997 Turbo
brought variable vane technology to the 911 Turbo party, giving a more responsive engine than ever before while maintaining the Turbo’s status as a true supercar. “In a lot of ways, [it’s] the ultimate Turbo,” says Darren from RPM Technik. “Power delivery is ferocious, and the variable vane turbo technology is very tractable.” Thanks to its more attractive looks, which harked back to the 993, the 997 is likely to remain more popular than the 996, suggesting that prices simply won’t drop as low as the 996’s and that as 996 Turbo values bounce back, they may cause 997 Turbo values to do so too. For now, though, the 997 is still in a pattern of depreciation, meaning it isn’t a solid investment purchase. If you can stretch to it, though, it is still a vast amount of fun.
997s are split by a facelift in 2009 – the pre-facelift (or 997.1) cars used an uprated, 480hp version of the Mezger-based engine used in the 996, whereas the post-facelift (997.2) featured a turbocharged, 500hp version of Porsche’s new DFI powerplant. Tiptronic S was also replaced with PDK for the facelift; which version of the 997 is best is a matter for debate, though it’s generally accepted that the PDK is the superior automatic gearbox choice. Again, a 911 Turbo S offered even more insane levels of performance, this time with 530hp, and the level of premium this commands will vary depending on colour choice and options. Also available were the unhinged GT2, again with 530hp but this time with two-wheel drive, and the positively mental GT2 RS, which boosted power to a mind-boggling 620hp to give a Nurburgring lap time of 7min18sec.To date, the latter was truly the most extreme 911 Turbo of all.
you’re looking for the ultimate 911 Turbo (well, until the 991 arrives); you want turn-key usability and the mod cons of a newer car; you want the widest possible choice
you’re looking for a car that’ll appreciate – it probably won’t for a while yet!
2008 Porsche 911 (997) Turbo
, full Porsche service history, nine months’ warranty remaining; Bose stereo; one year MOT - £48,800
Price Guide –
Early, low-spec: £39,000
Good: £45-90,000
A1 (nearly new): £90,000-£100,000
GT2/RS: £80,000+