Porsche 997 - Autoweek

I was reading in Autoweek that Porsche is vigorously working on their next car, the 997. autoweek claims the car will be launched in 2004 with a 3.8L 350HP V6. Anybody confirm/deny? I figured they would keep the redesigned 996 around from model years 2002 through 2004 and then redo in 2005. How do you make 2 new introductions (C4S & Targa) and then redesign less than 2 years later? Is this possible? Doesn't seem right to me

If a new engine, then certainly based on the Cayenne V8. There have been rumors that the 996's current engine will be upgraded to a 3.8 L engine with 335 hp in German magazines. Also that at some point the 996 turbo will be getting a Cayenne engine based turbo engine. The rear of the car will have to be raised, however, to make place for the V8. Remember that the 993 did not have too long a life span, and the 993C2S appeared briefly towards the end.

The expectation is that the 'new' model will appear as an '05 model, but could be released in late '04 (common). For me, I don't plan to buy another Porsche in its first model year. I bought a '99 996 Cab, Nov '98 delivery, and had the airbag light problem for months, among other minor problems. Then the '00's came out with a much better interior material for non leather dash. My plan is to get an '03 Cab later this year, then wait it out to see what comes from PAG in a few years.

I would think it to be very possible for the 997 to come out in late 2004. As far as the C4S and the Targa are concerned, look at the 993 versions. The 996 debuted in mid '98, only two and a half years after the C4s and targa were introduced. I would expect to see a new car in two and a half years down the road.

That should keep the resale values on the current crop higher, particularly the C4S!! maybe that's part of the Porsche strategy? It could backfire though if they make a habit of changing models so frequently.

Changing models so frequently ? The 996 was introduced in 1997 as a 1998 model in Europe, then in early 1998 in US as early '99 model. By the time the 997 comes out in late 2004 as '05 model, it will have been 7 years . If you look at BMW, MBZ, Audi, Lexus, Ferrari,etc., they are all on 6-8 year cycles - so this is right on schedule. The 993 was only sold in US between '95-'97 model years !

Unless you go for range toping TT, seems like the 'lower' range models are constantly being re-modelled. I fell particularly sorry for Boxster owners � first there was the �affordable� 2.5, then came the 911 rival 3.2, then a better value 2.7 now 8BHP more on both models notwithstanding the array of option items on the 2.5 which are now STD on all models. In keeping with the latest all singing all dancing model, they have to buy a new car every year! In Europe, I can buy an early model 2.5 LHD for less than half its launch price. That is shocking for a 5 year old Porsche.

[quote]Originally posted by MKW: <strong>Changing models so frequently ? The 996 was introduced in 1997 as a 1998 model in Europe, then in early 1998 in US as early '99 model. By the time the 997 comes out in late 2004 as '05 model, it will have been 7 years . If you look at BMW, MBZ, Audi, Lexus, Ferrari,etc., they are all on 6-8 year cycles - so this is right on schedule. The 993 was only sold in US between '95-'97 model years !</strong><hr></blockquote> My point of reference is the C4S. I suppose the entry of the "S" badge could indicate the end of the model run. Still, good news for "S" badge owners.

Happens across all model lines. For instance at BMW the M3, M5 usually come out 2-3 years after the base 3 and 5 series versions. So by the time you get one, the model run has only 2-3 years left before the new generation comes out, then you are driving " old generation " M car for another 2-3 years after seeing everyone else driving newer base models , if you must have the M version.

MKW I think the 993 was for sale on the shores from '94 to '98 as MY '95-'98. '97 was supposed to be the last year, but PAG had initial production problems with the 996, and delayed the launch for one year. Only S models and Cabs were available in '98. M in C

What an interesting position Porsche is in. If you all will recall, there was once another water-cooled Porsche with a 4.5L V-8 called the 928. Originally the 944 was supposed to have a 3.5L V-6 version of that engine, but cost constraints forced them to adopt 'half of the eight' for the new 944. I look forward to seeing what Porsche is going to do to the new 911. I read in an European magazine that the 2005 MY 911 was supposed to have the 4.5L Cayenne V-8, but at the time it was entirely spectulative. And for a bit of off-topic nonsense, would that last sentence be grammatically correct in the use of the word 'an' eventhough it seems so awkward when spoken aloud? Maybe those with a more linguistic background could shed some light on the subject. It would seem that if 'an European' is incorrect then those of us prediposed to preceeding words beginning in 'h' with the word 'an' would be in the wrong. An example would be: "Verily, a burning Porsche is an horrible sight to behold." Am I the only one who talks this way? Is it because of my Scotch/British blood?

Whilst on the subject of grammar, are you saying you are influenced by something you drank or your "scottish" heritage?

Car companies release special models late in the model range's lifespan for a reason. Simply to bring people in the showroom. Like BMW, the release the M5 2-2.5 years before the end of the E39 model line simply to get sales up. When the car is first introduced, lots of excitement of a new car. Couple years down the road, sales start to dwindle, so they release the exciting new and fast M5, people start coming back to the showroom to see it, maybe they can't afford an M5 quite, so they purchase a 540i sport.. I'm just using the M5 as an example, but I'm sure you all understand.

On another note, I'm sure resale value of their cars is far down the list in Porsche priorities..

Jon Your grammatical question is simple. I am unfamiliar with proper english grammar as found in England. However in the United States you should be using the word 'a'. As in a European magazine or a burning porsche. Regarding the redesign of the porsche. I HOPE porsche finally decides to be proactive in the performance (power) department. The 996 engine had to be tweeked because of the challenge from the M3. The next M3 will arrive again two years after the intro of 997. It will probably have 400 horsepower. The next corvette Z06 will have 450 hp. The M6 (approximate price range as a porsche non-tt) will have 500hp. If porsche makes a 997 with 335 hp, I am sad to say but I don't think I would buy it.

Sorry stopped the burning porsche line prematurely. It is a burning Porsche is a horrible...

Hmmmm... Maybe this... Maybe that... I know what I'd like (as if I'd have the $$$). Drop the flat six. Water cooled V6 or V8. (Turbo either or both). Oh yeah.. Flip it around too. I'd also like to see those fenders really buldge. Just my 2 cents. The above should Not be seen as an attack on any car, color, or creed. Cheers, Chris

Arghhh... Just once I'd like to post without some stupid typo! BULGE God Damn It!

Cmoss, 90 per cent of good writing is editing, or so they say. Go back and use your editing button! I do it most of the time.

[quote]Originally posted by Jon: <strong> And for a bit of off-topic nonsense, would that last sentence be grammatically correct in the use of the word 'an' eventhough it seems so awkward when spoken aloud? Maybe those with a more linguistic background could shed some light on the subject. It would seem that if 'an European' is incorrect then those of us prediposed to preceeding words beginning in 'h' with the word 'an' would be in the wrong. An example would be: "Verily, a burning Porsche is an horrible sight to behold." Am I the only one who talks this way? Is it because of my Scotch/British blood?</strong><hr></blockquote> You asked, and here's the answer. In cases where you aren't sure what to do, you should always write to the ear. Whatever sounds best is right. The usual rule is to use "an" in front of a vowel, except when that vowel is pronounced as a consonant. In this case, the EU in European is pronounced as a Y. That means "a" sounds, and reads, better. I am now going back to the 951 forum.

Right you are Peckster! Maybe even 95%, but winging it is so much more exciting. Plus, I'm a terrible speller.

Just heard Steve Dinan give a talk to some of us hardcore M-5 guys (yes, I dwell on the dark side also). He said that the performance models take longer to develop because the base designs aren't "finalized" until just prior to model release. In the case of Japanese autos, they constantly do small refinements after production has started, unlike America which will hold improvements until the next model year. Dinan said that he and "M" don't know what they have to work with until then. That is when they can start to design changes, and with the time it takes to tool up, you get the delay. He and his design philosophies are impressive.

Hi guys, the 997 has definetly no V8, nor is it planned for the 998. All future Carreras will not have a mid engine, since a Carrera must have 2+2 seats. To put the V8 in the rear end, the engine is too heavy and will disturb the drive dynamic. 3.8 liters is correct, power is somewhere between 330 and 350 HP. IMHO the first model has around 330, the later models 350. Dirk from Germany