A 2022 Cross Turismo 4S: From Order to Delivery to Mods

[ciaranob]

Belatedly installed the FitcamX (bought it a few weeks ago!) - despite various issues with some folk's install, mine went seamlessly - all done in about 25 minutes.

The instructions to contact the manufacturers via a WhatsApp QR code were out of date on my documentation and the recommendation to use Roadcam as the linking app seems dated too as there is now a dedicated FitcamX app out there.

Did a quick road test and seems to have very good quality video (as good if not better than my BlackVue I had in the M4 Vert) - as others have noted, a very slick factory OEM look - quite pleased with the unit for now and no error codes or issues that again some others have experienced - fingers crossed it stays that way!

Figured out belatedly that the Preview or live stream function requires you to turn off Cellular Data if on in your phones settings! Downloading videos from app to iPhone very fast and seamless as is taking the micro-usb card to your laptop/computer to view/save files. Have been viewing them with the free VLC player on my MacBook Pro.

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[ciaranob]

ALTERNATE MONKEY BUTT REPLACEMENT #2

Used 3" square pipe caps (dark hard plastic) - minor customizing needed to fit the tapered opening but then snap in perfectly! This solution retains the maximum area of visible OEM bumper including the recess up top.

This replacement variation also puts the US plate more snugly/flat against the bumper (it previously laid on top of the custom sheet I had inserted here which 'pushed' it more outward of the bumper) - so this results in even more of the OEM gloss black diffuser being visible - another win - this one might be a keeper .

Basically a $12 fix of the ugly Monkey Butt!

There are the end caps I bought:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SW4I4F4?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

For the recessed areas I simply cut 7/8" off both ends off of one bumper cap and it just snaps in (further secured by the 2 outer caps).

Plugs unpainted in these pics - next post painted ...

 

[ciaranob]

For a final more 'Pro' finish for these plugs I applied a matt/flat primer in dark grey as close as I could find to the OEM bumper color and then a Krylon chalk (flat) clear clearcoat - end result is about near perfect a match as I'd expect to get - pleased with result and def keeping this solution for now.

Car rear is full of dust so def not optimal for you to see this - will take pics once cleaner and will show it off better in terms of a color match!

A subtle change when compared to the shots above but again 'in person' really makes a difference.

And compared to my car in Dealership with Monkey Butt attached:

 

[TaycanCook]

I might be the only person here who wants the monkey butt. Living in NY, someone will always bump into the rear during parking maneuvers as many NYers like to "park by feel". Doesn't matter if the spot is 3 cars length free, someone will inevitably need to "feel" where the front is. The monkey butt looks to be replaceable, so I'm hoping it takes the brunt of the impact.

 

[ciaranob]

I might be the only person here who wants the monkey butt. Living in NY, someone will always bump into the rear during parking maneuvers as many NYers like to "park by feel". Doesn't matter if the spot is 3 cars length free, someone will inevitably need to "feel" where the front is. The monkey butt looks to be replaceable, so I'm hoping it takes the brunt of the impact.

Most def replaceable

Actually recall seeing this in person when as a summer student working in NY (million years ago!) - mortified!

 

[ciaranob]

NEW ADDITION - MUSTART 20ft J1772 Extension cord - $189.

This is a no brainer to me - the other model that is also highly rated was out of stock and was able to get this overnight for our trip out of town tomorrow - quality looks very good and all fittings seem well made. Again perhaps something I use in a blue moon but one of those items you'd wish you had when you most need it!

Tested it and all perfect re easy connection, no sticking, and most importantly saw ZERO drop in power w.r.t the Porsche portable charger by itself vs using the Porshce charger+Mustart combined - excellent!

Has a handy carry bag that will fit nicely in the Frunk with my AO soft bag cooler!

NOTE that this is their 'recently 'upgraded' model with sturdier cord and improved IP67 waterproofing.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W5TVFSS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

[Mtljckt]

Absolutely - they are painted around their edges of course but yes, no reputable shop would ever attempt to paint these without first removing them. That said it is a very simple task to remove all four (and re-install) as they are held on with 3M style VHB tape. My guys actually improved on the OEM install as there was the slightest gap on the fenders in a couple of spots when delivered that now are 100% flush!

I'm wondering if one can remove these arches and leave the car as it is. Except a few holes, is there anything else to fix? In other words does it have the bodywork of a GTS Sport Turismo under the plastic arches?

 

[ciaranob]

Def not the GTS lower trim. Yes there are holes left where the front and rear arches ‘slot’ into the base trim - other threads here have done this but have used the ORDP to hide some of these - even then there are (imo) other unsightly holes to plug - ymmv but not for me.

 

[ciaranob]

Posting this really crude photoshopped effort to illustrate where I might go with additional paint on rear end - would color the finned area and assoc lic. plate area gloss black and the surround body color. An alternative to gloss black might be a satin or low gloss finish ... thinking about it!

Additionally I would use the same gloss or satin/low gloss black on the currently unpainted plastic headlight surrounds.

Photo edited version (obviously!) on left and current car on right:

 

[ciaranob]

Posting this really crude photoshopped effort to illustrate where I might go with additional paint on rear end - would color the finned area and assoc lic. plate area gloss black and the surround body color. An alternative to gloss black might be a satin or low gloss finish ... thinking about it!

Additionally I would use the same gloss or satin/low gloss black on the currently unpainted plastic headlight surrounds.

Photo edited version (obviously!) on left and current car on right:

A bit sad when I am literally talking to myself here

Well I think I may have come full circle and I might just paint all the remaining black plastic bits a satin or very low gloss black - I am now not that keen on painting the rear end border body color as it just seems to extends the wall of grey too far i.e. the original design ethic is really pretty spot on in respect that 'sport' look. Changing the matt black plastic to painted satin (all gloss would be too much imo) will still elevate the look w/o compromising the intended design. Rambling to myself but think I am finally there - now just need to get it done!

 

[bsclywilly]

A bit sad when I am literally talking to myself here

My vote would be to get the euro bumper cover considering all the effort you're putting in.

I'm getting a sense of your style, and given your location, have you also considered doing a rear wiper delete? Go for the clean look and just rainx or aquapel the rear glass.

 

[ciaranob]

My vote would be to get the euro bumper cover considering all the effort you're putting in.

I'm getting a sense of your style, and given your location, have you also considered doing a rear wiper delete? Go for the clean look and just rainx or aquapel the rear glass.

Not sure we are quite that aligned

I'm actually quite pleased with my $20 solution for the rear plate holder area and with the monkey butt delete - way better than thousands of dollars to purchase a new bumper, uninstall/re-install, paint etc. etc. That mod is solved for me

Rear wiper not a bother to me at all and actually prefer functionality there - sort of regret not getting the gloss black finish which I actually missed in the configurator but an easy fix if desired.

My main focus now is:

1) getting the CETE module installed if it ever actually gets shipped to me and

2) deciding whether or not to finish off all remains plastic bits with paint and if so what might be the best look/color combo..

I still like the idea of a satin black but also considering possibly even high gloss CF wrap for the 'border' around the 'finned' rear and possibly the side skirts/front lip leaving the gloss black inserts as is.

Personally have actually never been a fan of wrap vs actual CF but I might have to wait a lifetime to see these larger parts made available (if ever) by 3rd parties for the CT trim. That and if I paint these borders body color (painting minimum of primer a must if wanting to then wrap), I can wrap for the CF look and of course always remove if it gets old or whatever.

Still planning which is half the fun!

 

[ciaranob]

OK throwing out another one of my crude cut and paste image render renders - I am possibly leaning towards this despite my lack of appreciation of using wrap to imitate CF (!), but man this combination might look pretty sharp:

As is on right in this pic and what it might look with a CF wrap on left (my rendering makes the CF look matt/flat here but a high glass CF vinyl wrap might look very good too.).

What I might consider up front (not showing side skirts which would also be a combo of CF and preserved OEM gloss black inserts) - note the crude paste here shows the CF stripe pattern as way too thick - closer to half as thick in real life.

A better go-by of the type of CF finish I'd be after is akin to that of the 3D Design CF parts on my prev M4:

 

[whitex]

Where are you on the radar/lidar defense? The solution you choose may affect your license plate holder requirements and/or front and rear body aprins.

 

[ciaranob]

Where are you on the radar/lidar defense? The solution you choose may affect your license plate holder requirements and/or front and rear body aprins.

Undecided TBH! Have been fortunate in TX to not need a front plate for 30 years and continue to not use - that said, got a vinyl version of my current plate to put on front bonnet if doing interstate travel but can also do other options if I feel insufficient. The rear if anything has improved options re jammer etc placement as I’ve free’d up space getting rid of the monkey butt!

Curious if you have any insight or thoughts on some of the AI systems being developed by some brands - feels like we are in a transition from std detector/jammer systems to a new gen but probably too soon to evaluate?

PS: this has been the longest I’ve been w/o a radar-laser system in years!

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