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Design
The Porsche Type 997, or simply 997 is the project code name for the current version of the Porsche 911, built by Porsche since 2004. Production began in July 2004 and two variants, the Carrera and Carrera S coupés, were available immediately. The all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S versions began shipping in November 2005.

The base Carrera has essentially the same 3.6 L flat-6 engine that its predecessor, the Type 996 Carrera used, producing 239 kW (325 PS). The Carrera S uses a new 3.8 L flat-6 engine producing 261 kW (355 PS). The X51 powerkit with a 381 hp power output is available as an option for the Carrera S, Carrera 4S, and Targa 4S models.

While the exterior styling is changed and especially the 997 Carrera S and Carrera 4S models don't share any parts with its predecessor, the 996, it is again more evolution than revolution, typical of Porsche and the Carrera. The most notable difference between 997 and outgoing 996 is the return to circular headlights, like those of pre-996 Carreras, with separate indicator units. The interior has been almost entirely re-invented and all the controls are new.

Performance
According to testing carried out by several American automotive publications the Turbo model can go from a stop to 60 in about 3.3 seconds and trip the quarter lights in the mid 11 second range. The Carrera S model is capable of going 0 to 60 in as little as 3.9 seconds, and carries a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph), while the standard model is slightly slower, with the capability to run 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 285 km/h (175 mph); note, however, that these figures contradict the conservative official Porsche figures.

The Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S will use the same engines as the Carrera and Carrera S, respectively. Visually, the rear bodywork is nearly 2 in (50.8 mm) wider over larger tires. The all wheel drive system sends between 5% and 40% of engine torque to the front wheels as needed.

View 997s in available colors (this is a new page and will expand in the coming weeks).

This table shows official Porsche peformance figures, which are usually conservative. Independent automobile magazines may find acceleration times less than those shown above.

Note: 0-60 acceleration times refer to the time taken to reach 60 miles per hour (about 97 kilometers per hour).

Special Editions
In 2006, the Porsche 911 Club Coupe was produced in limited numbers (50) as a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Porsche Club of America (PCA). The first production model was returned to the Porsche Museum in Germany and one lucky PCA member won the fiftieth model in a sweepstakes drawing. The remaining 48 models were offered to randomly chosen PCA members who applied to purchase this extremely rare car. The Porsche 911 Club Coupe which is available only in the unique Azurro California color, comes equipped with a more powerful 381 hp motor thanks to the X51 Powerkit. Other features unique to this special model include a vehicle identification number (VIN) which ends with the production number and special commemorative badging and door sills which adorn the interior.


Turbo
The 997 Turbo debuted in February 2006 at the Geneva Motor Show. It uses a new front bumper with LED parking lights in a horizontal bar through the air intake. The fog lights are moved to the corners of the bumpers. Large air intakes in front of and behind the rear wheels are other obvious visual cues. The retractable rear wing is also one of the highlights, a feature which has been available on the 996 Turbo too.

The engine is reported to be based on the rugged and very reliable 964/GT1 design at 3.6 L with power output at 353 kW (480 PS) and 620 N·m (457 ft·lbf). The turbochargers will include BorgWarner's new Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG), which uses guide vanes located in front of the turbine wheel that modulates inflow angle and speed. While the 911 Turbo is the first non-diesel production car to feature a variable geometry turbine, a similar approach was used by Garrett Systems starting in 1989 with the Shelby CSX, that used variable nozzles instead. The optional Sport Chrono Package includes a temporary 2.9 psi overboost, upping peak torque to 680 N·m (502 ft·lbf) for ten second bursts.

According to official Porsche figures, it produces 480 hp, accelerates 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds with manual transmission and 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.4 seconds with Tiptronic S transmission, which is more than enough to edge out it's current rival from Ferrari, the new F430. It has also recorded a 0-60mph time of 3.2 seconds at the hands of US motoring publication MOTORTREND - eclipsing all of its major competitors and even Porsche's own Carrera GT supercar. The turbo has a top speed of 193 miles per hour.

A Turbo Cabriolet is expected in the near future.

GT3
The 997 GT3 model also debuted at Geneva in 2006. Like previous GT3 models, it is a way for Porsche to homologate aerodynamic features for racing, as well as a starting model for customer racing. The 997 GT3 is priced at US$106,000 and uses an updated version of the naturally-aspirated 3.6 L flat-6 from the 996 GT3. This engine produces 415 hp(PS)/409bhp (309 kW) and weighs 3075 lb (1395 kg) with a new variable intake system. It has an 8400 rpm redline which is the same as the 612 bhp Carrera GT's. Torque is also up to 299 ft·lbf (405 N·m).

The GT3 body includes a special front bumper which increases cooling for the front-mounted radiators as well as a split spoiler at the rear. The GT3 also includes a special rear bumper and center tailpipes which draw heat away from the engine. It is lowered and rides on 30-series 305 mm (12 in) tires on 19 in (483 mm) wheels.

The 997 GT3 is more driver-friendly than its predecessor, with "comfort" seats and the Porsche Communication Management system installed. The special RS model will strip most of these luxuries out for strict track use. The RS version will be released in Europe in October 2006; the North American release is spring 2007.

The ratios on the six-speed transmission are more aggressive, allowing the GT3 to hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, a half second quicker than the 996 version. It will continue to 100 mph (161 km/h) in 8.7 seconds and has an ungoverned 193 mph (311 km/h) top speed.

Watch the Top Gear Video on the Isle of Man comparing a Porsche 997 C2S vs BMW M6 vs Aston Vantage V8 - Here

Watch the Fifth Gear review of the Porsche 997 Turbo - Here

Porsche 997 Carrera and Carrera S promotional video clip - Here

Read a great article on the Sport Chrono Package - article from Total 911 magazine.