997 is the internal designation for the Porsche 911 sports car manufactured and sold by German manufacturer Porsche between 2004 (as Model Year 2005) and 2012. Production of the Carrera and Carrera S coupés began in early 2004, all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S versions began shipping in November 2005, Turbo and GT3 derivatives went on sale in late 2006 and the 911 GT2 in 2007. In addition to the coupé and cabriolet versions, Targa versions of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S were also available, which carry on with the "glass canopy" roof design used on all Targa 911s from the Type 993 Generation 911 until the 991, which replaced it in 2012.
The 997 was an evolution of the preceding 996, with the most significant changes being 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. A new S version was offered, with additional power from a slightly larger engine, sports suspension, and sports exhaust.
During 2009 Porsche updated the 997 line-up including styling changes, a revised engine with direct injection and the introduction of the company's new "PDK" dual clutch transmission. As a result, the updated 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 an optional "torque vectoring" system 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 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in three seconds.
The 997 is the most commercially successful 911 of all time, having sold 100,000 units of the first phase alone between its introduction in 2005 and July 2007. It has also received mostly positive reviews from the worldwide motoring press; even British motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, a known detractor of Porsche cars, noted that the 997 will "make love to your fingertips and stir your soul."
Video Porsche 997
First phase (2004-2008)
Design
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 body design. After numerous reviews during the rest of 1999 and full size clays built from 2000 into 2001, during 2001 a final design by designer Grant Larson was approved. Early prototypes were built in late 2001 for testing, based on the newly set parameters. While the exterior styling was revised, it was again more evolution rather than revolution; typical of Porsche and the Carrera. The rear bodywork was a total of 88 mm (3.5 in) 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.
Performance
The base Carrera has essentially the same 3,596 cc (3.596 L; 219.4 cu in) flat-6 (Boxer) engine from Type 996 Carrera. The Carrera S uses a new 3,824 cc (3.824 L; 233.4 cu in) flat-6 engine. The X51 Powerkit is available for S, 4S, Targa models, which increases engine power.
According to testing carried out by several American automotive publications, the Turbo model can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 3.4 seconds with an automatic and 3.5 seconds with the manual transmission. The Carrera S model is capable of going 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 300 km/h (190 mph), while the base Carrera model has 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). The viscous clutch all wheel drive system (997.1) sends between 5% and 40% of engine torque to the front wheels as needed.
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 the more difficult cabriolet challenges (for chassis stiffness) 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 tail comes up slightly higher on the cabriolets to compensate for differences in drag over the canvas top vs. the smoother coupé shape. Optional for the 997 Cabriolet models is a hardtop that encapsulated the vehicle in place of the canvas top. It is interchangeable with that available on the late 996 cabriolet models. The hardtop provides a winter option to cabriolet owners.
911 club coupé (2005)
A limited (50 units) version of 2006MY Carrera S coupé with X51 Powerkit commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Porsche Club of America (PCA).
The vehicle included Azurro California-coloured body (from Porsche 356), vehicle identification number (VIN) 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 #1 was transferred to the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany and one PCA member won the car #50 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 MSRP of $99,911 US and $145,911 CDN.
Targa
The Targa 4 and 4S versions, like the Targa of the 993 and 996 generations, are equipped with a glass roof and hatch. At any speed, the roof can be opened where it drops down 25 mm and slides a metre back underneath the hatch. As the roof weighs an additional 60 kg (132 lb) the suspension has been modified from 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 as 4 wheel drive. Targa 4 models are slightly slower than the hard top Carrera models because of the heavier roof and all-wheel-drive transmission.
The 997 Targa became available in the fall of 2006 as a 2007 Model. In the first year, Porsche produced 1760 Targas worldwide (with 800 sold in the US market) out of 38,922 911 models produced in total.
Carrera S
Following success of the earlier 996 Carrera C4S, the new Coupé, Cabriolet, and Targa versions were available from launch as Carrera or Carrera S, with the following additional features:
- increased capacity (3.8L vs 3.6L) engine with increased power
- lowered suspension with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management, i.e. dynamically adjustable dampers)
- 19 inch wheels
- uprated braking system from the 911 turbo
- sports exhaust
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- aluminium finish instruments
Apparently offered to counter criticism that the previous Carrera 996 was too soft and refined, S versions proved popular and outsold the standard versions.
Carrera 4
4 wheel drive versions had wider rear track to accommodate the additional drivetrain components. High performance versions, such as the GT2, used the wider bodyshell regardless of whether they were 2 or 4 wheel drive.
Turbo
The 997 Turbo debuted in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. It featured a new front bumper with LED turn signal strips in the air intakes; the fog lamps were moved to the corners of the bumpers. Large air vents fore and aft of the rear wheels provide other obvious visual cues of the Turbo model. Also featured was a retractable rear wing, as used on the 996 Turbo.
The engine was based on the rugged and reliable 964/GT1 design rated 480 PS (350 kW; 470 hp) and 620 N?m (460 lb?ft). The turbochargers are fitted with a two-stage resonance intake system.
The engine uses two BorgWarner VTG turbos, a first for Porsche. The Variable Turbine Geometry incorporates guide vanes on the turbine wheel that change their angle of attack with exhaust speed, reducing boost lag at low speeds while opening up to prevent excessive back pressure at high RPMs. With the exception of the 1988 Honda Legend Wing Turbo and 1989 Dodge Shelby CSX sedan, such variable geometry turbines were previously only available on diesel engines.
The optional Sport Chrono package allows the 911 Turbo to overboost for ten seconds (1.0 bar to 1.2 bar), increasing peak torque over a narrow RPM range.
According to official Porsche figures, the 997 Turbo Gen 1 accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.9 seconds with the manual transmission, and 3.7 seconds with the 5-speed Tiptronic S transmission. Benchmark times to 200 km/h (124 mph) are 12.8 and 12.2 seconds, respectively. Maximum speed with either transmission is 310 km/h (193 mph).
As an option, Porsche is also offering its ceramic brake system, PCCB (Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake). The advantages of this high-tech material mean a reduction of 37 lbs compared to the standard brake system, excellent fading stability owing to consistent friction values and absolute corrosion resistance. The brakes now have a diameter of 380 millimeters at the front axle and 350 millimeters at the rear.
Turbo Cabriolet
Porsche AG announced on May 7, 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
At its release, the Porsche 997-generation 911 GT2 was the most powerful and fastest road-going 911 ever to have been sold to the public. The Porsche 996 911 GT2 was superseded by the 997-generation GT2, on sale since November 2007.
The 997 GT2 has a twin turbocharged 3.6 litre 6-cylinder engine based on 997 Turbo, but the 997 GT2 uses a rear wheel drive layout for reduced weight, and boasts a power increase from a newly designed expansion intake manifold, and shorter turbo intake manifolds. Further, a full titanium silencer was fitted to the 997 GT2. 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 3.6 seconds to 60 mph (97 km/h) and in 7.4 seconds to 100 mph (160 km/h) and has top speed of 329 km/h (204 mph). This makes it the first Porsche 911 GT2 to exceed the 200 mph (320 km/h) top speed after the 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Race Version (which is not considered an actual Porsche 911 due to its mid-mounted engine and it only saw roads for homologation purposes). The Porsche 997 GT2 has a curb weight of 1,440 kg (3,170 lb). The only transmission choice is a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The GT2 was the first Porsche equipped with launch control.
Its appearance is slightly different from its sister-car, the Porsche 911 (997) Turbo, in a few ways. It does not have fog lights in the front bumper, it has a revised front lip, it has a larger rear wing (with two small air scoops on either side), and it has a different rear bumper (now featuring titanium exhaust pipes).
GT3
The 997 GT3 model also debuted in Geneva in 2006. Like previous GT3 models, it is a way for Porsche to homologate aerodynamic features for racing, as well as a starting model for customer racing. The 997 GT3 was priced at US$106,000. The engine has the same displacement as the Turbo, but without turbocharger and uses a new variable intake system. The engine is rated at 415 PS (305 kW; 409 hp) and 405 N?m (299 lb?ft). It has an 8400 rpm redline which is the same as the 612 bhp (456 kW; 620 PS) Carrera GTs. The 3.6L dry-sump engine does not suffer from the rear main seal problems of the earlier 3.6L/3.8L integrated dry-sump engines.
The GT3 body includes a special front bumper which increases cooling for the front-mounted radiators as well as a split spoiler at the rear. The GT3 also includes a special rear bumper and center tailpipes which draw heat away from the engine. It is lowered and rides on 30-series 305 mm (12 in) tyres on 19 in (483 mm) wheels. The car weighs 3075 lb (1395 kg).
The 997 GT3 is more driver-friendly than its predecessor, with "comfort" seats and the Porsche Communication Management system installed.
The special RS model came without most of these luxuries to focus more on track-orientated driving (although the car is still road-legal). The package also included a full rollcage and carbon fiber seats to add to that race-car-for-the-road feel. The RS version was released in Europe in October 2006; the North American release was in March 2007. A racing version of the GT3 RS debuted in 2007, and it was called the 997 GT3 RSR.
The ratios on the six-speed transmission are closer, allowing the GT3 to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, while the RS accomplishes the same in exactly 4. It will continue to 100 mph (160 km/h) in 9.2 seconds and has an unlimited top speed of 310 km/h (190 mph).
Engines
Models with turbocharged engines include Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbochargers.
Maps Porsche 997
Second phase (2009-2012)
The 997 was revised in 2008 for the 2009 model year. The updated Porsche 911 (called 997 Gen II internally at Porsche and 997.2 informally by enthusiasts) included following changes:
- New engine with direct fuel injection. Carrera S engine is mounted 0.4 inches (10 mm) lower in the tail section
- Revised suspension
- Revised front bumper with larger air intakes
- Headlamps with newly optional dual HID projectors, a new LED taillamp shape, and LED turnsignals
- Redesigned Porsche Sport Exhaust (PSE)
- Redesigned PCM system with optional touch-screen hard-drive navigation and Bluetooth.
- Tiptronic S option was replaced by PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Production began late 2008. Pricing was increased from the 997, Gen I; the base Carrera model is set to start at US$76,300 for North American buyers.
Initially available models include coupé and cabriolet versions of Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera S and Carrera 4S. The car was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in September 2008.
On June 6, 2008, these changes to the Porsche 911 were revealed on the Porsche website. The Turbo will have to wait until the Frankfurt show in September, thereafter the Turbo-based GT2 will be updated.
Models
- MSRP prices are set to the United States. In Europe prices are considerably higher and in some countries can even be double the American price, due mainly to higher local tax rates.
- Integrated dry sump in all but GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 and Turbo versions which have a dry sump with external oil reservoir and 7 pumps instead of only 3 in the less powerful versions.
- Integrated dry-sump is Porsche's name for a dry sump lubrication system integrated within the engine block, i.e. no separate oil reservoir.
Targa (2009-2012)
The updated Targa 4 and Targa 4S models were announced on the 28th of July 2008. The new Targa 4S has a top track speed of 185 mph (298 km/h) and goes 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds, while the Targa 4 has a lower top speed.
Turbo/Turbo Cabriolet (2010-2013)
The facelifted version of the 997 Turbo was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. It received a completely new 6-cylinder, 3.8 litre boxer engine delivering 500 hp (370 kW) with revised Borg-Warner variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbos. The 911 Turbo is now only available with a manual gearbox or the optional 7-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox, which replaces the Tiptronic. With PDK and the also optional sport-chrono package, which includes the availability of an electronically controlled launch control and an overboost-function for temporary increasing the turbo-pressure, Porsche claims the 911 turbo will go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.4 seconds and reach a top-speed of 194 mph (312 km/h). However, several tests done by Auto-Magazines and impartial testers have revealed that the 0-100 km/h acceleration-time is generally as low as 2.9 seconds. The model can now also be ordered with PTV, Porsche Torque Vectoring, which will brake the inner wheel to provide turning-torque through a curve. The looks of the facelifted model was left mostly untouched from the original 997 turbo, but there are subtle changes to the rear lights, now being LED-type, among changes to the front lamps. The rear exhaust outputs are now also "fatter" and the standard 19-inch (480 mm) wheels now have a new design. Thanks to revised dynamics the facelifted 997 can handle 1.3 g forces on a skid-pad according to Porsche. It is believed that the updated 997 Turbo was benchmarked against the Nissan GT-R in response to 3rd party testing between the 997 Turbo and the GT-R.
Models equipped with PDK also include an optional 3-spoke steering wheel with gearshift paddles as an alternative to the standard steering wheel with shift buttons.
Other optional equipment include Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV).
Production versions went on sale in Germany in November 2009. European models have MSRP of EUR122,400 for Coupé and EUR131,800 for the Cabriolet (before tax).
Turbo S (2010-2013)
This higher specification limited edition version was released at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. Available only with a 7-speed PDK transmission, the Turbo S boosts power by 30 hp (22 kW) to a total of 530 hp (395 kW) and torque of 700 Nm. European deliveries were scheduled for May 2010 with production ending in fall 2012. Porsche's fastest production vehicle to date, 0-60 mph acceleration: 2.6 seconds. Maximum torque of 516 lb-ft in the 911 Turbo S models is available between 2,100 rpm and 4,250 rpm. The 911 Turbo S models, by contrast, are configured to operate with a higher boost pressure level, which means that their maximum torque of 516 lb-ft is available for an unlimited period.
GT3 (2010-2012)
The 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 was unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, available in Europe from May, in the US from October. To make the GT3 safe for less experienced drivers, the stability control system is available on the 2010 model year GT3 for the first time. Changes to the exterior are only subtle still recognizable bringing about aerodynamic improvements. Total downforce was doubled and for the first time offered stability control as an option to help less experienced drivers. Power output rises from 415 to 435 PS with the new 3.8L engine.
GT3 equipment
It is a line of accessories for Type 997 models of the GT3 and GT3 RS developed by Porsche's Motorsport Division in Weissach, began sale in September 2009 for all regions except China. Options included titanium double tailpipe, carbon rear spoiler lip (Gurney flap) and rear lid ram air scoop, carbon front above bumper air outlet and rear-view mirrors, forged aluminium 19-inch (480 mm) GT3 wheels with central locking. For first generation 911 GT3 and GT3 RS, there was also model designation in various wheel colours extending round the wheel.
GT3 RS (2010-2012)
GT3 version with more engine power, lower weight and shorter transmission ratios, as well as upgraded body and suspension components, designed for homologating the race version of the 911 GT3. Engine was rated 451 PS (332 kW; 445 hp) with 8500 rpm redline. The "RS" stands for the German "RennSport", meaning "Racing Sport" in English.
The transmission has shorter ratios than found in the 911 GT3 for improved acceleration. Dynamic engine mounts are standard and serve to improve the car's handling to an even higher level. Other features include PASM suspension, a titanium crankshaft, a wider front and rear track and corresponding bodywork.
Optional equipment include lithium-ion battery, which is 10 kg (22 lb) lighter than stock lead-acid battery. The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. US model was set to go on sale in early spring of 2010 with MSRP of $132,800US.
GT3 Cup (2009)
It is a Porsche Carrera Cups race car based on 911 GT3 RS. It includes 44 mm (1.7 in) wider rear body, 15 mm (0.59 in) lower front spoiler lip, 1.70 m (67 in) rear wing (from 911 GT3 Cup S race car), LED taillights, racing exhaust system with a fully controlled catalytic converter, a modified special exhaust system offering more dynamic and muscular sound (from Porsche Mobil1 Supercup cars), Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes. 9.5Jx18 front alloy wheels with 24/64-18 Michelin racing tyres and 12Jx18 alloy wheels with 27/68-18 tyres, additional Unibal joints on the track control arms and front and rear sword-shaped anti-roll bars with seven position settings each, additional vent in the upper part of the front lid, steering wheel mounted Info Display with 6 switches, Carrara White body. The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Production model began delivery in 2009-10. European model has base MSRP of EUR149,850 (before tax).
911 Sport Classic (2010-)
It is a limited (250 units- all sold in under 48 hours) version of 911 Carrera S coupé, inspired by the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7. The engine is rated 408 PS (300 kW; 402 hp) via newly developed resonance intake manifold with 6 vacuum-controlled switching flaps. It includes 6-speed manual transmission, double-dome roof, 44 mm (1.7 in) wider rear body, SportDesign front apron with spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position (from 1973 Carrera RS 2.7), PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes, 20 mm (0.8 in) lower PASM sports suspension, mechanical rear axle differential, 19-inch wheels with black rim spokes, Porsche Exclusive woven leather seats and door panels, dashboard with Espresso Nature natural leather upholstery, Sport Classic Grey body colour.
The vehicle was unveiled in 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Production vehicles went on sale in January 2010. European model had base MSRP of EUR169,300 (before tax).
Top Gear featured the car during Season 15's second episode on July 4, 2010.
911 GT2 RS (2010)
On May 4, 2010, an RS variant was announced to German dealers in Leipzig. The GT2 RS develops 620 PS (456 kW; 612 hp) and 700 N·m (516 lb·ft) of torque and weighs 70 kg (150 lb) less than the standard GT2, allowing for a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph) and 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of 3.5 seconds. It was the fastest and the most powerful 911 built of its generation. According to Porsche Motorsports manager Andreas Preuninger, the RS was conceived around 2007 as a skunk-works effort. The 727 code number selected for the project corresponds to one of the Nissan GT-R's lap times around the Nurburgring's Nordschleife. When the dust settled, Porsche claimed that test driver Timo Kluck had supposedly eclipsed that target by an impressive nine seconds. A total of 131 units were sold in the United States and 10 units in Canada.
911 Carrera GTS (2011-2012)
For 2011, Porsche launched a new, mid-level 911 coming in above the Carrera and below the GT3. Ranging from $103,100 to $112,900 USD, the Carrera GTS is available as both a coupé and cabriolet, the car gets a wider body and track - the only Carrera with a wide track that is also rear wheel drive. The car also has an upgraded 3.8-litre engine producing 408 metric horsepower (300 kW). An AWD version, the Carrera 4 GTS was revealed in May, 2011. In addition to the AWD system, the Carrera 4 GTS can be identified by a distinct reflective stripe between the tail lights.
911 Speedster (2011)
In 2011, Porsche made a new 911 Speedster in a limited series of only 356, the production number coming from the iconic car of the 1950s. It was the third 911 Speedster made, the other two being from the 930 and 964 generations. The Speedster was powered by the same engine of the Carrera GTS, and produced 408 horsepower (304 kW). It accelerated from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and reached a top speed of around 190 mph (310 km/h). Only two colours were offered, Pure Blue (which was developed specifically for the Speedster) and Carrara White. (Paint To Sample versions were produced in very limited numbers).
The Speedster featured a windscreen 70mm shorter than the standard 997 cabrio while maintaining the same rake angle.
GT3 RS 4.0 (2011)
In April 2011, rumours of a 4.0 litre version of the 997 GT3 RS started appearing in various automotive publications, soon followed by supposed spy shots and rendered images. Eventually, Porsche revealed that they were making the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, the final evolution of the 997 featuring a 4.0 litre engine. The engine itself features the crankshaft from the RSR with increased stroke dimensions (from 76.4 mm to 80.4 mm). This has increased the power to 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) at 8250 rpm and 460 N?m (339 lbf?ft) of torque at 5750 rpm. Chassis development has been influenced by the GT2 RS and uses parts sourced from other RS 911s. Front dive planes give additional downforce up front. The car weighs in at 1370 kg, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 365 bhp per ton. Only 600 cars were planned.
Engines
Transmissions
All models include standard 6-speed manual transmission. 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission is available in all but GT3, GT3 RS, GT3 Cup, GT3 RS 4.0, GT2, GT2 RS, Sport Classic models. PDK transmission includes Sport Plus setting that includes launch control and motorsport derived gearshifting.
Performance
Physical
Marketing
In June 2009 Porsche Cars North America partnered with five New York City street artists to unveil five graffiti-decorated Porsche 911 hoods in the Helenbeck Gallery. The hoods were sold to raise funds for CITYarts, a New York City-based organization whose mission is to bring children in contact with public artists.
References
Further reading
- "Geneva Giant: Porsche's race-bred 911 is back". AutoWeek. Retrieved February 27, 2006.
External links
- Official Porsche website
- Porsche 911 Carrera updates for 2009 Motor Trend
- Porsche 911 997 GT2 Exterior and Interior in Full HD 3D YouTube
Source of article : Wikipedia
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