Description
Background
If the 1997 996 was the modernising 911 revolution, then the 997 that followed in 2004, was back to the familiar path of 911 evolution.
With much of the 996’s underpinnings carried over, including the 3. 6-litre, flat-six for the base models, Porsche consciously took a step back styling wise. Whereas the 996 had attracted criticism for its perhaps slightly bland, modern re-working of the 911 silhouette, plus those controversial headlamps, the 997 featured a more accentuated classic 911 look, and a return to traditional round headlights.
The exterior redesign was complimented by a complete interior reworking, with again a nod to the more traditional 911 look. Materials were much improved too, and more in keeping with Porsche perception.
While the 320bhp, 3. 6-litre engine was a carry over, S models got a new 350bhp, 3. 8-litre motor. Transmission choices remained as per 996, with a six-speed manual and five-speed Tiptronic. In true Porsche fashion, the 997 arrived with Carrera 2 and 2S versions – differentiated by power and narrow v wide body – closely followed by the C4 and C4S and then Cabrio and GT variants. And lastly in 2006, the 997 Targa was introduced, in C4 and C4S versions.
Porsche also introduced its Porsche Active Suspension Management system (PASM), with the 997, but other advances – such as PDK transmission – would have to wait until the arrival of the 997. 2 in 2008.
And it’s a PASM equipped 997 Carrera 2S that we have here, so with no further ado…
Silver Machine
While the ultra-purist in us might suggest that the 997 sweet spot is the base 320bhp, manual Carrera 2, the market would largely disagree, and so we’ll put the case forward for exactly what we have here: An early 997. 1, 3. 8-litre, 350bhp, manual Carrera 2S, finished in GT with black leather interior, a classic combo, that will never lose its appeal. Performance is very respectable too, with a top speed north of 180mph and 0-60mph coming up in 4. 8 secs.
First registered in March 2006, and supplied by Porsche Centre, Colchester, this excellent example has covered just 53, 345 miles, with a modest four owners, and has a fully stamped service book, with a typical mix of Porsche Centre and Porsche specialist attention.
And this is one well optioned 997. Most importantly it features PASM, which we will come to in the driving impressions. Mechanically, its first box ticking owner also specced a limited slip differential, Sports exhaust, plus the smart and rarely seen 19in Carrera Sport wheel, in
grey to offset the silver paintwork, with concave wheel centres and full-colour Porsche crest. Yes, they really were an option, which illustrates just how deep you can go to personalise your Porsche! Sticking with the exterior, Xenon headlamps will light up the road and parking sensors will ensure this 997’s rump remains pristine. Inside, extended black leather abounds, with hard backed electric sports heated sports seat, another desirable option, plus silver faced dials, Porsche PCM 2 comms and BOSE sound package.
With its modest mileage, this 997 Carrera 2S presents very well, with immaculate paintwork and an interior that unlike many, shows no major wear. And at this sort of mileage, maintenance has been largely routine servicing and consumables, such as brakes and the odd suspension arm. Modern Porsches do tend to get through them, but they are an easy replacement.
On The Road
The Boss has been using this for the past couple of weeks as his fast commuter 911 of choice, which with his pick of the toy cupboard, is telling. The ‘sweetspot’ of the modern Porsche generation? Yes, we think so and here’s why. If the 996 was a dynamically better 911 than the last of the air-cooled 993, generation then the 997 C2 S further builds on that, with an extra dollop of power and improved build quality.
In manual form, the six-speed ‘box is one of Porsches best, with tight/ close ratios, whereas the seven-speed manual that followed in the 991, is not one of Porsche’s finest and is hampered by economy/ emissions dictated ratios.
It’s perfectly sized, too. Wide-bodied the 997 C2 S might have been in 2006, but by contemporary 911 standards, its positively snake-hipped, which matters on your favourite B-road, when there’s someone coming the other way in a towering Range Rover! Oh, and the PASM suspension offers a pliant platform that really works with our uniquely crumbling topography. The 997 chassis is still on the right side of analogue, likewise the steering.
And with a torquey 350bhp, from 3. 8-litres, it’s fast, real world fast, but not crazy, inaccessible fast and so you can dip in and out, with full control.
We rest our case!
In Summary
What can we add? Compared to so much in the world of Porsche, there’s no arguing that the 997 offers much bang for not a lot of bucks and a real sweet spot for a daily useable classic 911.
