Porsche 911 (997)
The Porsche 997 is the sixth generation of the Porsche 911 sports car manufactured and sold by the German automobile manufacturer Porsche. It was sold between 2004 and 2013. Production of the Carrera and Carrera S coupé began in early 2004, and the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S began to be delivered to customers in November 2005. Deliveries of the Turbo and GT3 derivatives were carried out in late 2006, along with the GT2 in 2007. In addition to the coupé and cabriolet versions, Targa versions of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S were also available, which continued the trend of the "glass canopy" roof design utilized during the 993 and 996 generations. This was later reverted to the classic targa top layout used in earlier models of the 911 Targa with the introduction of the 991 generation.
The 997 was an evolution of the preceding 996, with significant changes being made to the interior and exterior styling. Larger 18-inch wheels were fitted as standard, and other engineering changes include slightly increased power; however, the car is technically very similar to its predecessor despite many revisions. A new S version was offered, with additional power from a slightly larger engine, a sports suspension, and sports exhaust.
During 2009, Porsche refreshed the 997 lineup, making styling changes, incorporating a new engine with direct injection, and introducing the company's new "PDK" dual clutch transmission. As a result, the refreshed 997 models were faster, lighter, and more fuel efficient than the outgoing versions, with improved handling. In the case of the [|997 Turbo], a comprehensively re-tuned all wheel drive system with ”torque vectoring" as an option was also a part of the upgrades package; in an October 2009 preliminary review, Car and Driver magazine estimated that when equipped with the PDK transmission, the updated Turbo should be capable of accelerating from in three seconds.
The 997 received mostly positive reviews from the worldwide motoring press; even British motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, a known detractor of Porsche cars, remarked that the 997 will "make love to your fingertips and stir your soul."
First phase (997.1; 2004–2008)
History and development
By February 1999, just a few months into the 997 development programme that began in the fourth quarter of 1998, designers were already at work on the 997's body design. After numerous reviews during the rest of 1999 and full size clay models that were built from 2000 into 2001, a final design by designer Grant Larson was approved. Early prototypes were built in late 2001 for testing, based on newly set parameters. While the exterior styling was revised, it was very similar to what was observed in the 996. The rear bodywork was wider than its predecessor. However, the most notable aesthetic difference between the 997 and the 996 was the return to oval headlights like those of pre-996 Carreras, with separate indicator units. The interior was re-designed with new controls; however, it was more reminiscent of classic 911 interiors than of the outgoing 996. The body in general remained low profile with a drag coefficient of 0.28 for the Carrera and 0.29 for the Carrera S.Cabriolet
For the first time, development of the cabriolet version of the 997 led the design and engineering effort at Porsche, with the coupé following. Porsche applied the logic that if you started with engineering challenges more unique to the cabriolet, the coupé version would simply be more rigid. Despite additional weight, the cabriolet versions attain nearly the same performance figures as their coupé counterparts. Even the rear wing rises slightly higher on the cabriolets to compensate for differences in drag over the canvas top versus the smoother coupé shape. The 997 cabriolet had factory optional hard tops that provided better protection from unexpected weather conditions than the conventional canvas top. It is interchangeable with what is available in the late 996 cabriolet models. The hardtop also provides a winter option for cabriolet owners.911 Club Coupé (2005)
The 911 Club Coupé is a limited version of the 2006 Carrera S coupé with X51 Powerkit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Porsche Club of America.The vehicle included an Azurro California-colour scheme, a vehicle identification number which ended with the production number and special commemorative badging and door sills, Sport Chrono Package Plus system, and optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes.
The car bearing chassis number #001 was transferred to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. One PCA member won the car bearing chassis number #050 in a sweepstakes drawing. The remaining 48 units were sold to randomly chosen U.S. and Canadian PCA members. After 2005-08-15, unsold units were made available to the general public.
The vehicle was unveiled in PCA's 50th Annual Porsche Parade in Hershey, Pa.
The vehicle had an MSRP of US$99,911 or $145,911 CDN.
Targa
The Targa 4 and 4S versions were introduced in 2006. Like its predecessors, the 993 and 996, the 997 Targa is equipped with a glass roof system. At any speed, the roof can be opened where it drops down 25 mm and slides a metre back underneath the rear window. As the roof weighs an additional, the suspension has been modified as compared to the other Carrera models. When the glass roof is retracted, a small glass deflector is raised above the windshield to aid aerodynamic stability.Unlike previous versions, the 997 Targa was only available with all-wheel drive. Targa 4 models are slightly slower than the hard top Carrera models because of the heavier roof and the all-wheel-drive system.
The 997 Targa became available in the fall of 2006 as a 2007 Model. In the first year, Porsche produced 1,760 cars worldwide out of the 38,922 911 models produced in total.
Carrera S and 4S
Following the success of the earlier 996 Carrera 4S, Porsche introduced the Carrera S in 2005 which had power output increased by as compared to the base Carrera.The new all-wheel-drive Coupé, Cabriolet, and Targa versions were later available either in the S version alongside the Carrera with the following additional features:
- increased displacement of the engine with increased power
- lowered suspension with PASM
- 19-inch wheels
- upgraded braking system
- sports exhaust
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- aluminium trim in the interior
Turbo
The engine was based on the 911 GT1's design and is rated at and of torque. The torque is managed by Porsche Traction Management system in conjunction with the Porsche Stability Management system in order for a safer utilisation of the torque produced by the engine.
The engine uses two BorgWarner VTG turbochargers, a first for a Porsche production car. The turbochargers are fitted with a two-stage resonance intake system. The Variable Turbine Geometry incorporates guide vanes on the turbine wheel that change their angle of attack with exhaust speed, reducing turbo lag at low speeds while opening up to prevent excessive back pressure at high RPM.
The optional Sport Chrono package allows the 911 Turbo to overboost for ten seconds, increasing peak torque over a narrow RPM range.
According to official Porsche figures, the 997 Turbo accelerates from a standstill in 3.9 seconds with the manual transmission, and 3.7 seconds with the 5-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Motor Trend tested a manual version of the Turbo in 2006 and achieved a time of 3.2 seconds. Benchmark times to are 12.8 and 12.2 seconds, respectively. Maximum speed with either transmission is.
As an option, Porsche also offered its ceramic brake system, PCCB. The advantages of this high-tech material mean a reduction of compared to the standard brake system, excellent fade resistance owing to consistent friction values, and absolute corrosion resistance. The Turbo weighs around 3,460 lbs. The brakes were 380 mm diameter at the front and 350 mm at the rear.
Turbo Cabriolet
announced on 7 May 2007 that the 911 Turbo Cabriolet would go on sale in September 2007. The Porsche 997 Turbo Cabriolet became one of the fastest convertible sports cars in production. It is capable of similar top speeds and acceleration to the standard Porsche 997 turbo coupé, a notable feat due to the typical problems associated with convertible variants of hardtop coupés, such as the poor aerodynamics of a soft top, a lack of torsional rigidity, and the consequential weight increase from structural members.GT2
The 996 GT2 was superseded by the 997 GT2, which went on sale in November 2007. At its release, the 997-generation Porsche 911 GT2 was the most powerful and fastest road-going 911 ever to have been sold to the public.The GT2's engine was based on the existing flat-6 engine, but features twin variable geometry turbochargers, generating a maximum power output of at 6,500 rpm and of torque at 2,200 rpm. Unlike the 997 Turbo, the 997 GT2 uses a rear wheel drive layout for reduced weight, and has a power increase from a newly designed expansion intake manifold, and shorter turbo intake manifolds. Further, a full titanium exhaust system was fitted to the 997 GT2 contributing to reduced weight as compared to the turbo. Despite the power hike, Porsche claims fuel consumption at full throttle is improved by 15 percent compared with the 997 Turbo. The GT2 accelerates in 3.4 seconds to and in 7.4 seconds to and has a top speed of 205 mph. This makes it the first 911 to exceed the top speed barrier after the 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Race Version. The Porsche 997 GT2 has a curb weight of. The only transmission available is a 6-speed manual.
The GT2 was the first Porsche equipped with launch control.
The appearance of the GT2 is slightly different from its sister-car, the 997 Turbo, in a few ways. It does away with fog lights in the front bumper and has integrated turn signals in the front air intakes, has a revised front lip, has a larger rear wing, and has a different rear bumper.