Tech Tactics East 2017 by Liz Reid

Gorgeous spring-like weather on a winter day in February when most people are going to the beach, I am heading north to Tech Tactics because I enjoyed it so much the year prior. I dragged George Pearson along with me. Boy did he benefit‒they had a photography class and how to get your work published. For those of you who do not know George, he is our region photographer. George drove me up in his 911, I paid the tolls, and we both splurged on the complimentary Panera breakfast. Fellow Delaware Region members Joyce & Peter Hunt were in attendance as well.

George and I poked around in the store then headed to the classroom to learn about Survivor cars and their various conditions and ROI. After a brief break, we sat down and learned about the “Connected Car”. Now that topic changed drastically in one year. Last year it was more like Porsche was figuring out and implementing what Tesla already has. This year it is all about the Milennials and how tech has changed our lives including mobility. The next generation does not care about driving, and those who do, they want the latest tech and gadgets. Porsche is thinking about pop-up or overhead screens; autonomous driving that would take one around a track for the optimal hot lap ever; using the “cloud”; on-demand shared, diverse cars based on your needs using a mobile app key; and historical cars available for a select Porsche audience. Porsche is looking at Ford’s Chariot program. Porsche is thinking of rolling out this vacation leasing-type deal in Northern Germany and then maybe testing it in Miami and the French Riviera. They are probably going to put sensors in to gauge and control how the vehicles are driven. In the beginning, this service would be for current Porsche owners only. There are other technological ideas they are toying with over the next 10-15 years.

There was a session on the 718 Cayman, but I am not going over that as we all know the 718 line is new and improved and more money and can be researched on line. I will tell you my impressions of the new Panamera later in this article however. Back to the 718s, we got to hear the Boxster started and revved. TBH as the kids say, given my current ’01, I heard no problem with the sound. None of these cars are going to sound like an old 911, sport exhaust, or a race car. I believe the bad rap about the 718 sound is being exaggerated. Sales are not busting the charts though, so what do I know?!

After a nice Panera boxed lunch and warehouse tour for those who chose to do that, George and I chose to listen to a brake expert. Not my expertise but suffice to say that as a friend once said to me, ”Do not worry about how fast I drive, Porsche got good brakes.” Pedro has a lot of info on his website at pedrosgarage.com, and he did say that you can upgrade your front brakes, but DO NOT put the old fronts on the rear.

We next learned about market trends. I am not going to give you every little detail but the highlights. Best value right now (sample only): 996 & 997 twin turbos, 915 cars, 06-12 997 & 987 especially gen 2, and panicked sellers. Market has plateaued but overall is good for sellers. Some of the cars buyers are looking for are: 964, Level 1 & 2 Survivors, Euro RS, early and late 928, 73 & 74 914 2.0.

Ones only warm now are: 356s, Cayman GT4, 944 Turbo, mid 70s 930s. Cooling off but by no means not wanted and no bargain basement are: RS America, 73 Carrera RS, late 930s, and 991s due to over-saturation. Bottom line is that you buy a Porsche because you love it and not for an investment. Take time to make a choice and get a PPI. Some good value guides are: Hagerty.com, NADA Classics, and Excellence, and of course PCA. If the car is a 1973 or older, do not look at mileage, just condition. The following are desirables: low production with the vehicle mechanically and/or visually unique, single owner, originating from west coast and/or a dry state, original color, and a paint mil reading of no more than 5 or so.

Now my subjective and objective overview of the 2017 Panamera. Stunning but long. Great, faceted front, back that looks almost like an Audi A7, very comfortable, too jammed in and covered under the hood, expensive. So, what is new? Distinctive rear corners, sculpted tail lights, increased hp, torque, agility, stability, and performance. Less consumption. Very cool rear spoiler that comes out like it is a Transformer. Adaptive cruise control, 8-speed PDK, upgraded chassis computer with 4D control, lighter in weight, safer, night vision capable to pick out a human, and a 12” screen as part of an advanced cockpit. There are more items and options on this very fast and nimble Panamera. For me, it is too long and pricey. It is a luxurious and comfortable vehicle which is definitely worth your look.

At 6 p.m. after a long but fun and informative day, we said our good-byes and got our goodie bags and any raffles you might have won. Cannot say that the latter happened for our Delaware folks on Sunday, but my friend from Connecticut won the battery operated model Boxster engine on Saturday. Hey guys and gals, come out to this event next year, it is truly worth it. Feel free to talk to me about it or George, the Hunts, Mark Loch, or Vince. See you all in March.