Porsche has disclosed the first official details of the forthcoming 911
replacement, the 997. As has become the norm in its 40 year lifespan, the new
model sees an evolution of the 996's styling with no radical departures,
thus preserving the genetics that make a 2004 911 an obvious derivative of
the 1964 version.
The update sees a move back to the traditional oval
headlamps after concerns that the teardrop lamps shared with the Boxster
didn't distinguish the range topping 996 clearly enough from its little
brother. The 997 is wider than before, especially around the waist and the
rear, to give it a more muscular and powerful look as befits a modern
supercar.
Beneath the skin the modernity continues with a new active suspension
system (PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management) allowing the driver to
select firmer chassis settings for more enthusiastic driving. An optional
sports suspension package will be available that lowers the ride height by
20 mm for further enhancement of the handling and looks; this will be
offered along with a limited slip differential. The suspension has been fine tuned by Weissach's chassis wizards, after countless hours pounding the Nordschliefe, to work
in conjunction with the new wider track and bigger alloys and tyres (up to
19 inches in diameter for the first time on a 911).
When the car goes on sale in September two versions will be available initially, a
Carrera and a Carrera S, bringing the 911 range into line with the Boxster
naming conventions. In the short term the current 4wd 996 models will be sold
alongside the 997 - a new model introduction regime that Porsche has
successfully followed over the last few iterations of the 911.
The base model will be powered by a 325 bhp version of the current 3.6-litre boxer 6
with the S benefiting from an all new 3.8-litre unit pushing out 355 bhp,
enough for a 182 mph maximum and 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. The lesser model lags
behind these figures by 0.2 seconds and 5 mph respectively. Both versions
feature a six speed manual 'box.
UK prices have been set at £58,300 for the Carrera and £65,000 for the S, which is a
small premium over the out going models. Unfortunately the 997 will not appear at the
Birmingham motor show, with Porsche preferring to debut the car in September at the Paris Show.
Dave Jenkins - 12 May 2004
