Introduction to the New Porsche 911 (997) models
Apr 17, 2008
By: Jason K. Jaeger
This is an introduction to the 2005-2008 Porsche 911 (997) models, there are a confusing variety of models and the idea here is to make it easy for you to see the primary differences.
All 2005-2008 911s are equipped with a rear mounted Horizontally opposed six cylinder engine also referred to as a "Flat" or "Boxer" type engine. Because the engine is arranged flat with three cylinders on each side they have a very low center of gravity and fit well in the sloping rear end of the 911. There are many benefits to this type of arrangement including excellent traction and easy serviceability.
In terms of Safety all models are equipped with dual front airbags, seat mounted side airbags and head airbags which deploy from the top of the door. All 911s are also equipped with PSM (Porsche Stability Management) which is a very advanced stability management system that can control throttle position and selectively apply corner braking to help stabilize the vehicle in a slide allowing the driver a much higher degree of control, PSM has undoubtedly saved many lives.
The standard transmission in the 911 models is a six-speed manual with an optional 5-speed Tiptronic-S automatic transmission available on all models except the GT3 and GT2.
In terms of performance all of the 911s listed here can accelerate from 0-60 in under 5 seconds and all have top speeds beyond 170 mph with superb handling and arguably the best brakes in the world, the actual performance of each model varies based on its equipment, but all 911s are legendary for their performance.
911 Carrera Coupe
Available in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
The 911 Carrera is a two door coupe equipped with a 325 hp 3.6 Liter engine, and includes many standard luxury features including Leather seats, automatic climate control, a retractable rear spoiler and 18" alloy wheels
911 Carrera Cabriolet (Convertible)
Available in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
All of the features of the coupe plus a folding multi-layer fabric roof with heated glass rear window and the folding top can be operated even when the car is in motion, up to 30 mph. Cabriolets also include pop-up rollover hoops for supplemental rollover protection.
911 Carrera 4 Coupe and Carrera 4 Cabriolet
Available in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
The "4" in the Carrera's name indicates 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, providing incredible traction in all conditions, also included with this model are Silver brake calipers and wider rear fenders also referred to as a wide-body, giving the car a more aggressive, muscular look.
911 Carrera S Coupe and 911 Carrera S Cabriolet
Available in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
The Carrera S has a larger 3.8L engine that produces 355hp, in addition to the horsepower are equipment upgrades that include bright silver interior trim, Red brake calipers, 19" alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights and PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) which allows you to adjust the shock absorbers for more aggressive driving.
911 Carrera 4S Coupe and 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
Available in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Combining the attributes of both the Carrera S and the Carrera 4, the combination of high horsepower, high traction, and a wide-body results in one of the most desirable Porsche models available.
911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S
Available in 2007 and 2008.
The Targa is a 911 with a sliding glass roof panel and is only available in Targa 4 and Targa 4S configurations, the sliding glass panel is power operated, includes a pop-up wind deflector and also incorporates a power sun shade. Also unique to the Targa models is an opening glass rear window almost like a hatchback, to make loading luggage into the rear seats easier.
911 Turbo and 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Available in 2007 and 2008, Cabriolet 2008 only.
The 911 Turbo is generally considered the top 911 model. It has a Twin-Turbocharged, and Twin-Intercooled 3.6 Liter engine with dry sump lubrication rated at 480hp, All-wheel drive, larger brakes with Red calipers, a unique wide-body with different front and rear fascias, PASM, Standard Full Leather Interior and a huge list of standard equipment for the ultimate in High-Speed touring.
GT3
Available in 2007 and 2008.
The GT3 is the most athletic and track tuned of all of the 911s, produced in very limited numbers it carries a specially tuned 3.6 Liter engine rated at 415hp with titanium connecting rods, an 8400 rpm redline, dry sump lubrication and numerous other differences. Since the GT3 is set up for more aggressive driving, Porsche took extensive measures to improve performance including adjustable suspension, an aerokit and fixed rear wing for additional high speed stability and many weight saving measures including eliminating the back seat.
2008 GT3 RS
Available in 2007 and 2008.
An even more specialized and limited production model than the GT3, the GT3 RS uses the wide-body from the Carrera 4 for additional track width and bigger tires, has a single mass flywheel, and a unique lightweight carbon fiber rear wing. To accentuate the near-race performance of the GT3 RS it also has special contrasting "GT3 RS" body graphics with wheels painted to match.
GT2
Available in 2008.
The GT2 is essentially a GT3-like variant of the Turbo except rear wheel drive only, so think lightweight, very high horsepower (530hp), special suspension and a unique aerokit and rear spoiler. Very limited production and said to be the first regular production 911 that can exceed 200 mph!