Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0: A Unique Feature
During a recent weekend with a white Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, I was reminded of a remarkable feature that Porsche offers—a feature that is so beneficial that it should be standard in all vehicles. It leaves me wondering why more manufacturers haven’t adopted it, perhaps due to a patent, though that seems unlikely.
Experiences as an Automotive Journalist
As an automotive journalist, I have the chance to borrow various cars, but sometimes the features blend together. Wireless charging mats have become common; those that stand out do so by being either extraordinarily good or extremely subpar. For instance, the Cadillac Escalade has a cleverly designed phone pocket that I find effective.
Heating and Cooling Seats
Typically, the cars I review come with one of three types of seating options:
- Seats that do neither heat nor cool.
- Seats that heat only, lacking cooling features.
- Seats that can heat or cool, but not simultaneously.
A Personal Preference for Heating
Coming from Texas, passengers often express surprise when I keep my seat heaters on year-round. This habit persists even on cold January mornings and hot June afternoons. My choice stems from my occasional aches from playing Ultimate Frisbee, making the heating a therapeutic option.
The Unique Porsche Experience
It was 2010, while driving a 997.2 Carrera S, that I first discovered the delightful surprise of using both seat heating and cooling at the same time. Initially expecting the cooling to fail, I was amazed to find it operational. This should be straightforward, as heating typically uses conductive wires while cooling relies on ventilation. In the Porsche, however, the system actively pulls air in.
Combining Heat and Fresh Air
One might wonder why most car manufacturers don’t allow both features to operate concurrently. The logic behind limiting this functionality is understandable: who wants to be both hot and cold? Yet, the reality is that using both can effectively provide warmth without the discomfort of excessive sweating, especially on warm days.
The Ideal Solution
Using the seat heater and airflow in moderation can provide the best of both worlds—comfort and dryness. This setup truly feels ideal, particularly in a convertible. While it may not be the car’s most distinguished feature, the integration of both heating and cooling is something every car should ideally include in its offerings.
