997 GT3 - what types available at launch?

[dealmaker]

Guys,

Heard some scuttlebut that there may be derivatives of the 997GT3 at launch ?

Obviously there now won't be a "DSG" style gearbox - but will they offer a "clubsport", "touring/comfort" and "RS" versions???? And what will be availabe at the launch?? (I am first on the list at my OPC)

[dealmaker]

Anyone?

[steve rance]

Lots of speculation that a standard 'comfort' car will be followed by an RS version that will effectively be a Club sport. I think that both cars will have a 400bhp version of the current GT3 engine. The standard car will probably be heavier than the MK2 but the performance edge will come from slightly more power and maybe the geometry from the 996GT3RS. If the RS has the electric power steering unit of the 997 cup car it will have a very useful weight saving advantage.

If you have money down, I would change your order to an RS if I were you.

Steve R

[DanH]

I'd go for the RS too, although the rumours I've seen suggest it will come at a considerable premium and include hydraulic lifting ring suspension etc. (useful for speed bumps)

I don't think anyone who really knows is telling what the specs + options will be.

[leeme3]

dealmaker said:

Obviously there now won't be a "DSG" style gearbox -

Why not? And does this mean no DSG boxes on any 997?

[DanH]

leeme3 said:

dealmaker said: Obviously there now won't be a "DSG" style gearbox - Why not? And does this mean no DSG boxes on any 997?

Only rumour I've heard is that they are having trouble developing them so they have been delayed.

[nel]

Some over-excited Italians with GT3s on order have a website dedicated to the subject - some vids and pics and stats, but don't know if there's any real news. Supposedly 5 seconds faster round the 'Ring than the 996GT3 with Rohrl at the wheel.

www.997gt3.com

[cyrus1971]

DanH said:

leeme3 said: dealmaker said: Obviously there now won't be a "DSG" style gearbox - Why not? And does this mean no DSG boxes on any 997? Only rumour I've heard is that they are having trouble developing them so they have been delayed.

Porsche AFN in Chiswick confirmed to me nearly 2 years ago that they were developing a DSG, but felt Audi had done it better. I asked how they would be phased in and he said he expected to see them across the range all at one. Will make all tiptronic cars look like stone age technology if so. Surely introduction, like Audi and VW will be progressive. Start with the 2.7 Boxster end with the Turbo S. I really rate them in the Audi’s I have driven. I remember Jason Plato on 5th Gear being very complimentary about them too.

[steve rance]

I can see a GT3 being fitted with a sequential box eventually but I doubt that DSG will be an option. The 997 cup car has a sequential that allows upshifts to be made whilst still flat on the power. Which should make Gordon Brown a very happy man....or the Chief of Police in North Wales..

Steve R