997 have to wait till 2006?

Just talked with a Porsche dealer and he said the 997's wont be out till model year 2006, which means you can get your hands on one in September or so 2005. Anyone know any truth to this? I thought I'd be able to pick up a 2005 model sometime later this year, around September 2004. I hope he was wrong, most likely not though because he said he just came back from Cayenne training and thats where he found out. Ah well.

And did he then try to convince you to not wait that long, and buy one of the '04s he has on the lot? I can't imagine Porsche is telling anybody anything about the release date at this point, although I'd be quite surprised if the 997 didn't get released as a MY 2005 later this year.

As far as I know the 997 will be a 2006 Model year release in summer or fall of 2005, so the dealer sounds correct to me... Evan

Considering the "real" finished car hasn't even been shown, I doubt they'll be ready to sell them this summer.

Actually he didnt try to talk me into a 2003 or 2004 model too much . He did suggest I could get a "good" deal on some of the 03 models which were still sitting on the lot. Well I'm kinda bummed , but I will ask around some more to verify the 997 will be out late 2005. Only reason why I may NOT want the 997 are the potential "bugs" that accompany new models on their first production year. If I could get the 04 996 coupe with the 345bhp upgrade, full leather, 18"wheels, PSM for $80k(us) or less I might bite at the deal. Just havent made up my mind.

Porsche desing boss Harm Lagaay in his own words told the editor of 911 and Porsche World Magazine the focus for the remainder of 2003 was on the special models (C4S/Turbo cabs, GT-3) and that 2004 will be a much different year. He also said that both the 987/996 were well past normal development intervals (compared to 964/993 timelines. There is not a chance they will delay another full model year to release the new models. Watch for one or the other to appear at Geneva in March. The German magazines and boards are lit up with apparantly "inside" information also.

Well thats what I was afraid of: conflicting stories. In my positive attitude I dont think anyone is lying, just misinformed. I sure do hope late 04 I will see 997's selling around my neck of the woods. Maybe its possible that US will not get the 997's untill 05?

Dekard, I doubt you'll get an 04 with the X51 for $80K, unless it's end of model year, absolutely stripped, and the the 997 is out ..and the HP on that has been upped to 345 as well. But I've been wrong many times! I don't know but I would expect that the 997 will come this summer, and the Boxster replacement will come next year. Take a nap for a few months and everything will be clear, that way you'll have no regrets.

Yes that is exactly my concern. If the 997 has ~350 hp stock, and MSRP will not change much it will be a much better deal. The 996 coupe bone dry is $68,600 if I remember correctly, plus $13k for the engine upgrade

Right hand drive car for September 04 delivery as an '05 model. JM

i was in about 3 months ago asking about the 997 and the dealer told me it was another year too. in a few months the speculation should be over though.