New 997 RS, my thoughts:
Discussion
Firstly, I just want to address those who think, that perhaps the 997 has gone a bit 'soft' with pasm and TC. Forget it. The new RS is still every bit the road racer as the previous model. Just this time you get a rear end that doesn't go awol over bumps and a front end that doesn't have an uncanny attraction toward cambers and such. OK, the car does ride appreciably better than the 996 but it is still very much an engaging drive. Still has that lovely firm stance that constantly serves to remind you that you are in something special.
If nothing else the car certainly sounds better than the 996 with a magnificent buzz that really can't help but add to the whole bravado of the car. Although 996 drivers will still recognize that characteristic GT3 engine note.
Is it fast? It is f***ing fast. Honestly, if you went to a public session at the Nurburgring and you were a reasonable driver, Nothing would get past you. Nothing. It is definitely faster than the previous model no doubt about that. I think the engine/aerodynamics combo play a big part here not to mention the Pasm. I think all the various little changes that they have made contribute to the superior speed. It really is too fast for the public highway or certainly has too much ultimate ability to be experienced on the road.
A bit has been said about the gearshift. I do like how precise it is but the weighting takes a little getting used to, you sometimes have to give it quite a shove. Just for comparison I jumped into a C2S straight after and enjoyed that a bit more.
I'd say the steering has marginally less feedback than the 996 but that is the only thing the 996 has on the 977, in every other department the 997 is better. Oh, and the 997 doesn't come with a carbon fibre bonnet any more.
I'm still not anywhere near a good enough driver to get the best from it, the car does communicate a heck of lot as soon as you turn into a corner but I can't help feeling like the tyres have got more grip than I can ever exceed.
All in all then an awesome car that really can only be fully realised once it has had a sniff of racing circuit.
Congratulations all you lucky owners, you have a fantastic motor car.
Pics of the car in question:
If nothing else the car certainly sounds better than the 996 with a magnificent buzz that really can't help but add to the whole bravado of the car. Although 996 drivers will still recognize that characteristic GT3 engine note.
Is it fast? It is f***ing fast. Honestly, if you went to a public session at the Nurburgring and you were a reasonable driver, Nothing would get past you. Nothing. It is definitely faster than the previous model no doubt about that. I think the engine/aerodynamics combo play a big part here not to mention the Pasm. I think all the various little changes that they have made contribute to the superior speed. It really is too fast for the public highway or certainly has too much ultimate ability to be experienced on the road.
A bit has been said about the gearshift. I do like how precise it is but the weighting takes a little getting used to, you sometimes have to give it quite a shove. Just for comparison I jumped into a C2S straight after and enjoyed that a bit more.
I'd say the steering has marginally less feedback than the 996 but that is the only thing the 996 has on the 977, in every other department the 997 is better. Oh, and the 997 doesn't come with a carbon fibre bonnet any more.
I'm still not anywhere near a good enough driver to get the best from it, the car does communicate a heck of lot as soon as you turn into a corner but I can't help feeling like the tyres have got more grip than I can ever exceed.
All in all then an awesome car that really can only be fully realised once it has had a sniff of racing circuit.
Congratulations all you lucky owners, you have a fantastic motor car.
Pics of the car in question:
Rob R - I was in your part of the world last month. Boy! - you've got the roads to enjoy the car AND the weather. Mine's (cooking non RS GT3) done getting on for 2000 miles and hasn't seen a dry road yet. Thanks for reminding us with those pics.......... Bxxxtxxd. Some of your comments will have the 996 brigade along soon no doubt!
Edited by Pugsey on Friday 19th January 15:49
Edited by Pugsey on Friday 19th January 15:49
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