Like previous 911 models, the 997 has a galvanised steel monocoque shell. At the front are Porsche-optimised McPherson struts with aluminium lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar and gas-filled dampers. The Carrera S has a slightly thicker front anti-roll bar and all S models come with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) as standard to firm up the suspension, as well as making the throttle and steering responses sharper, at the touch of a button. The Sport Chrono pack will automatically activate the PASM's sport function when in sport mode.
Suspension options abound - do your homework!
For the rear end, there's an independent five link set-up with coil springs and gas-filled dampers. A Sport suspension option could be ordered when new for all models that lowered the ride height by 20mm and this was offered along with a limited-slip differential. The Targa has very slightly softer springs than the coupe models that give a more comfortable ride on bumpy roads. Creaks from the front suspension point to worn bushes that will cost around £200 to put right.
The standard Carrera was supplied with 318 x 28mm front brakes discs and 299 x 24mm rears, while the S was fitted with larger and thicker 330 x 34mm fronts and 330 x 28mm discs at the back. Both models have four piston monoblock calipers at each corner. Carbon ceramic brakes were an expensive option few buyers bothered with new as they were really only for extended track use. No owners we spoke to had anything but praise for the standard brakes of the Carrera and S models.
The inner faces of the front brake discs can corrode and this is hard to spot. Some owners upgrade to Carbone Lorraine pads for track use and improved pedal feel. A new set of front discs will cost from £180 depending on whether you buy from an independent or from Porsche.
Carreras came with 18-inch alloys and the S upsized to 19-inch wheels all round. For the Carrera, 235/40 ZR18 tyres are used at the front and 265/40 ZR18s at the back, while the S has 235/35 ZR19s on the front wheels and 295/30 ZR19s on the rear wheels. Most owners use Michelin tyres as they seem to balance dry and wet weather performance better than most and offer decent tread wear.
Expect to pay £250 per tyre for the rears and £180 for each front. Tyres should last 12,000 miles of keen driving or up to 20,000 miles if you spend a lot of time on the motorway. Check the inside edges of the tyres for wear as they can be significantly more worn than the outer edges.
PHer's view:
"The front end is just so solid in this car, the combination of the 4WD and PDK made this a very easy car to drive in all situations. Handling is very, very good, but you respect it more than get a thrill from it unless you are going very quickly."
Hugh Darcy
Buying Guide Contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior