Porsche followup

April 22nd, 2008, 11:46 pm PDT by Greg

My earlier post about buying a Porsche has caused much conversation. Some people who I have told about the plan seem to think I’m going out to the dealer next weekend and blowing a lot of money. These people don’t see the inherent joy the plan contains.

You see, I don’t have to actually buy a Porsche for the plan to be wonderful. The plan is great all by itself: with or without a car. The point is that I could buy a Porsche in the not-unforeseeable future. How great is that?

When I told my mother the plan, she laughed appropriately. When I told her about people who interpreted the plan as me imminently heading out to buy, she replied “oh, you’re too cheap for that”. Gotta love her.

I also remembered that I can pinpoint the second I realized I needed a 911. It was when I first watched Top Gear series 10 episode 2. Jeremy Clarkson was reviewing the Audi R8. As they often do, another car was introduced as a counterpoint. Richard Hammond, being a huge 911 fan, offered the 911 Carrera S as a worthy competitor.

The car is introduced in a most dramatic fashion. I have extracted the piece of video that did it for me. Can you watch that and not want a 911? Any car that can be made to slide that far sideways has to be fun to own.

Personally, I’d prefer the Carrera 4S (the four wheel drive version). I’m not actually convinced of my ability to control a vehicle when I have to look out the side window to see where I’m going.

I have however been practicing in Gran Turismo (which doesn’t have Porsches, but still). As I have mentioned here before, I have a Logitech wheel and that gives the whole thing a certain amount of realism.

If I have learned nothing else from Top Gear, it’s that turning off the traction control makes cars more fun (if there’s nothing to hit and you’re not fussy about the condition of the tires). GT4 has traction control turned on for all cars by default, but it can be turned off in the settings screen. With the driving aids off, the powerful rear wheel drive cars seem to mock “you didn’t really think you could use the gas pedal and steering wheel at the same time, did you?”

I can foresee that, while I might not get a Porsche any time soon, Gran Turismo 5 and a PS3 may appear around here much sooner.

10 Responses to “Porsche followup”

  1. Amanda Says:

    I still think you should consider the convertible…Kat would look really good driving a Porsche convertible.

  2. Eugene Says:

    I’m trying to refrain from making a mid-life crisis joke. I don’t think I will be able to if you start wearing a red leather jacket and humming Corey Hart tunes.

  3. Katrina Says:

    I LOVE YOU AMANDA! 😀

  4. Katrina Says:

    Oh, and for the record, we don’t need a PS3!

  5. Dave Says:

    I say steal a Porsche. Auto theft isn’t THAT illegal… (And not morally wrong when it’s a nice car!)

  6. Katrina Says:

    Heh… mid-life crisis… Greg’s old.

    If Greg buys a red leather jacket it better be for me! I guess Greg’s not that old. Wanna buy me a red leather jacket? 🙂

  7. Eugene Says:

    http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/30/fanatec-intros-wireless-porsche-911-turbo-racing-wheel/

  8. Katrina Says:

    Damn it Eugene! Now Greg’s going to run out and buy the PS3 and this Porsche thing.

    Wait, PS2 games play on the PS3, right?

    Anyone want to buy and old wheel-pedal set and a PS2?

  9. Greg Says:

    Hmmm… about the same price as the new Logitech wheel:
    http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/playstation_2/wheels/devices/131&cl=ca,en

    Actually, I was figuring I’d keep the old wheel, which will cost $0.

    Yes, PS2 games play on the PS3.

  10. Katrina Says:

    The Porsche insignia isn’t enough incentive for the new wheel, eh? Heh… you’re mom was right! 🙂