Background
In 1997, time was finally up for the air-cooled 911, with ever-tightening legislation finally sealing its fate. What followed was probably the most controversial 911 to come out of Stuttgart, the all new water-cooled 996. Whilst road testers praised its efficiency, performance and dynamics, the styling some might say unfairly, came in for more than its fair share of criticism. For 2004, Porsche went back to the drawing board, the new 997 series looking far more familiar to those that loved the 911.
With much of the 996’s underpinnings carried over, including the 3.6-litre flat-six for the base models, Porsche consciously took a step back styling wise. Gone were the controversial headlights and general smooth look of the 996, the 997 featuring a more accentuated classic 911 look, including a return to the traditional round headlamps.
The exterior redesign was complimented by a complete interior makeover, with again a nod to the more traditional 911 feel and appearance. Materials were much improved too, and more in keeping with what a Porsche owner would have expected.
Initially in generation one models, the 3.6-litre engine was still producing 320BHP, whilst S models got a new 350BHP, 3.8-litre variant of the same engine.
For 2009, the generation 2 models arrived with revised styling that was more evolution than revolution, featuring subtle internal and external changes to the earlier 997, which gave it a more modern look and feel. However mechanically, it featured an all new direct injection engine with more power at 345BHP for the 3.6 litre and 385BHP for the 3.8 variant. Not surprisingly, both variants offered stronger performance than the outgoing models and fuel economy was much improved too.
It is well documented elsewhere that these generation 2 997s fitted with later DFI engines are a sweet spot in the 911 line up, for those considering a classic 911 for daily use, offering modern and efficient ergonomics without the sheer size of the 991 variant that followed. The manual gearbox still offered the short ratios that we love in earlier 911s, unlike the manual 7 speeder in the 991, whilst a new PDK automatic gearbox that replaced the ageing Tiptronic variant in previous models was a game changer.
This Example
Supplied new on the 29th of October 2011 by Porsche Centre Reading, this 997.2 Carrera S is finished in the timeless combination of Platinum Silver Metallic with full black leather interior and nicely specified with the following equipment from new.
- 635 – Park distance control
- 674 – Vehicle Tracking System preparation
- 170 – Acoustic package
- 454 – Automatic speed control
- 594 – Alcantara roof lining
- 601 – Xenon lighting system
- 840 – Sports steering wheel
- 672 – PCM3 offroad navigation
- 419 – Carrera S Facelift 19” wheel
- 023 – Silver-coloured instrument cluster
- 026 – Silver-coloured stopwatch
- 288 – Headlamp washer
- 342 – Seat heating
- 425 – Rear window wiper
- 446 – Concave wheel centres with full-colour Porsche Crest
- 475 – PASM electronic damper control
- 476 – Porsche Stability Management
- 555 – Black seat belts
- 567 – Tinted windscreen
- 573 – Air-conditioning
- 610 – DVD Navigation Europe Package
- 640 – Sport Chrono Plus package
- 652 – Without sliding/tilting roof
- 659 – On-board computer
- 680 – BOSE sound package
It has covered 45,000 miles, with just three owners from new, and been meticulously maintained by Porsche main agents throughout its life with every invoice present.
On The Road
Whilst the sheer stats on paper for outright performance favour current 911s, 0-60mph in the mid 4s and a top speed just shy of 190mph for this 3.8 litre car certainly isn’t shabby. However, it’s the compact dimensions of the 997 that make it easier to drive quicker with confidence on your favourite road, This is also the last 911 to feature hydraulic steering, so unlike the electric equivalents that followed, communication at the helm is just as good as you would hope, brimming with feel and feedback.
And for those who bang on about manual transmission, the PDK fitted to this car not only allows it to reach a higher top speed than the manual equivalent, but the acceleration figures are also quicker too, and that’s before we talk about the ease of driving in traffic.
Our Thoughts
Jump behind the wheel of a generation 1 997 and it feels closer to the previous 996 series in the way it drives and performs, whilst in contrast, despite its similar appearance, the generation 2 model manages to feel like a more modern car, particularly when fitted with the excellent PDK transmission as in this car. It is no surprise that Porschephiles are seeking out these late 997s, particularly in S specification in preference to the larger later models that followed. Although unbelievably 15 years old now, this unmarked Carrera S example, finished in a timeless colour combination is probably as good as they get.
