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The Porsche Type 997 is the project code name for the current version of the sports car Porsche 911, built by the German manufacturer Porsche since 2004. Production began in July 2004 and two variants, the Carrera and Carrera S coupés, were available immediately. The all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S versions began shipping in November 2005, with the Turbo and GT3 derivatives going on sale in late 2006. The Targa models are also available.
[] Design
The base Carrera has essentially the same 3.6 L flat-6 (Boxer) 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, Carrera 4S, and Targa 4S models.
While the exterior styling is changed and especially the 997 Carrera S and Carrera 4S models share only their roof panels with their 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.
[] Performance
According to testing carried out by several American automotive publications the Turbo model can go from a stop to 60 in about 3.3 seconds. The Carrera S model is capable of going 0 to 60 in as little as 3.9 seconds, and carries a top speed of 300 km/h (186 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); note, however, that these figures contradict the conservative official Porsche figures.
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.
[] Special editions
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 fiftieth 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.
[] Turbo
The 997 Turbo debuted 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 Turbine Geometry (VTG), which uses guide vanes located in front of the turbine wheel that modulates inflow angle and speed. While the 911 Turbo is the first non-diesel production car to feature a variable geometry turbine, a similar approach was used by Garrett Systems starting in 1989 with the Shelby CSX, that used variable nozzles instead. The optional Sport Chrono Package includes a temporary 2.9 psi overboost, upping peak torque to 680 N·m (502 ft·lbf) for ten second bursts.
According to official Porsche figures, it produces 480 hp, accelerates 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds with manual transmission and 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds with Tiptronic S transmission, which is more than enough to edge out it's current rival from Ferrari, the new F430. It has also recorded a 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds at the hands of US motoring publication Motor Trend - eclipsing all of its major competitors and even Porsche's own Carrera GT supercar. The 997 Turbo has a top speed of 311 km/h (193 mph).
A Turbo Cabriolet is expected in the near future.
[] 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 dry-sump engine from the 996 GT3. This engine produces 415 hp(PS)/409bhp (309 kW) and weighs 3075 lb (1395 kg) with a new variable intake system. It has an 8400 rpm redline which is the same as the 612 bhp Carrera GT's. Torque is also up to 299 ft·lbf (405 N·m). The 3.6L dry-sump engine does not seem to share the rear main seal (RMS) problems of the 3.6L/3.8L wet-sump engine.
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. The special RS model will strip most of these luxuries out for strict track use. The RS version will be released in Europe in October 2006; the North American release is spring 2007.
The RS is distinguished by its performance capability and an unadulterated driving experience similar to that of a racing car. But while particularly suited for use on the track, the car also meets all requirements for road-legal sports cars.
The reference "RS" will quicken the pulse of Porsche connoisseurs. Models such as the legendary Carrera RS 2.7 of 1972 and the 1991 Type 964 911 RS were also sports cars that stood out on account of their extreme degree of maneuverability and handling. That tradition is continued with the new 911 GT3 RS. In common with its predecessors, it provides a homologation model for use in a range of racing series.
The exceptionally powerful, normally aspirated engine boasts a displacement of 3.6-litres to generate 305kW (415bhp) at 7,600rpm. Maximum revs are reached at 8,400rpm. The power output per litre of engine capacity is 115.3bhp. These figures are shared with the recently-announced 911 GT3, but bespoke drivetrain components in the RS ensures it puts in an even better performance. Thanks to a close-ratio six-speed transmission with a single-mass flywheel and 20kg lower vehicle weight, the engine revs up even more freely, thus enabling the 911 GT3 to sprint from zero to 100kph (62mph) in 4.2 seconds. That's one tenth of a second faster than the GT3. And it takes just 13.3 seconds to hit 200kph (124mph). Maximum speed is 310kph (187mph).
One characteristic of the new RS is the body, which is 44mm wider at the rear (a legacy from the Carrera 4 models with which it shares its shell) by comparison with the 911 GT3. The muscular-looking rear end conceals a wider track that not only improves directional stability but also increases the potential cornering grip of the two-seater coupe.
Despite its specialised body, the RS is 20kg lighter than the GT3, weighing in at just 1375kg. This weight-saving was achieved by the use, amongst other solutions, of an adjustable carbon fibre wing, the use of a plastic engine cover and a lightweight plastic rear window. As a consequence, the corresponding engine power to kerb weight ratio is over 300bhp per tonne.
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.
[] Targa
The Targa 4 and Targa 4S versions, like the previous Targa, are equipped with a glass roof and hatch. At any speed, the roof can be opened where it drops down an inch and slides a meter back underneath the hatch. As the roof weighs an additional 60kg suspension has been modified from Carerra models.
The only other Targa made with 4WD was the 964 Targa, produced from 1989 up to 1993.
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