997S test drive

[grant3]

Just adding to others input on the new 997............
I Had a chance for another more extended test drive in a 997S, so wanted to share a few things that really stuck out !
plus ++++++++
1/ I have to say the driving position has been VASTLY improved (can never get it 100% right in a 996) I got really comfortable & the seats (standard sports items) gripped far better than the old ones. I wouldn't waste the money on adaptive items when the standard are this good!
2/ The ride comfort is MUCH better than a 996, 2nd time around even the sport setting was acceptable, well damped for small bumps but still very "jolting" over large ones. The last time I tried it this seemed far too hard for the road, but it must have been a particularly bad road before because I didn't loose any fillings this time & body control is top notch!!!
3/ the steering is much more relaxing around town & on the cruise, but still nice & pointy on the twisty stuff.
4/ The interior is a bit nicer although not that much of step up on the 996, having said this the centre consul look's miles better than the old swoopy plastic thing, but I didn't like the DOZENS of mock alu/chrome buttons around the PCM unit!
minus----------------
1/ It didn't seem any faster than a standard facelift 996, this car had the sport chrono feature & this did improve things but in honesty I was disapointed with it's performance even with only 1200 miles on the clock. It was so capable that subjectively the other halfs Boxster S "felt" as quick although I'm sure it wasn't . It was also too quiet [u]inside[/u], the 996 is better, the 997S needs a sports exhaust it is a must have!
2/ The steering is far better around town & on motor ways , but isn't as alive & feel some as the 996's, the better ride also filters out some of the seat of the pants feel & adjustabilty you get with a 996, particularly one with sports suspension.

Conclusion.
Fabulous car, even better as an every day driver & more capable than a 996 on all fronts BUT, not as alive, organic & involving (didn't we say the same about the 993 when the 996 was launched). Price for price..a second hand 996TT adds ballistic grunt to the 996's armoury for the same money as a new 997! Suffice to say that anybody who is buying a 997 will have a fantastic car, but I for one won't be chopping in the 996...just yet!!!

[abarber]

Hmm, going to take a drive in a 997S soon. I much prefer the steering / feedback from 993s over cooking 996s so another step removed doesn't sound too promising.

[clubsport]

A very fair review Grant...i have driven an S a couple of times now and felt the suspension was the greatest advancement, particularly the reduced front end chop/patter comapred to a 2wd 996.
i got back in my 993 and it felt like a go-cart! although slower.

The 997S will be interesting when the proper dsg semi auto arrives...it really has the refinemnet now to compete with the best in the luxury coupe sector...if you like that kind of thing ?

[GregE240]

With respect to sports exhausts:

The 996s I've test driven without one sounded quiet, almost restrained, were it not for the induction noise. The C4 I drove with the tequipment exhaust sounded brilliant, you just wanted to hold gears to hear it.

[jjr1]

Grant3 - How high did you rev it? I was red lining the one I drove and it is definitely faster than any cooking 996 I have driven.

The car really needs revs to shine.

[grant3]

clubsport said:

I have driven an S a couple of times now

Paul are you thinking of adding one to the fleet, or changing the RS?

JJR- I revved the nut's off it, to be fair it only had 1200 miles on the clock!!!

>> Edited by grant3 on Tuesday 16th November 16:33

[clubsport]

997S is not for me Grant, i have driven a mates car a couple of times. I like to keep up with porsches latest developments.
I can only imagine how quick the basic 4wd TT with 460bhp will be assuming it utilises the active suspension gizmos...Are you on the waiting list?

[dazren]

clubsport said:

997S is not for me Grant, i have driven a mates car a couple of times. I like to keep up with porsches latest developments. I can only imagine how quick the basic 4wd TT with 460bhp will be assuming it utilises the active suspension gizmos...Are you on the waiting list?

Anyone heard any stories or specs of a "non-basic" 997tt version?

DAZ

[clubsport]

dazren said:

clubsport said: 997S is not for me Grant, i have driven a mates car a couple of times. I like to keep up with porsches latest developments. I can only imagine how quick the basic 4wd TT with 460bhp will be assuming it utilises the active suspension gizmos...Are you on the waiting list? Anyone heard any stories or specs of a "non-basic" 997tt version? DAZ

Have only heard of the basic spec at mom Daz, but this is always the way,,,,why steal the thunder of the 997TT launch?
the X50 was available at least 18 mths after the original 996TT.

However now the cayenne Turbo has been out for 18mth-2yrs they did recently announce an upgrade option to 500bhp....I would be suprised if the flagship 997TT X50 option would be available with less, particularly when you consider the difference in price between 997 and cayenne turbos...0r more likely the mark up potential on the sports/gt car.

>> Edited by clubsport on Tuesday 16th November 17:20

[dazren]

Thanks Paul.

Look forward to hearing what Porsche come up with on the modified front.

DAZ

[Harris_I]

Should they call this car the 928 (maybe drop in a V8 instead) and build a Boxster Coupe with this engine and call it a 911?

The 997S is a great car, but as a well-rounded GT, not a lively sports car. I can imagine some TVR drivers being a little disappointed with the driving experience.

[cyrus1971]

clubsport said:

The 997S will be interesting when the proper dsg semi auto arrives

What is this "dsg semi" item ? Is the new Tiptronic for the 997 getting an specification advance ? Would be very interested in this if it is like the twin clutch option of the Audi TT. My 996TT is a tip and lovelly as it is downshifs are not nearly as fast as they could be.

[clubsport]

cyrus1971 said:

clubsport said: The 997S will be interesting when the proper dsg semi auto arrives What is this "dsg semi" item ? Is the new Tiptronic for the 997 getting an specification advance ? Would be very interested in this if it is like the twin clutch option of the Audi TT. My 996TT is a tip and lovelly as it is downshifs are not nearly as fast as they could be.

The new box will be very similar to that in the Audi TT. I understand it will have 6 speeds instead of the 5 in the current tiptronic set up.

I am not a fan of these kind of boxes, but if it is worth anything the reviews of the system in the Audi sound impressive.