Slipstream - September 2004

Road Ramblings
by Keith Olcha, Maverick Region President
Iwas recently given the July issue of a
new magazine called “Texas Driver.”
It is self-described as being about automotive
enthusiasts who are passionate
about what they drive, what they do, where
they go, and how they do it…” Why I bring
this to your attention is that none other
than our own Jack Griffin’s garage was
featured in the issue in an article titled
“Garage Mahal.” Jack has a wonderful collection of 356,
911, 914, and Speedster editions (8 cars in all). Two of
which were entered in the historic car display at Parade
’04 in Fort Worth in July. I don’t know how long their
offer will last but if you email info@texasdrivermagazine.com
and ask for the “three free issues as per the
magazine ad” they say they will send them to you.
I’ve read two issues now, and I think it’s a very
interesting publication. It is a little like a combination of
“Automobile” and “Christophorus.” By the way, Jack’s
garage is very nice. Read the issue and you’ll know what
I mean.
On another topic, what about the new 997? The 993
didn’t make me give up my 964 and the 996 couldn’t
make me give up my 986. However, this car, the new 911
Carrera, designated Type 997 gets me thinking about a
change (sorry, Karen). Besides combining newer and
old-line historic design cues, it is a value since it will
offer more than the outgoing 996 in terms of features
of mileage, time, and speed. Driver and passenger seats
with power backrest, manual height adjustment and
integrated airbags. Outside mirrors are electrically
adjustable and heated. Automatic extending rear spoiler.
Bi-Xenon lighting system with headlight leveling and
washer system. Alarm system with radar interior
surveillance. Split folding rear seats. Automatic full
climate control. PCM with 5.8 inch color display, in dash
CD and sound package, which includes 9 loudspeakers.
Order option 670 for navigation. Footwell lighting. Auto
dimming interior / exterior mirrors with integrated rain
sensors. Homelink system. Cruise control.
And finally, please look in this issue of Slipstream
for information on the nominating committee for
identifying the officer candidates for 2005. As I
mentioned last month, we will be turning over several
positions. The next issue of Slipstream should have a
call for volunteers for the exact board positions we’ll
have open, in addition to the Executive committee. In
most cases, a good attitude and some time and effort is
all you need to do a great job helping Maverick Region
to be the best it can be for serving its members. As I
write this I have just returned from a joint Club Race
and DE at MSR we ran with the DFW chapter of the
BMW Car Club of America, so there’s a lot of clean up
and put-away to do. Till next month.
... 997 gets me thinking about a change
(sorry, Karen) ...
and performance for the same price. The 997 also goes
back to a multiple engine model lineup. There will be a
911 Carrera, and a 911 Carrera S. The Carrera S having
a 3.8 liter engine. I’m sure you’ve read about them in
magazines. If you can’t get to a dealer in the next
few weeks, Park Place Porsche, our sponsor of the
September 18-19 Drivers Education event at
MotorSport Ranch, will have three or four of them on
hand for you to examine during the weekend. Here is
the list of standard equipment on the “S” model. It is
extensive:
Standard equipment includes:
3.8 Liter Flat 6 cylinder engine with vario-cam producing
355 Horsepower. 6-speed manual transmission
with dual-mass flywheel and hydraulic clutch. 19’’
Carrera S light alloy wheels. Anti-lock braking system
(ABS). Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Active
Brake Differential (ABD). Traction Control (ASR). Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPSM). Porsche Active
Suspension Management System (PASM). Braking
system with 4-piston monobloc fixed alloy calipers and
ventilated brake disks. 3-spoke sport steering wheel
(Diameter 370MM) in leather with full color Porsche
crest. On-board computer with continuous indication
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