THIS

"CounterTorqueSteer" (countertorquesteer) 01/23/2014 at 15:34 • Filed to: Cayman R

3

11

Is pretty awesome.

RazoE > CounterTorqueSteer 01/23/2014 at 15:36

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Kia concept? Boxster Spyder has them as well. Neat:D

Tekamul > CounterTorqueSteer 01/23/2014 at 15:49

1

I don't love it.

The point of door straps is that they are the ultimate in minimalism. Typically, minimalism in the name of simplicity, lightness and performance.

Next to power windows, power mirrors and side impact airbags, it seems out of place. I know they went through a lot to get under 3k pounds, but really, you couldn't drop some creature features first?

I prefer this look (from a 92 RS)

jariten1781 > CounterTorqueSteer 01/23/2014 at 15:50

2

Save weight on door handle, keep power windows/mirrors/speakers/airbags. Makes sense?

Bryce Womeldurf > CounterTorqueSteer 01/23/2014 at 16:09

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I'd like to go that route some day in the Miata when half a dozen other things are fixed. Not just for lightness, but so that the handle will no longer dig into my leg.

feather-throttle-not-hair > CounterTorqueSteer 01/23/2014 at 16:09

0

is it though?

Plus side:

It's light.

Red means fast.

Minus side:

How much weight are we really saving here?

Red gets dirty if you let it. Hands are dirty.

Not ergonomic.

Random straps stick out of your door that look kind of weird.

Conclusion:

For me personally, an old school leather pull handle would cost maybe a total of 2 pounds, look better, work better, not look super dirty after a year or two, and wouldn't accidentally snag my pinky finger from time to time.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Tekamul 01/23/2014 at 16:19

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A: Boxster Spyder's application of webbing pull straps is more about nostalgia than light weight, although it might weigh less than the standard 987/997 interior door handle assembly.

B: power window regulators have gotten to the point where they are as light or lighter than a gear reduction drive for crank-down windows... and a switch weighs less than a crank. Also, no other Porsche in that generation still has them, so a manual regulator would have to be custom-designed.

C: power locks don't weigh more than a few extra ounces than non-power, and are required anyway for keyless entry, and proximity security systems.

D: the aluminum/composite doors on Boxster Spyder cut far more weight out of the doors than the couple of switches might add... and as mentioned, micro-electro-mechanical hardware probably doesn't weigh more now than manual systems did.

E: Boxster Spyder is lighter than Boxster S, but that doesn't mean it is a simple car anyway... it is still quite sophisticated, no getting around that. Simple would be a 914-6... if you really must go minimalist.

F: There is an airbag right there... that probably weighs more than the door release, and the power window and lock switches... See point E.

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Bryce Womeldurf 01/23/2014 at 16:21

1

ding ding ding ding ding.... Tell him what he's won, Johnny!

Tekamul > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 01/23/2014 at 16:23

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I'm not suggesting they remove the power windows, or locks or airbags. I'm suggesting they remove the door straps. They don't fit in anymore, it's just lip service.

Bryce Womeldurf > BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. 01/23/2014 at 16:24

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A new ca... err... a drive in my car without me thinking that someone's calling me on the cellphone!

BoxerFanatic, troublesome iconoclast. > Tekamul 01/23/2014 at 16:31

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It's nostalgia and something to set the Boxster Spyder apart from the base and Boxster S models.

The car has a bikini top as stock. Not only *not* powered, but not even attached to the body. It straps on, and stows, but all you have to do is take the pieces out of the bay, and leave it off the car, if you want to.

It has a unified rear lid, fixed spoiler (power spoiler deleted), lighter body parts, including the door shells, and is genuinely overall lighter, and with a few extra horsepower over the Boxster S. It was even offered with an option for A/C delete and audio-system delete.

It legitimately is a special model, and lighter weight... the door pulls are one of the details to make the 'experience' of the car like previous light-weight RS and comp-prep cars.

Really... the Boxster S still has standard door pulls, and a convenient power roof that seals better, and more amenities. Boxster Spyder is not meant to supersede Boxster or Boxster S, it is meant to be a different experience.

Stef Schrader > CounterTorqueSteer 01/23/2014 at 16:46

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I love this car, but don't really like the door handles.