stv951

Hello all,

I'd love to share my experience with you.
I am among the few lucky ones to be present in the recent 997 launch in Portugal. We drove both models C2 & C2S in both manual and tiptronic versions. The event was held in F1 track Estoril. After some handling braking and slalom tests, we were given helmets and asked to drive as fast as we could. We were timed !!! I was worried in the beginning that the worse could happen, as there were at least 50 997s C2Ss lined up one next to the other. These Germans really trust the abilities of their cars, and as it showed they were right to be confident. I would like to summerize the experience in one word as UNBELIEVABLE!!!!. The car is an amazing improvement in all areas against the 996s (any version). Quality is the strongest point of the car. The C2S engine is AWESOME. Extremely tractable and very fast. Makes you wonder if you need a faster car, but greed is good isn't it. Its more than enough though. All C2Ss came with the second generation of PCCB brakes. All I have to say about them is that we overbraked and accelerated again before the bent. The speeds we reached were in the region of 230 klms/h (about 140 mph) in the straight just before a second gear right turn. The brakes resisted VERY hard abuse, and had great feeling. Very different from the 996 GT2 I had experienced recently.
Tiptronic gearbox is largely improved in response and when the car was in sport mode drove exactly as I wanted it on the track. Brilliant throttle response and kick down. New PSM is the best drivers aid device since ABS. It rarely kicks in, and when it does, you can slide a bit before it takes control, but it doesn't cut-out as in other cars (new SL, 645ci etc)
Interior quality feels bomb-proof as well as ride quality. Interior is very beautifully designed and to be honest it reminds me of a 993 of the new century (door pockets, center air vents, 5 central dials, etc) except being roomier.

In the afternoon we drove for two hours around the Lisbon suburbs. We had the chance to see how it performs in the real world. We were escorted by Portugese policemen in motor bikes. We were told that as long as we don't pass them, we would not be given any speeding tickets, and were asked to drive fast but wisely in the largest 997 convoy ever!!!. What better way to spend a day - and all very legal under the local police umbrella !!!

Areas I didn't really like ?
I was expecting the car to be more differentiatied from the back. Lights look very similar. One could easily pass it for a 996, apart from the toned hips and new exhausts.
Exhaust sound not the best at low revs, but nice in the upper range. We were promised a sports exhaust option soon ala 996 with a button.
I kept hitting the memory seat buttons with my left knee at the tightest/fastest right curves, and the seat was moving forward. I thought there was something wrong with it before I found out my knee was pressing the buttons on the left door panel. Just a detail.
I still don't like the wheels - Any of them.
Although there were more than 150 997s in the track and outside the hotel in Lisbon, all were Black, Arctic Silver, Red, or midnight blue. Not much of a variety. There was one white car introduced to us as a world first, but that was the NEW 997 CUP car. AMAZING STUFF !!!!

These people know how to make the sports car receipe right. The car feels light (and IS lighter than all the rest). Can't think what the 997 TT will be/drive like. Stuff of dreams

Please make mine a Black (non metallic of course) C2S 6speed manual with sports suspension terracota all leather interior, and ... the next generation of 997 RUF wheels (no I haven't seen them. I'm only thinking...)

Any questions you need to ask just shoot. I'm no expert, but I drove the damn thing, and drove it fast.
I'm in love

Z0650th

Thanks for sharing this great experience. Wish I was there!

In general terms, how would the compare the 997 with the 997S with regard to handling, acceleration and braking? And then how would you compare the "base" 997 with the 996 in the same departments?

TIA

Spizz Oil

Fantastic post.

Which colour does it suit best?

and what did you think of the chrono pack?

Spizz

Carlos from Spain

Thanks for the report! And do I have questions for you!

How did you find the new variable ratio steering?

Did you try the -20mm/rear LSD suspention (P17) fitted 997S vs a PASM suspension 997S? What were the difference in handling, ride, etc?

How did you find the new AISIN manual gearbox of the 997/997S vs the Getrag manual of the 996's?

Descibe the CUP 997 car!!
any specs on the engine?
did you look at the shift ***? whas it the new PDK(double-clutch)?
what size wheels, 18" or 19"?
how did the aerokit look?, the wing, the front, etc...

Sorry for the gestapo interrogation but...

stv951

Thanks for the nice comments
Ok lets get down keyboard.

"Z0650th"

Both cars understeered slightly on the track, but that also depended on the lines you followed. Sometimes you had to follow the wrong line to pass a slower car. I tried them both with PSM off as well. Very dificult to upset the balance. One guy - I think he was from Asia - managed to spin and get trapped in the sand stops. I didn't see it happening, but I wonder how he did it. Michelin tyres are also great against the P0 rossos I've tried in many 996s. Well that was in Estoril anyway.
Brakes were stunning on the C2S, but remember these where all fitted with the new PCCBs. Great pedal feeling, and no fade. Consider that the cars never rested. We drove them continously in shifts non stop. The track temperature was about 30 C (Is that about 90 F?). The feel of the C2 is very similar to the 996 (3,6 of course) as far as acceleration is concerned.
In general the feeling is that of a 996 C4S handling wise, only far better. I wondered who needs a C4S in dry conditions anymore???

"Spizz Oil"

Unfortunately there were "only" these four colours available at the time, even though there were about 150 997s laying around. Its a matter of personal taste, but I like dark colours on it. I love the black non metallic C2S that is "hidden covered untill today" on my dealers showroom (it has black interior as well), but its a pain to keep clean. The more you see the 19'' wheels the more you get used to them. Used I say not "like" though, at least to my eyes.
Chrono pack looks much better in the flesh than on the pics. I'd put it on mine if I was ordering one. I preffered the black dials - and black chrono - of the C2 against the white ones fitted to the C2S. Night dash illumination is great as well. A big improvement on the 996s
Digital Speedo has returned on the main dail as well - under the rev counter as on the first 3,4 996s.

"Carlos from Spain"

Good question about the new variable steering. It was beautiful on the track, but I think slightly oversensitive at high speeds on a straight line.
I believe none of the cars I drove had the sports suspension.
The new gearbox - I didn't know it was made from AISIN - is a beauty with reduced travel compared to the 996. Absolute delight to use. I found the clutch slightly heavier to the 996s I have driven though, but maybe it was my idea only.

We had a very quick view of the Cup car. Can't comment due to the crowd that was around it didn't give you much of a sight

Final note, I had the chance to shake hands and chat a bit with the PRESIDENT. Yes that will be Mr. Wiedeking. We lived in the same floor at the same hotel, and I came across him in the elevator. Very friendly and polite person. Sorry no pictures of me with him, (who cares anyway!!!) but I have plenty of pics from the event, although they were taken using my phone camera, so quality sucks... Don't know how to post them though.

Carlos from Spain

Thatnk you for your comments, looks like you had a blast

Jack Ennuste

Thanks for sharing excellent experience.

Scouser

What a great post. Thank you.

FYI, if you register on rennlist you can upload your photos.......and we would all dearly luv to see them no matter the quality.

How the hell did you get on the list for that event? I am sure Carlos would have made the hop over to Lisbon and I would have given my right leg to jump the 2 hours flight had I known about it. I am madly jealous. You lucky bugger!

Carlos from Spain

I don't know Scouser, you think they would be pissed off if they find two guys looking under the 997's to find out if they have fixed the RMS issue on the 997 or not!

stv951

What is the RMS problem Carlos ? Let me know and tell you if there was a difference on the new car.

Carlos from Spain

no, no, I was just a joking! I was reffering to the rear main seal oil leaks that plagued the 996 carreras and boxsters over these 7 years. Since the 997/997S are based on the same engine I was just joking if they fixed it yet or not

BTW, you comment on the exhaust sound, was that the base 997? how was the sound of the 997S version? I understand that besides the modded engine, the S version gets a new airfilter box, new intake manifold, and new exhausts also... do you you think it needs the Porsche Sport Exhaust option?, how would it compare with the 996 with Sport Exhaust?
Thanks

jax911TT

Carlos from Spain;

Great post!!! Could you compare and contrast the "997S"version to the current GT3? Would be interested to know whether you think the GT3 is worth the additional $25,000. Also, how did you get chosen for the event? Are you a Porsche salesman in Europe?

Thanks
jax911tt

stv951

Hello again,

For those asking, yes I have a short of connection with Porsche, thats why I was there. It was the official dealers and importers launch BTW.

On the exhaust side experience, I would say that both cars sound more or less like 996s. I love the sound of the Porsche sports exhaust on 996s. I think that it is also needed on the 997 when it is available. You can also do a trick on the 996 sports exhaust, and have it working all the time (above 50 klms/h) and switch it off completely when you don't want it.

I believe I know a solution to the oil leak issue !!!! Its been tested and it has worked so far. No I am not a mechanic. There were certainly no oil leaks under the 997s on the track ;-)

Compared to the 996 GT3 ? I've only driven the mk1 version, not the late type. They surely must be close acceleration-wise, with a slight edge on the old car probably. The push feeling is similar, but I prefer the 997 C2S engine, cause its amazingly elastic and responsive. It must be those extra 200 cc. You put it in 4th gear (manual) and it pulls well from 1200 rpm. But again we are comparing two different animals here. The GT3 is much stiffer. More track focused. The C2S can also be stiff, but that PASM has a different feel. The cabin quality plays its role here as well in favour of the 997. Again though all these on the perfect tarmac of Estoril. Around town, on bumpy roads the C2S is stiff (in sport mode), but not unbearable.
Just my personal feeling

I noticed that I talk alot about the C2S. I am afraid that the C2 will be eclipsed, and everyone will go for the S

antonio_spain

Just a question, what were the times at the track for both cars '

stv951

antonio_spain

Sorry, but a guy from Asia span the car and the..."race" was stopped, so finally there was no official timing among the two.