Friday 2nd October 2015

RPM Porsche 997 CSR Retro

A little mild 997 backdating to accompany RPM's well-established CSR performance mods

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You'll likely be familiar with Porsche sales and service outfit RPM's range of tuning upgrades by now; we've driven and liked its CSR branded 997 and 996 911s and the mods work on Boxsters too. Intended to sharpen up the standard driving experience with upgrades like a lightweight clutch and flywheel, Wavetrac limited-slip differential, custom exhausts and range of suspension packages from KW to Ohlins they are a pleasing balance for 'fast road' and track use.

The old-school nod provided by the distinctive carbon ducktail applied to both has been expanded into a 'CSR Retro' package for the 996, which we reported on earlier in the year. The backdating debate is as strong as ever when it comes to 911s, RPM among the first to apply the trend to the water-cooled generation and PHers divided on its success in respect of the 996. With its round headlights and more traditional lines the 997 arguably provides a better basis for a few retro flourishes and, unsurprisingly, this has been RPM's next move.

With early 997 values bottoming out and cars available for less than £20K the temptation to put some of that saving into some CSR finishing touches may well be strong. Certainly this first 997 CSR Retro built by RPM pulls the look off by treading a fine line between homage and pastiche, the 19-inch Fuchs wheels, ducktail and graphics relatively subtle as these things go. This one is based on a facelift 'Gen2' car but the changes are actually easier to apply to the more retro looking (and cheaper) Gen 1s. And, of course, reversible if fashions change.

Like the mechanical upgrades, the package can be bought as a whole for around £30K on top of the price of a donor car or bought piecemeal and tailored to budget and taste. Not cheap by any means but as even regular air-cooled 911s edge into the realms of appreciating assets to covet rather than daily drivers to be enjoyed it offers an interesting alternative. Inspired? Our 997 Buying Guide can help you get a feel for the market and discussion of 997 values can be found in a recent Catch It While You Can. Over to you on whether or not you think the look works...

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article said:

This one is based on a facelift 'Gen2' car but the changes are actually easier to apply to the more retro looking (and cheaper) Gen 1s.

That's a .1 in the picture.

Edited by Dan Trent on Friday 2nd October 11:47

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Dan Trent said:

Just to clarify...

RPM's press release said:

The 997 CSR Retro is based on a Gen 2 model 997 Carrera 3.8 which has undergone a comprehensive amount of RPM engineering, with all aspects of the car being assessed and upgraded to enhance performance. The exterior was back-dated to Gen1 spec to lose the modern LED lighting and get closer to the classic look.

Cheers!

Dan

Wow. I can see that selling like hot cakes.