Placing custom order for CT, would love feedback on couple of features

[agurkas]

We put in a deposit on a build spot for CT. Told it would take about 18 months to deliver.
https://configurator.porsche.com/porsche-code/PRY8E147

1. 100% set on getting RAS, but I'm not so sure about the need for PTV+. I have no plans to track the car, I have done 7 years of that with 987S and got that out of my system. Does PTV+ add enough to the stability in the corners in questionable weather conditions, or not enough to bother getting it?
2. Is my understanding correct that the base and GT steering wheels have the same radius? On the 987S, the sport wheel was smaller enough to allow for easier entry into the car for someone very tall (like me)
3. InnoDrive - I'm on the fence about that one. I have Volvo with PilotAssist2, which does a pretty good job if you are on the highway or in traffic. But it is useless on narrow roads unless there is a car ahead it can follow. I recall the Jaguar version being useless. How is Porsche's version of it?

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[Tooney]

I will defer to others regarding your questions.
Be aware summer tires are standard. All season tires are an option.
If you choose not to get InnoDrive, you potentially need to option lane keep assist/blind spot monitor, and decide about adaptive cruise control.

 

[agurkas]

I will defer to others regarding your questions.
Be aware summer tires are standard. All season tires are an option.

Oh... I need to look at what a set of winters would run and on what rims do I get them. I am in New England, so car with that much TQ is useless in winter even on all-seasons. Even on my XC90 I run Nokkian winters right now. Makes a huge difference.

EDIT: I checked what winter tires cost for this car. Yeah, 100% getting winter ones. I have a tire service that comes to my house and does seasonal tire swaps. The same rim, swap out tires.

 

[WuffvonTrips]

I think (based on my having both and driving other Taycans without them) that PTV+ is like RAS in that, if you'd never experienced them, you'd probably not feel you were missing anything.
With RAS, you'll at least have the benefit of a small improvement (not as dramatic as sometimes assumed) in low-speed manoeuvrability. High speed stability is a better justification for it IMO.
If you have PTV+, I guess that it offers more potential with higher power variants, but might still help accident avoidance in adverse circumstances.

Lovely choice of PTS colour by the way.

 

[JWreck]

I have the sport package (so all of it) and wouldn’t buy again without it. Although it’s LIKELY the RAS rather than PTV is what is mostly benefiting me during spirited driving as I’m not on a track with it.

Sport wheel is either smaller in diameter by a super small amount OR has a slightly thicker rim.

Innodrive sucks. Period. I have ACC and opted to do their 90 day free trial of Innodrive and lane keeping, and it was garbage. The absolute only benefit is that Innodrive starts you out at the speed limit of the road, versus at 20mph when engaging ACC.

 

[BJCanadaMax]

I won't bother with autopilot. Basic cruise control works fine. That is usually the time you don't want to have foot on gas all the time anyway. I would say go for the Torque Vectoring +. what's the harm of putting it on anyway. for sure 360 surround, this is a wide car!!

 

[arijaycomet]

1 - RAS & PTV+ - You should definitely get RAS not only for resale value, but for enjoyment driving/parking. There is a notable enjoyment factor when driving on twisty roads, and even more so navigating in parking situations. My garage/driveway is a 90 degree turn into the parking bay, so I miss not having RAS. Not needed, but worthwhile. As for PTV+ I've owned a Taycan Turbo with it, and never felt it had any useful impact. So yes to RAS, "meh" to PTV+

2 - As others said, the delta is minimal. I'd get the GT wheel more because it feels nice in-hand, and then you can also spec the heated version (I've not yet clicked on your spec link, sorry). But I don't think ingres/egress hugely impactful. That said, you will have "easy/comfort access" and that alone makes it easier since the wheel tilts up/seat moves back after you turn off the car. For that reason alone I use the button to left of wheel to "turn off" the car, to get that feature to enact.

3 - We have a 2021 Volvo XC40 with PilotAssist, have owned a half dozen Tesla vehicles with AP, and I've had BMW/etc with drive assist features. I'd say that you -want- to get the ACC package with ALK (active lane keep), but you do not want to bother with PID (Porsche InnoDrive). There are tons of threads on here, but basically, it is pointless. With just ACC/ALK you'll get Volvo Pilot Assist levels of enjoyment, but you'll like it better because you fight the steering less than the Volvo. It just works better/smoother overall to PA, but on parity with features. PID is useless, because it has no "speed offset" from posted limit, and hence adds nothing useful or polished to justify the cost. Cheers!

 

[arijaycomet]

SECOND reply -- ok so you did not spec the seats that would add/offer Comfort Memory -- that is something I would definitely get. You'd also get vented seats that way, too. By adding this it also covers the options you had already selected in Surround View, and Power Folding Mirrors, so those are negated. Hence it is a ~$6k net add/option but worth while.

MORE importantly, is that I forgot that ALK is bundled with PID, so you are forced to get that together if you buy it up front. So I would amend my first reply or addendum to say that you might want to add it, but be aware, you'll prob leave it in ALK mode instead of PID mode as many have voiced here (myself included). That said, you could determine if you like it enough to just pay/add it after the fact. You can trial both ALK and PID for free for 90 days after you get the car, and the price to add just ALK would be net cheaper (or can be paid per month, only for the times/trips you want, etc). FoD (Features on Demand) make this a good choice if you're on the fence about options that might help reduce your cost.

Net impact adding Premium Package ($5,930) but dropping from PID/ALK bundle down to just ACC ($2,050) means your net MSRP is $137,670 -- may or may not be worthwhile; but those would be my suggestions. But the beauty of Porsche is how you can tailor it to your wants and needs

 

[Jonathan S.]

Whoah, this is a beautiful paint-to-sample color!

Since your profile says MA, curious which dealer?

My used 4CT has RAS, and so glad I have it -- okay, I haven't done a comparison test (the other used 4CT I drove had RAS), but something magical about a car this long and wide that is so easy to maneuver at low speeds.

My used 4CT also has PTV+ but I have no way of knowing whether it's really doing anything.

PID I checked out via FOD. Used it for several minutes. I usually like every possible ADAS feature, but definitely not this one! The only purpose seems to be slowing you down when you don't want to slow down. (I'm not talking about crazy driving, just doing 65mph in a 55mph section of MA Route 2.)

Things you did not ask about but I'll comment on anyway since that is SOP for a build thread:

• As was already noted, be sure to click for all-season tires (unless you're going to run winters in MA from Oct to May).
• No 14-way seats? They are spectacular. I like the seats on our i4 and A6ar, but something about these seats ... I noticed it immediately upon my test drive. When my wife sat in the Taycan for the first time, she talked nonstop about the seats! Best way to get those seats is with the Premium Package bundle (which will also include the power folding mirrors you included separately).
• No seat ventilation? The first time I used seat ventilation (on a different VAG car) was on a biz trip to DC. In August. Wearing a suit. There is no going back to seats w/o ventilation after that. Ditto re Premium Package.
• Wish my used CT had massage function. Fortunately the comfort and support of the 14-way seats compensation for that. And it's not like on my A6ar I have the massage function on all the time. Still though, it's a nice feature, with no drawbacks that I know of (unless it's incompatible with something else you spec'ed).
• No "Technology Package incl. Adaptive Cruise Control"? I find that all those features work well. Although the passenger display is somewhat superfluous (but kind of neat-o). Just don't get the version with PID. Even that relatively small differential is not worth it. Since you already have Surround View and ACC, the differential is trivial.
• If no roof rails, my understanding is that you'll have no way of affixing a roof rack. And be advised that the CT cargo capacity suffers from a fairly narrow width (narrower than our i4).
• Sport Chrono is nice for the little knob that allows you to adjust drive mode settings quickly.
• I do not have the Thermally & Noise Insulated Glass but I would have spec'ed it if new. But I have no idea how much of a difference it makes, and some drivers report reduced cell phone reception.
• I would have spec'ed Advanced 4-Zone Climate Control if buying new.

 

[violuma]

Wonderful to have another violet enthusiast here. I'm still a week away from handover, so can't comment from experience, but I decided that, in general, if I'm going to buy a Porsche, why should I let the car have all the fun of driving it? So I speced things that make it easier for me to drive - including RAS, and generally stayed away from things that try to replace me, like Innodrive.

 

[whitex]

One thing worth noting, 18 month estimate means there is no allocation for it yet, and that it’s going to be a 2025 or 2026 model year. There is a very good chance it will be a facelift version, so options may change a lot more than the typical year-to-year shuffle.

 

[agurkas]

Whoah, this is a beautiful paint-to-sample color!

Since your profile says MA, curious which dealer?

My used 4CT has RAS, and so glad I have it -- okay, I haven't done a comparison test (the other used 4CT I drove had RAS), but something magical about a car this long and wide that is so easy to maneuver at low speeds.

My used 4CT also has PTV+ but I have no way of knowing whether it's really doing anything.

PID I checked out via FOD. Used it for several minutes. I usually like every possible ADAS feature, but definitely not this one! The only purpose seems to be slowing you down when you don't want to slow down. (I'm not talking about crazy driving, just doing 65mph in a 55mph section of MA Route 2.)

Things you did not ask about but I'll comment on anyway since that is SOP for a build thread:

• As was already noted, be sure to click for all-season tires (unless you're going to run winters in MA from Oct to May).
• No 14-way seats? They are spectacular. I like the seats on our i4 and A6ar, but something about these seats ... I noticed it immediately upon my test drive. When my wife sat in the Taycan for the first time, she talked nonstop about the seats! Best way to get those seats is with the Premium Package bundle (which will also include the power folding mirrors you included separately).
• No seat ventilation? The first time I used seat ventilation (on a different VAG car) was on a biz trip to DC. In August. Wearing a suit. There is no going back to seats w/o ventilation after that. Ditto re Premium Package.
• Wish my used CT had massage function. Fortunately the comfort and support of the 14-way seats compensation for that. And it's not like on my A6ar I have the massage function on all the time. Still though, it's a nice feature, with no drawbacks that I know of (unless it's incompatible with something else you spec'ed).
• No "Technology Package incl. Adaptive Cruise Control"? I find that all those features work well. Although the passenger display is somewhat superfluous (but kind of neat-o). Just don't get the version with PID. Even that relatively small differential is not worth it. Since you already have Surround View and ACC, the differential is trivial.
• If no roof rails, my understanding is that you'll have no way of affixing a roof rack. And be advised that the CT cargo capacity suffers from a fairly narrow width (narrower than our i4).
• Sport Chrono is nice for the little knob that allows you to adjust drive mode settings quickly.
• I do not have the Thermally & Noise Insulated Glass but I would have spec'ed it if new. But I have no idea how much of a difference it makes, and some drivers report reduced cell phone reception.
• I would have spec'ed Advanced 4-Zone Climate Control if buying new.

Dealer: Burlington one. Basically went for highest rated sales guy in MA. Figured there isn't much "shopping" you can do with PCNA stuff, not like when I ordered 987S and was able to get a couple of dealers to compete with each other.

Re. seats: Both wife and I are over 6'. I am 6'5". The issue with at least the sport seat I compared to the base ones was the thickness of both the back and bottom. All those servos and bladders. I need to sit as low as possible, or my head is just too close to the roof. Felt like in the base seat I had more headroom. Also, felt like base seat back was thinner so I could have 6' or so person behind me. This was not the case with sport seat. Will need to find time to see how thick the back of the 14-way is.

Seat ventilation (just like massage) - I have it in my XC90. Massage I used for like 2-3 months and don't care for it anymore. Ventilation I just don't feel that much if any difference. Plus, from some threads I have seen, those seats feel harder with ventilation.

Don't need rails. XC90 will remain our long-trip car. I have rails and ski stuff for it. 3 women in the house, and there isn't enough trunk space in Tycan for their luggage

Re. PID, looks like I will skip that one. I usually use PA2 on the Pike. On 128 or 2 - drivers are just crazy. I have to pay attention. And when we go up to NH or VT, ACC seems to be just fine.

Re. 4-way climate control. I do not want screen in the back for controls of vents. Manual adjustments for the kids. Don't need them messing with the stuff there. I have 4-way in XC90, constantly need to stop the little one from messing with temps.

 

[agurkas]

Wonderful to have another violet enthusiast here.

My wife saw GT3RS during our trip in Europe in that color and we decided enough with those black, dark blue, or white cars we constantly order. Time to have some fun But to make sure, I am looking to get a paint sample (the dealer did not have it) or find someone with Pcar in that color, so we can confirm that is the color she wants.

 

[bluesky]

Is that a deposit to wait for an allocation, or you have the allocation and now have a deposit down on a build? Just trying to judge how things are going, since I was told a much more ambitious and earlier timetable (which of course isn't happening).

I agree with Johnathon S, consider putting some money into seating. The base seats don't have lumbar and I consider that important, so think about the 14 or 18-way seats and maybe adding ventilation. Seating and the steering wheel are the parts you body really come into contact with and you're spending $100k+ on a car, so it needs to be just right. Sports chrono is kind of silly but its the only way to get the knob for quick mode selection, something so many other sports cars have standard.

Consider getting ACC in some form, possibly packaged with PID if that makes sense from a cost or packaging standpoint, even though you know you won't use PID. ALK can be added later so long as you have ACC.

Lastly most people won't mention this but I'd get the ionizer if your ordering a car. It's only $350 and cannot be added later, and over the lifetime of your car, it's nice to have. Probably the cheapest functioning option besides the locking wheel bolts.

 

[Jonathan S.]

Ah yes, Herb Chambers, love those billboards on the Mass Pike!

The service I’ve received though from my inquires at Herb Chambers dealers … let’s say my experience has been consistent across Porsche, Audi, and BMW.

Agreed though on lack of deals. Everyone will almost certainly be MSRP. Might be worth calling around though to see where you are on the allocation wait list at different dealers. Although given the way the Taycan has something like a dozen different allocation wait lists, if you’re the only one for a 4CT (which was the situation with every dealer I contacted earlier this year), then might not make much of a difference. Although still could help to throw your hat into the ring of another dealership just in case an allocation happens to arrive there sooner. (For the i4 M50 back in February, I would have been something like twenty something with Herb Chambers, but I was the only one at a somewhat obscure dealership, and I received an allocation in a couple weeks.)

Seats, interesting factor for driver height. Although did you try the 14-way or 18-way seat? The latter seems to be far less liked.

I think (though I am not absolutely sure) that the 4-way climate control allows the rear seat passengers to adjust temp independently of the front seat passengers. Might also have some sort of lock-out feature. (Or at least I have thought on our i4 and A6ar, but not on the 4CT – I get so confused with the different features among these vehicles!)

Understood on the other factors.

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