September Spinner by schonesland

SPINNER SPINNER

APEX

The 2024 driving season is winding down. Schonesland has just one half-day charity drive, MA Hill Charity Drive, and one multi-day drive, Wisconsin, left for this year. There is still room on Saturday, Sept. 14th, to join us for the charity drive (https://schonesland.com/event/save-the-date-schonesland-2024-ma-hillcharity-drive/). However, the Wisconsin drive is sold out!

This Spinner has a point counterpoint article written by Will MacFarland and Bryan Shiﬄer about the evolution of cars. I read the beginnings of this discussion which got me thinking more about electric cars while vacationing in Norway.

Several times during the trip the local guides would tell the group about the license plates and if it started with an “E” it was an electric car. There were A LOT of cars with an “E”! I also noticed there would be charging stations out in the middle of nowhere versus in the U.S. where you rarely even see one in the metro. A Google search of “country with the most electric cars per capita” returned Norway. According to Google over 80% of new cars sold in Norway in 2023 were electric. By 2025 Norway’s goal is to end the sale of gas cars. Pretty ironic since Norway’s income comes from oil!!

Owning an EV in Norway might be easier on your pocketbook though than owning an internal combustion engine car. Norway has a VAT of 25% on the vehicle’s value for internal combustion cars. EVs are exempt from the VAT for roughly the ﬁrst $50,000. EV owners also get free municipal parking, access to bus lanes, and are exempt from paying the annual road traﬃc insurance tax.

APEX

I still like my ICE cars. First issue I have is the lack of sound with an EV. We all like that exhaust note, right?! How many of us at the last Drive & Dine were standing behind Jeﬀ David’s Cayenne GTS and listening to an SUV?! I know I like the sound my Macan GTS makes every time I start it! Second issue I have is the infrastructure in the U.S. just isn’t ready yet. Can you imagine going on one of our driving tours if even two of us had electric cars? I think I recall once or twice on the Great Western Skies tour seeing a charging station. And just ask my dad about his experience ﬁnding a charging station with a BMW electric loaner if you want his take on driving one in the winter to and from Mason City.

I’m not going to get into the politics of electric cars and how even though they are not burning fossil fuels the battery production process for them does have a substantial environmental impact. Not to mention the tax those of us with ICE cars pay when buying gas is used for road upkeep which EV owners don’t have to pay seems a bit unfair.

I know we have PCA members that do have electric cars. They love them. I think it is a great option for a daily driver. Who knows maybe when I see and drive the new electric Macan I will change my mind…

Jen Scharﬀ, President jenscharﬀ@me.com

PLANNED DRIVING TOURS

April 20 - Mad Warren

April 27 & 28 - Loess Hills to Sioux City

May 18 & 19 - Nauvoo Trail

June 8 - Dragoon Trail

June 21 to 29 - Great Western Skies

July 11 - Drive to Road America

July 12 & 13 - Omaha Cars & Coffee

July 25 to 28 - Redwing, MN

Aug 29 to Sept 2 - Eureka Springs

Sept 14 - MA Hill Drive

Oct 3 to 5 - Wisconsin Fall Colors

POINT/COUNTER POINT

Point: Porsche 2024 is Diﬀerent than Porsche 2012 – And Not in a Good Way

In 2020, Harvard Business Professor Shoshana Zuboff wrote The Age of Surveillance Capitalism, and Matthew Crawford cites this groundbreaking work extensively in one chapter of his book Why We Drive. Crawford argues that skillful driving confers significant, tangible benefits upon those who invest the time to excel at it. He laments the denigration of cars and skilled driving and decries those who insist that the world would be a better place if the human element could be removed from the necessary componentry associated with using a car to get from one place to another.

A reason that Crawford quotes Zuboﬀ so extensively is that both despise the capitalistic malpractice of replacing simple, forthright products with needlessly complex, internet-connected, subscription-enabled devices. The reason corporations do this is to tap into the revenue streams associated with customers’ behavioral data. The market ﬁnds such data so valuable that Google’s market capitalization exceeds that of GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Nissan, Daimler, BMW, and Tesla combined. As a result, Crawford points out that “the trouble and expense of making a good, functional product that stands on its own merits is simply not a viable business strategy.”

Which brings us to Porsche. In 2012, Porsche was building the excellent 92A Cayenne, the excellent 997 911, the excellent 987 Boxster and Cayman, and the slightly controversial 970 Panamera. All were great performers, all were fun and available (technically) with a manual transmission, any of them could be had for less (in some cases, signiﬁcantly less) than $100,000, and anyone could walk in and order whichever car they wanted.

Twelve years later, Porsche’s newest 911 (the forthcoming 2025 hybrid GTS) does not oﬀer a manual transmission. A base Carrera starts at $120,000. Porsche is replacing the 718 Boxster and Cayman, lauded as perhaps the best pure sports cars ever made, with pure battery-electrics. All the new cars are festooned with screens (even the classic 5-gauge pod is now gone). They’re building a 3-row “prestige” all-electric SUV. And they’re running an allocation program not unlike Ferrari’s, where they force buyers to purchase less-interesting cars if they ever wish to even be oﬀered a chance to purchase their most interesting cars (the GT-series cars, the S/T, the Spyder RS).

POINT/COUNTER POINT

Point: Porsche 2024 is Diﬀerent than Porsche 2012 Continued

All contemporary Porsches are less easily serviced than their forebears, parts are more rare, and as a result the cars are no longer driven, but often just kept in collectors’ hermetically sealed garages. To aspiring enthusiasts, this makes Porsche less interesting, less special, less attainable, and thus less desirable.

And yet, lurking underneath these poor decisions, there remains hope. Porsche’s design boss admits the 911 has gotten too big and wants to bring it back toward its original dimensions. The IMSA partnership with Penske just won P1 and P2 at Road America. If the replacement for the 718 looks and performs like a streetgoing Mission R, maybe it will be as fun to drive, or more, as its predecessor.

The overall direction of the company, however, ultimately makes me feel like these hopes are grasping at straws. I know it, because when I see Dave Hill’s six-speed Cayman GTS 4.0, I feel like the company that made that car is long gone. When I see a triple black six-speed 2011 Boxster Spyder (radio & A/C delete) for sale on the PCA Mart, I feel like the company that made that car is long gone.

In 2024, anyone can make an internet-connected product with colorful, attentiongrabbing screens and twenty-page user agreements. The list of those making driver-connected, canyon-carving, track-toying cars that stand on those merits alone is much shorter, more exclusive, and more meaningful. Porsche should seek to be part of the latter group, not the former.

POINT/COUNTER POINT

Counterpoint: They don’t award track medals until after the race.

Not so fast Will McFarland. The 2025 isn’t even in show rooms yet. I do understand your fear. I’m an ICE guy as well. But, somehow Porsche has earned my respect and I’m willing to give them the benneﬁt of doubt. I have now owned 9 diﬀerent Porsches. All ICE cars. All but one a manual. (Yes, I do own a Cayenne S)

This isn ’t the first sea change I have seen with Porsche. Though I have never even driven a 356, I have lived through the transition of air cooled to water cooled. I used to own two G Series models and a 964. Loved all three. And, I was crushed when Porsche came out with the 996. I worried Porsche had lost it’s way. Eventually, the siren song of Porsche exhaust notes lured me back onto the reservation. My first 997 was an eye opener. It was a whole different animal. More modern technology. More sophistication in almost every catagory. More horse power. More comfort. Maybe change can be good.

So, why did Porsche abandon the air cooled architecture. In hindsight, the answer is pretty clear. Technology had simply left air-cooled behind. The quest for higher horsepower, better handling and more personal luxuries forced Porsche to change. Dealing with evolving customer demands generated more and more heat under the bonnet that pure air ﬂow could not deal with. I have to imagine the execs in Zuﬀenhausen sitting around a boardroom table debating which is more important: history and the importance of continuity or keeping up with the relentless advance of technology. Since I loved my 997’s and 991’s my old fear of the water-cooled 996 seem silly and closed minded.

Speaking of change, I could also point out the current trajectory of the manual. If you like them, the future looks bleak. The Tiptronic manually selectable automatic transmission was introduced with the 1991 Porsche 911. Today only the 911’s, Boxters and Caymans oﬀer manuals. Only 40 percent of those three models are ordered with manuals. Worse, globally only 1.7 percent of all cars are manuals and the number is dropping meteorically. So, it’s not a huge surprise that, at least initially, the 2025 911 will not have a stick.

Will, I’ll bet you and I have felt the exact same feelings over the last few years. Maybe you are just blind to it. There was a day that sitting in one of my Porsches gave me a feeling of power.

POINT/COUNTER POINT

I felt that I could out brake, out manuver and out accelerate any other car to give me three separate ways to avoid an accident. Now, at a stop sign, if I pull up to a Tesla Y with a kayak on the roof and a stick ﬁgure family decal on the back window, I know he could pull away from me like I’m driving a Yugo. I won’t even mention Tesla S or heaven for bid a S Plaid. My kid just bought a Rivian. A Rivian! (And, I thought I raised her to be a proper car girl.) In any event, a giant Rivian SUV “quad-motor powertrain” can smoke my 911 Carrera. Imagine a 7,000 lb. cargo container on wheels accelerating to 60 MPH in 2.5 seconds. I admit, I do suﬀer from horsepower envy. Sitting next to a Tesla at a stop sign I try not to even glance at the owner for not wanting to provoke a drag race.

I believe that Porsche is about maximizing the driving experience. And, in an eﬀort to achieve that it seems more than willing to play with the drive train. I can’t name one automobile manufacturer that isn’t at least experimenting with EV or EV Hybrids. The writing is on the wall. You and I did not make the decision to look for alternate energy sources. The quest for less polution goes beyond the United States. It’s not a Republican v Democrat debate. It is a world wide mandate to shift power sources. And, the shift has momentum.

As we look back at the 356’s and even G body cars there is strong nostagia. At Cars & Coﬀee the old air cooled machines always get more than their share of attention. There is a Steve McQueen cool factor at work. It’s about respecting our forebears. They bring back memories of a simpler time before computer chips, cell phones and Apple Car Play. You could even ﬁnd an engine under the hood.

Will, it’s time to move on. I’m excited to what the next verison of EV Boxters and Hybrid 911s will do for the brand. It’s time to move on.

Contributed by Bryan Shiﬄer shiﬄer@shi

er.com

VALLEY CLASSIC CAR SHOW RECAP

On July 27th, an amazing display of ﬁfteen Porsches from the Schonesland and Central Iowa Regions graced the Valley View Classic Car Show in West Des Moines. Organized by Jeﬀ Hammond, the Porsche contingent showcased a diverse lineup, ranging from a timeless 356 to the cutting-edge GT3 RS. The collection also included an impressive array of transaxle models, featuring two 924s, a 944 Turbo, and a 944 Cabriolet. While trophies eluded the Porsche Club this year, the camaraderie and enjoyment of the day, complemented by a delicious free lunch, made it an unforgettable event.

Now in its ninth year, the Valley View Classic Car Show has become a local tradition, attracting over 400 vehicles of every description. This year's event was the largest yet, with cars ﬁlling grassy areas around the community center.

CARS & COFFEE COZY CAFE

It was a crisp fall day with a fresh wind from the north. Oh wait, it was August. Easy to be confused with Schoneslanders were wearing coats.

Not all art on wheels are Porsches and the good weather brought out some pretty cool exceptions. Mark Goldner brought his McClaren, Daryl Metzger his Mercedez (at least it’s German) and Don Parbs and his Vette.

Inside everything was more normal with a full dining room and much discussion.

CARS & COFFEE COZY CAFE

From left to right: Phil Patterson, Vice Presidence John Peeler and Mark Goldner.

From left to right: John Siberell, Marsha Stark and Dave Hill.

From left to right: Don Parbs, Social Media Chair Skip Hammerman and Ed Bell.

From left to right: Patrick Kelly, Keith Arneson and Competition Chair Bob Eddy.

DRIVE & DINE BURGER SHACK

Burger Shed, who knew.

What could be wrong with having dinner with friends, eating world class burgers along with ice cold beer while the sun slowiy sets over a mirror glass lagoon. Well… I can’t think of anything wrong and the 46 other Schoneslanders who attended would agree.

We even had a the mezzanine all to our selves. Could be the start of an annual event.

DRIVE & DINE BURGER SHACK

From left to right: Klay Kane, Shashi Parera, Past President Drew Hillman and Emily Hillman.

From left to right: Mark Stephenson, Tour Director Jeﬀ David and Mary David.

From left to right: Sandy Bassett, Craig Bassett and Phil Patterson.

From left to right: Larry Robertson, Mary Robertson and Jennifer Kelly.

NEW MEMBERS

Gordon & Deb Darling Winterset, IA

2015 Cayman S

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REDWING RECAP

Schonesland’s third venture to the Driftless Region of Minnesota and Wisconsin was enjoyed by ﬁfteen hearty travelers in nine vehicles on July 25th-28th. This year’s trip was designed by Daryl Metzger and Jeﬀ David to be a relaxing three days of dining, sightseeing and driving great roads in and around the Mississippi River Basin from Stillwater, MN to Winona, MN.

Day one, Thursday, had everyone traveling NE Iowa’s backroads with a lunch stop at Gus and Tony’s in West Union, IA. Founded over 50 years ago by these Greek brothers and their families, this main street mainstay is now run by Tony’s daughter, Vicki. Known for their Greek dishes, pizza and hot roast beef sandwiches, we were not disappointed with the food or the kind, friendly service.

REDWING RECAP

Friday brought a one-hour drive to historic Stillwater, MN. Minnesota’s capital before St. Paul was established, Stillwater ﬂourished as a lumber trading capital on the St Croix River and today the historical buildings tell that story, which makes for some great walking tours. We had lunch at the Lowell Inn in a private dining room and were treated to another fabulous lunch. After lunch, a relaxing tour north to Taylors Falls/St. Croix Falls took us across the St. Croix and then south, returning us to our Red Wing by dinner time, where we were seated on the patio for dinner.

After a spirited 45-minute morning drive thru the hills and valleys of Wisconsin, we stopped at last year’s dining surprise hit, the Stockholm, WI Pie Shop and General Store. Recognized nationally as one of the 15 best pie shops in the USA, this quaint little gem served us quiche, coﬀee, fruit and of course, pie and ice cream-who says you can’t have pie and ice cream for breakfast??? The General A later morning departure from Stockholm took us on all new, exciting roads for the rest of the afternoon with a stop at the Lookout, just south of Arcadia, WI. The overlooks from this bar’s patio, while usually stunning, were somewhat muted due to the smoke from Canadian wildﬁres; but fun was had by all as we chatted with some members of the Chicago Porsche Region who were touring the area that weekend.

The grand finale for the weekend awaited 90 minutes away at the Chef Shack in Bay City, WI, just a few miles south of Red Wing. This little gem is owned and operated by two culinary women, who are well known for their cooking prowess in the MPLS-ST. PAUL area. Lisa Carlson and Carrie Summer are James Beard Award Semi-finalists who opened this restaurant in Bay City, WI. We were treated to a meal that none of us will ever forget in a most charming and eclectic restaurant with wonderful staff who met us at the front door and took a group photo before we ever walked in.

The meal was served family-style and consisted of grilled and smoked meats, grilled fresh garden veggies, the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever eaten, and a beautiful desert. If you’re ever in the area in the summer months on a weekend, you should make a reservation well in advance. You won’t be disappointed.

Contributed by Tour Director Jeﬀ David

Photos by Daryl Metzger and Jim baker

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COMPETITION UPDATE

Saturday August 24th Our friends in Great Plains Region held a PCA Driving experience at I-29 Speedway south of Council Bluffs. Schonesland had three entries in the Intermediate Class, Chris Bump and crew chief Melissa (1999 - 911) Dave Sly (1989 - 944 Turbo), Don Parbs (1986 - 944) and one entry in the Novice Class, new member Joe Greenly (1985 944) who is all new to Porsche motorsports. Each class got a total of 8 sessions of 20 minute each during the day. I attended as a instructor and had two drivers in the intermediate group, one being Dave Sly. Credit to Dave who learned faster lines through the curves which improved his overall lap times.

Everyone had a great day and if you want a funny story just ask Don Parbs about his early morning adventure. A total of 34 entries of various Porsches, a Ferrari F-430, a couple of BMW's, Corvettes and a Viper. There is one event left this year at the I-29 Speedway track and that is October 19th. The track surface is in very nice condition. Owners are hoping to completely resurface the total 2.3 mile track in the spring.

Contributed by Competition Chair Bob

Eddy

60 DAY EVENT LIST

Sept 6Des Moines Concours

Sept 14Cars & Coﬀee @ Cozy Cafe, Johnston

Sept 14MA Hill Charity Drive

Sept 17Drive & Dine Either/Or, Des Moines

Sept 21SCCA/MIDIV Time Trials & Track Experience (not a PCA event)

Sept 21DMVR Autocross (not a PCA event)

Oct 12SCCA / MIDIV Time Trials & Track Experience (not a PCA event)

Oct 12 DMVR SCCA Autocross (not a PCA event)

Oct 12Cars & Coﬀee @ Cozy Cafe, Johnston

Oct 15 Drive & Dine @ The Handlebar, Dallas Center

With that, returns September is BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH! With that, returns the stressors of school activities, sports, and work. Make sure to take time to take care of yourself and reduce the stress in your life.

Come in and visit with us about all the other offerings in our Wellness Center.

We have been helping people with their therapeutic massage needs for over 20 years and have been recognized by CityView Awards over the years. In 2023, we were rated #1 by ThreeBestRated.com for massage therapy.