Last week we asked our readers to send us feedback on the new Porsche 997.
Here's what they had to say...
I am the proud owner of a 1997 993 Cabriolet and when the 996 model came out I was as disappointed as can be. I vowed to never even consider the 996 because it totally lacked style. I realized it even more when I pulled up to an intersection right next to a 996 and as people crossed the street they gave me the thumbs up and ignored the 996 next to me. With the redesign of the 997 it has finally brought back some of the sexy curves that every kid loved looking at that poster of the Porsche on their wall. The interior looks much improved I can't wait to see it dressed up as a turbo. I guess I need to start saving my money now!
Howard
As a die hard Porsche fan, I have been holding on to my 993 twin turbo for dear life. I even put a deposit on the Aston Martin AMV8. The clouds have now lifted! I love everything about the new car so far. The interior even has some of the old style shape to it. The only niggling complaint is the Cayenne style switches on the AC but even this is O.K. as long as they don’t have that “cheap” feel to them. Seeing is believing but I think they nailed it with this one.
Bob
You guys are all having orgasms over what is basically a 996 with different healights and taillights. RELAX. Sure, it's a beautiful car, but the layperson couldn't tell a 996 from a 997. Ok, it's got more horsepower and the interior appears to have been upgraded, but the 5-ringed intrument panel looks too busy. Chevy did more to differentiate the C6 from the C5 for God's sake. In fact, I'd take a new C6 over this 997 any day, especially with the new styling on the exterior and interior and, oh yea, 400 horsepower. It would walk all over either of the new 911's for only $45,000. The new Z06 will run with any Turbo that they make as well with the rumored 500 horsepower. Again, CALM DOWN ABOUT THE NEW 911, Autospies, but keep up the good work.
Scott
Lansing, MI
Of course...I have only seen the pics & I'll need to decide when I can actually see & drive the car. BUT...I don't "SEE" it. ALL the design improvements you are making such a fuss about. Compared to a 2004, C4S the basic body shape is very similar. Some detail edges seem to be "chiseled" off & the smooth envelope is diminished. It may have gotten a little "tricky". But, my biggest disappointment is the front headlight & bumper design. Lost is the simple elegance of the headlights & 996 bumper (especially the Turbo & C4). I read that many "purists" dislike these design elements, BUT they did separate the 996 from the hordes of Porsche wannabe "sporty" cars. I am a designer & I've have yet to know a designer who doesn't love the 996. I'm afraid that, except for the classic shape, it's going to be a more common looking toy.
Just my opinion. Hope I'm wrong.
My 1st Porsche is the 2004 C4S... & I bought it when I saw what was coming.
Dale
I remember one day, more than 20 years ago, walking home from high school, a Porsche 924 turbo pulled up in front of me at a stop light. It was white with blu and red stripes on the side. It was the most beautiful car I have ever seen. I promised my self that I would some day own a Porsche.
Twenty some years later, I have owned a '92 968, '95 993, '01 996 twin turbo, all with great satisfaction. However, that feeling of seeing the 924 turbo long ago never came back to me until I saw the 997.
It's time to make another promise.
Steve
There are a number of improvements that show Porsche may (finally) be listening to its client base.
But there are two "hangovers' from the 996 that need attention:
1. Front and rear overhangs are clearly 996 inspired-- not the closely sculpted, tight look form the side of a 993.
2. Instrumentation is 996-like with overlapping pods. Gone are the two large round gauges (speedo and tach) in classic proportions from the 993. There is no other serious sports car manufacturer that offers jumbled up, hard to read, instruments like this.
They may have a good chassis and engine and so forth but Porsche has gotten away from the world of traditional sports cars and are leaving it to Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin, even Corvette with the Z06 and Nissan with its very nice 350 Z at half the price of Porsche.
Jim
I admit, I always liked the 996 body style. The Boxster was a revelation when it first hit the streets and the 996, incorporating many of the design aspects of the Boxster, seemed to me like the perfect evolution from the 993. However, the similarities between the 911 and its cheaper sibling definitely began to erode the glitz of Porsche's signature car--I doubt the average person can tell the difference between a 996 Cabrio and Boxster without seeing the badge, which can't please 911 owners.
I have to say I was a little disappointed with the first spyshots of the 997--sure, the 993 was a great car, but the 997 didn't need to be a rehash of the past. Seeing the first official pictures has made me pull a 180 though. Why? Sure, it looks closer to the 993 than the 996 did (not something I'm personally a fan of), but rather than taking its styling cues from the cheaper Boxster (as the 996 did), the 997 stance also reminds me a lot of the Carrera GT--a car which I think is as breathtaking as any I've ever seen. There's nothing too obvious in terms of visual similarities between the cars, but from pictures there just seems to be something very coherent about the two newest Porsches. The interior also seems a serious upgrade from the 996, which in base form was an embarrassment to the rest of the car.
I definitely can't wait to see the Turbo/4S/GTx variants to come.
Frank M.
Boston
As the current owner of a 2004 GT3, and a 58 Speedster, I have to agree that the ‘retro’ (993) styling on the new 997 is much better. I too, never warmed up to the 996 Porsche, however having been the owner of over 40 Porsches, including a 1973 RS Lightweight, I could not resist the 2004 GT3, which is reminiscent of the 73 RS with modern technology. As impressed as I am with the 2004 GT3, I would consider a new 997S. What about a 997 GT3???
David
All I can say is "wow"! Beautiful new (waist)lines and and a timeless new design that will ensure this new 911 is the greatest yet. I can't wait to see one and drive it! Great job Porsche!! I love it!
Brett
Huntingdon Valley, PA
They look great and have some nice improvements, lets hope there a bit more reliable and the insides aren't so loud
Robby
Definite improvements in many areas.
Did they purposely cripple the back so they could "improve" it in future models?. The back desperately needs the full width lights of reflector strip like the older models and the 996 C4S.
The interior is much improved EXCEPT for that horrendously ugly steering wheel (from the Cayenne?).
On my 3rd Porsche - a 993 C2S. Didn't like the 996, the 997 is back on track.
Peter
The look is a dramatic improvement over my 2000 C4 Cabriolet. Never did like the “quotation mark” headlamps.
However, I’m not rushing out to buy one....Porsche needs more horsepower to stay in the game.
Terry
For sure a step in the right direction. Nice to see the larger motor available and some muscular tension in the body styling. As an owner of a 1997 C4 S, I can tell you that this car is the standard for modern 911 design. It looks as good today as when I picked it up at the factory in April 1997. Now Porsche needs to work on building more durable motors. Ever wonder why the GT2/3 use the same block as a 964/993? The "integrated dry sump" motor isn't up to the task.
John
LOL I love the 997… I was a fan of the 996 myself but the newer model looks waaayyy better! How’s about hooking up a web designer with some work now so he can trade in the old 944 ;)
Jim
I used to be a Porsche fan during the 80's when you could tell the different models apart from each other. the 944, 928, 911, and 924 all looked different. Now all Porsche's look like derivatives of the 911. And not all sport car fans like our engine in the back either. The majority of us want or engine in the front driving the rear wheels. When Porsche start designing cars again and stop paying tribute to the 911 with each new model, that's when I'll be a fan again!
Ken
Former Porsche fan, current BMW driver.
Porsche got it right!
With the 996, the base (traditional) model, with RWD and no frills was dull and boring. With the new 997 Carrera S, the 'entry-level' Porsche now has its appeal back! With the 996, the C4S was the entry point for what people considered the 'better' models.
I am glad to see Porsche still has its finger on the pulse of the sports car enthusiast.
Ken H.
Reno, NV
They nailed it except for the front lights. Looks like a damn Neon or new beetle - yuk!!! Oh well. The driving is always what matters most!!
Jay
For once, I'd have to disagree with what you reported on the newest 911! The car seems to be evolving backward instead progressing. While I must agree that the interior TRIM level might have improved quality wise, the design of both the interior and the exterior, especially the headlights are simply outdated before the car is even released. And the performance? It still doesn't outrun M3's or even the $30,000 Subaru STI by much! I hope I am just dreaming and these pictures are a hoax by the folks in Porsche!
Respectfully yours,
Denny
The interior of the 997 really sucks!!!. You guys are way off base when you claim that the 996/986 interior was bad, it is beautiful and far more modern looking than any photo I've seen of the 997. I am a member of PCA and virtually everyone I've spoken to agrees that the new interior is butt ugly.
The exterior is OK but most still prefer the modern tear drop headlights over the backwards 993'ish headlights in the 997. The 996 looks like the newer of the two cars.
What have you guys been smoking????
Kemist
Tastefully understated. Instantly recognized as 911. 100% Bangle-free. What's not to like?
-Steve
TOTALLY COOL...
Recently sold my 993 and am waiting to see what the 997 looks like...996 looks like a 1970's Chevy Monza...go check out side profiled of each...ugh ! Waiting in Northern Ca for my car...
Jim K.
997 looks great BUT........I'll wait for the 2007-8 lexus sc430, superior quality & tech If you seen the lf-c concept you know why I'm waiting for this coupe.
Porsche is having ssssssssoooooo many electrical problems with the present 911 what makes you think 997 is going to be any different?
Regards Tim.
Ontario Canada
The interior looks gorgeous...I love the shape of the back...and from the sides. the wide-stance...the coke bottle profile but I think the seam-lines above the rear-bumper do NOT look good...and still VERY MUCH prefer the headlights of the 4S and turbo.. (don't like the turn signal separation) I like the new door handles...
I think the car looked better when it had the tape on it in some of the spy shots...the old rear lights...love the 4 grille arrangement of the elevating spoiler...
I prefer the 4S/turbo front bumper grille
Pablo