997 is the project code for all models belonging to the sixth generation of 911s built since 2004 until today. The evolution of the Porsche 911 into the 997 was more evolutionary than revolutionary as it was with its predecessor the 996.
The exterior underwent a redesign bringing back some of the styling elements of the old classic 911s last seen with the 993: Most prominent the return of classic circular headlights (instead of the fried egg headlights of the 996) and the typical waist at the rear of the car. Although the rest of the design of the car wasn’t changed that evidently, the 996 and the 997 only shared the same roof panel. This redesign was greatly appreciated by enthusiasts all around the world who also supported the clear distinguishability between the “independent” 997 911 and the 987 (C) Boxster / Cayman model.
The development of the 997 did not include many general technical innovations. The standard water cooled 3.6 liter powerplant of the 996 was also used for the standard Carrera models now featuring 325bhp @ 6800rpm (a plus of 5 bhp only). Anyhow Porsche developed a new 3.8 litre engine for the S models of the Carrera delivering 355 bhp @ 6600rpm and 400Nm @ 4600rpm respectively combined with the X51 factory engine performance upgrade kit 381bhp @ 7200rpm and 415Nm @ 5500rpm.
Porsches conservative power politics for the base models combined with their slightly increased weight caused some criticism among enthusiasts as the new models did not improve in performance compared to the 996 while other sportscar manufacturers “armed” their new models with more hp with each evolution (eg. BMW M3 or Audi S4). The critics forgot though that a Porsche always has been very fast also if seeming to be a bit underpowered on the paper.
Porsche will also please these critics in 2008 (MY 2009) with the introduction of direct fuel injection for all models except the GT3 leading to better fuel efficiency and higher power output (power will be leveled up to 345bhp for the Carrera and 380bhp for the S models). This redesign will include a revised front bumper, new headlamps with dual HID projectors and a dual clutch gearbox.
The 997 interior was completely redesigned: Most prominent changes included a redesigned instrument cluster, steering wheel, door cards and seats.
The 997 Carrera 2 and the 997 Carrera 4 are considered the base models of the 997 generation. The Carrera 2 is the rear-wheel drive and the Carrera 4 the all-wheel drive version. Besides these differences regarding the powertrain the models were equal to the greatest extent.
Both models are equipped with the watercooled 3.6 liter powerplant providing 325bhp and capable of doing the standard sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.0s (Carrera 2) respectively 5.1s (Carrera 4) and reaching a top speed of 285km/h respectively 280km/h.
