Porsche 997

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{{Infobox Automobile |image=Image:Porsche911997.jpg |name=Porsche 997 |aka=Porsche 911
Porsche Carrera |manufacturer=Porsche |class=sports car |layout=mid-engine, rear wheel drive |body_style=2-door coupe
2-door convertible |engine=3.6 L flat-6
3.8 L flat-6 |predecessor=Porsche 996 |production=2005– }} The Type 997, or simply 997 (nine-nine-seven) is the internal code name for Porsche's most current version of the sports car "911 Carrera". Production began in July 2005 and two variants, the Carrera and Carrera S coupes, were available immediately. The all wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S versions began shipping in November 2005.

1 Design
2 Turbo
3 GT3
4 See also
5 References
6 External links

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Design

The base Carrera has essentially the same 3.6 L flat-6 engine that its predecessor, the Type 996 Carrera used, producing 239 kW (325 PS). The Carrera S uses a new 3.8 L flat-6 engine producing 261 kW (355 PS). The X51 powerkit with a 381 hp power output is available as an option for the Carrera S and Carrera 4S models.

While the exterior styling is changed and especially the 997 Carrera S and Carrera 4S models don't share any parts with its predecessor, the 996, it is again more evolution than revolution, typical of Porsche and the Carrera. The most notable difference between 997 and outgoing 996 is the return to circular headlights, like those of pre-996 Carreras, with separate indicator units. The interior has been almost entirely re-invented and all the controls are new.

According to testing carried out by several American automotive publications the Carrera S model is capable going 0 to 60 in as little as 3.9 seconds, and carries a top speed of 293 km/h (180 mph), while the standard model is slightly slower, with the capability to run 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 285 km/h (175 mph).

The Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S will use the same engines as the Carrera and Carrera S, respectively. Visually, the rear bodywork is nearly 2 in (50.8 mm) wider over larger tires. The all wheel drive system sends between 5% and 40% of engine torque to the front wheels as needed.

In 2006, the Porsche 911 Club Coupe was produced in limited numbers (50) as a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Porsche Club of America (PCA). The first production model was returned to the Porsche Museum in Germany and one lucky PCA member won the second model in a sweepstakes drawing. The remaining 48 models were offered to randomly chosen PCA members who applied to purchase this extremely rare car. The Porsche 911 Club Coupe which is available only in the unique Azurro California color, comes equipped with a more powerful 381 hp motor thanks to the X51 Powerkit. Other features unique to this special model include a vehicle identification number (VIN) which ends with the production number and special commemorative badging and door sills which adorn the interior.

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Turbo

Image:Porsche 997 Turbo.jpg The 997 Turbo debutted in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. It uses a new front bumper with LED parking lights in a horizontal bar through the air intake. The fog lights are moved to the corners of the bumpers. Large air intakes in front of and behind the rear wheels are other obvious visual cues. The retractable rear wing is also one of the highlights, a feature which has been available on the 996 Turbo too.

The engine is reported to be based on the rugged and very reliable 964/GT1 design at 3.6 L with power output at 353 kW (480 PS) and 620 N·m (457 ft·lbf). The turbochargers will include BorgWarner's new variable turbo geometry (VTG), which uses guide vanes located in front of the turbine wheel that modulates inflow angle and speed. Although the exact implementation of the variable geometry turbo is new, a similar approach was used by Garrett Systems starting in 1989 with the Shelby CSX. The optional Sport Chrono Package includes a temporary 2.9 psi overboost, upping peak torque to 680 N·m (502 ft·lbf) for short spurts.

According to the Porsche website, it produces 480 hp, accelerates 0-60 in 3.9 seconds with manual transmission and 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds with Tiptronic S transmission, and has a top speed of 193 miles per hour.

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GT3

The 997 GT3 model also debuted at 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 is priced at US$106,000 and uses an updated version of the naturally-aspirated 3.6 L flat-6 from the 996 GT3. This engine produces 415 hp (309 kW) and weighs 3075 lb (1395 kg) with a new variable intake system. It has an 8400 rpm redline. Torque is also up to 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m).

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) tires on 19 in (483 mm) wheels.

The 997 GT3 is more driver-friendly than its predecessor, with "comfort" seats and the Porsche Communication Management system installed. A special RS model will strip most of this out for strict track use.

The ratios on the six-speed transmission are more aggressive, allowing the GT3 to hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, a half second quicker than the 996 version. It will continue to 100 mph (161 km/h) in 8.7 seconds and has an ungoverned 193 mph (311 km/h) top speed.

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