Brian Meek

Since I picked up my Cabrio S last week we've had nonstop near freezing rain here in the Seattle area. The traction with the stock summer tires was awful, it made it easy to follow the break-in guidelines, anything else would be pure terror. :-)

Today I installed winter tires, a set of Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4. In my short time with them they are a vast improvement on cold wet pavement. The chatter when making full lock turns at parking lot speeds is completely gone, and under breaking that was triggering the ABS with the stock tires there is no drama. Once we get some snow I'll see if they are magical enough to compensate for their amazing width and still find traction.

As it happens today was also the first day of sun since I took delivery so I also got to spend some time with the top down. Between the heated seats, the wind blocker, and the euphoria of driving in the sun in mid December it was nice and comfortable driving 80 Mph in 40 degree weather. :-)

I can't wait to hit the 2k mile mark so I can really open it up. Until then I'll keep finding small reasons for long trips. :-)

Nicoli35

totally awesome!!!! Great tires - congrats Today is so beautiful up north near the border here, too. Rock on brother!!

trysixty

what border? there was black ice till 2 pm today all along chuckanut drive and into fairhaven..........temp never got over 37 all day with rain, snow, sun, rain,rain,rain, sun, rain

where did u get your winter tires??? discount tires?

you cant be serious about driving a $130k car in the snow.........

Nicoli35

I didn't get this car to look at..they are made to be driven. In any weather. All year long. Hat and gloves and you are good to go.

oldman40

Love this thread! I'm in Seattle too... can't wait to take delivery, but I'll be driving all thread round too...it'll be a real DD. Did you get a 2nd set of rims for the alpins? I'm also thinking about snow chains....anyone have the Porsche equipment ones or the Thule that fits the 991 wheels? This inspires me that I'm not just wishful thinking about s year round 911....

simsgw

Yep. Although I might be inclined to put the top up in the colder, wetter, conditions and when the snow is actually falling from the sky. Just saying.

Gary

Nicoli35

hehe. You know the only thing I really avoid is putting her away with an open top that is wet. Adoration comes to mind regarding this wonderfully engineered convertible top. It's the best insulated, most secure cabrio I've ever had, and that includes Audi's 2013 S5 convertible with it's acoustic top, which I drove for two months prior to coming to my senses and getting back into a Porsche.

This car is just insanely good. Wow.

trysixty

nicoli, i only have had the car 3 weeks now and have 500 miles on it......everyone with the top down!! yes hat is a must on my shaved head!!! but gloves no way....heated steering wheel works great. No wind screen for me either, detracts from clear view IMO.

i'm just very selective when i drive it, want max pleasure and not worry about the crappy weather or traction conditions. Save the crappy weather for running, biking or swimming!!!

i'd love to see your escort setup if your up this way, but will be driving the Tahoe if it's raining hard or snow.

Nicoli35

hehe nice - I'm just strange in that I prefer open-top driving when the sun isn't too bright out, so it's mostly mornings and evenings and wintertime is so much fun. I wear a big floppy-eared plaid faux fur hat like the Randy Quaid character in the "christmas vacation" movie.

I grew up riding motorcycles since age 5, maybe that has something to do with it? My car has no steering wheel heat - that's what I get for saving a little money and driving the car off Roger Job's lot. Actually trying to figure out if Elliott can order a heated multifunction wheel to replace it, but the jury is out if it's possible. Should be, right? Anyway..I spent enough on the 9500ci install so I guess it's gloves for a while anyway

Rapture1

In Milwaukee, when I get my 4S, it will see all of the snow or rain Mother Nature plans to throw at it.

Merry Christmas,

Drive

trysixty

I'm exactly same way, open top driving is such a rush when sun isnt too bright (which is 99% of time), especially down chuckanut. Only speed trap being at Chuckanut Manor sometimes or occasionally at Briza entrance. I have used Sport Plus Mode a couple times and it is like a whole different animal.......and i had to keep under 4k rpm since on break in period.

I GAVE up riding BMW motorcycles at 60, after 45 years without going down.Time to quit when i read above the GS guy who crashed on the rock wall portion.

I think every Porsche owner must say to themselves wish I would of ordered this or that. I too did a take what we have at RJ, and now wish I had got the aerokit..... but it would be March before it landed in San Diego. I put the clear side marker lenses on today, very nice. Got to get tow hook licence plate put on soon, then Laser jammer/diffuser if RJ will install the k40 one.

chuck911

Trysixty, you should post some pics to give people outside Washington a better idea what you're talking about. Between the near-zero shoulders, nearby cliffs on one side with rock walls on the other, not to mention guard rails that seem to be straight up from the painted pavement edge, Chuckanut Drive has got to be one of the narrowest, twistiest, and riskiest bits of road around. And that's before mentioning the stunning scenery, including glare off the Pacific, distractions. Video drive, perhaps?

Nicoli35

PSE echoing off the cliff rocks along Chuckanut really is pretty awesome At 40+ here without any major accidents since off-road riding when I was younger, I don't have a 2-wheel anymore either, the Porsche 911 Cabriolet makes it okay though, I hear you.

trysixty

from south to north..........

Part 1

Part 2

these videos dont show the ascent and descent of the road that well. going down and back is 1800 ft climbing and descenting.........also this guy is driving very slow ( a problem all the time, as people go slow to look at the view)

best time is 7-8 in the morning . on sunday may see 1 -2 cars at best......and never any WSP, donut shops are a long ways away on both ends and there is no place to position for radar/laser

hepmonk

Wow, Chuckanut drive looks awesome, I'm going to try it! Do you guys know of a good twisty road near Seattle? We PNWers should all meet one of these days.