and Chrono package (I’d prefer the 718S, but most are out of my budget)

Toyota Supra MkV (either the 2020 or the 2021 model)

VW Golf R (2017 or so; DC-equipped)

VW R32

I wouldn’t even mind a hard-top Miata at this point (I’d even consider supercharging it).

I’m leaning heavily toward a Porsche but I’ve to pay off the damned Wrangler first (plus, I’m putting a kid through college with another heading to college in 3 years; another is almost done with college). Plus, the two I really want is either the 997.2 or a 718S. The 991 is too expensive and any 997.2 2010 or above will cost dearly (997.2s have been creeping up in price, too). If I want a 997.2, I should be looking at them now…they might be unattainable if I wait too much longer.

I can also step down in Carrera models (996s, which I do not really care for, especially when those could have IMS issues), but that’s considered settling for less, IMO.

I think I’m just missing a sports car. I suppose I could find an older R32 or Miata and keep the Wrangler too (I’ll definitely consider this option), that way I can have my cake and eat it too. I don’t need a lot of power or an exotic to have some fun.

A Four-Cylinder Porsche Boxster Is Not the Sign of the Apocalypse

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/a28293/porsche-718-boxster-first-ride/

Excerpt:

I’ve flown 10 hours to listen to an engine. Which isn’t that big a deal, really. I once drove 20 hours straight for a corned beef sandwich. But the stakes here are considerably higher. See, Porsche is replacing the near-perfect flat-sixes in its Boxster with brand-new, turbocharged flat-fours. The 718 Boxster now has a 2.0-liter four making 300 horsepower and the 718 Boxster S has a 2.5-liter good for 350 hp.

 

I shared the following news about the Porsche Boxster and Cayman flat-four engines:

Here’s what you need to know about Porsche’s New Turbo Flat-Four Engines

Power Specs and Details on Porsche’s New Boxter and Cayman Engines

Flat Four-cylinder Turbo Porsche Cayman

Porsche to Manufacture Horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder Engines

Yeah, I’ve been fixated on that car because…well, because of the flat-four.  I’m interested in seeing how a non-Subaru manufacturer extracts power from a flat-four.  As well, I’d like to hear how they sound.  I’m also wondering how the Porsche purists will respond to those two cars and their flat-four engines.

Sadly, I’ve not seen or heard much yet, but I’ve no doubt I’ll have my questions answered once the first real reviews are made public.

Here’s What You Need to Know About Porsche’s New Turbo Flat-Four Engines

From Road & Track:

Unlike the 911, which is using a 3.0 liter flat-six in both the Carrera and Carrera S, just with different turbos, the 718 twins will have a 2.0 or a 2.5 liter turbocharged flat four. The 2.0 in the base cars will have 300 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque while the 718 Boxster S will have a 2.5 liter flat-four turbo with 340 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. There could also be a GTS version coming with 365 horsepower.

 

Porsche is going all-in on turbocharging.

Posted by Road & Track Magazine on Tuesday, December 15, 2015

 

In the Facebook comments, I already see people equating the upcoming 718 engines with Subaru EJs.  Now, when has Porsche ever not blazed their own trail?  Porsche will almost certainly ensure this engine will generate glorious (or at least non-nasty) sounds.  Subaru’s trademark sounds are due to the EJs running unequal-length headers.  I highly doubt Porsche will do something stupid like adopt unequal length headers, especially if they opt to use twin-scroll turbochargers.  With luxury-sport cars such as these Porsche variants, they’re going to ensure the car sounds like it looks…fast, powerful, and sleek.