http://www.fastdrive.org/news.php?extend.47

internal and external photo and cool article

That link doesnt work for me so I'll post this from yesterday:

Embargo: May 11th 2004

New Porsche 911 Revealed

Latest generation of design classic on sale in September

Porsche today releases first pictures of its new 911 model. On sale in the UK from September 18th, this latest generation (Type 997) builds on the proven strengths of the 911 model line to move the evolution of the iconic sports coupe on another stage. The established design cues that have made the Porsche 911 recognisable the world over are given new energy, and further changes under the skin provide increased efficiency, more safety and greater levels of driving enjoyment.

Two new 911 models will be launched simultaneously: the 911 Carrera with a 239 kW (325 bhp), 3.6 litre six cylinder ‘boxer’ engine, and the 911 Carrera S, powered by a newly-developed 3.8 litre engine, which delivers 261 kW (355 bhp). With torque output of 400 Nm (295 lb ft), the S model accelerates from zero to 100 kph (0-62 mph) in 4.8 seconds. The Carrera achieves this in exactly five seconds. Top speeds for the Carrera and Carrera S are 177 mph (285 kph) and 182 mph (293 kph) respectively.

The new 911 models will be launched across continental Europe on July 17th and will go on sale throughout the UK from September 18th. The car will make its world Motor Show debut at the Paris Salon in September.

Both 911 models have a newly-developed six-speed manual gearbox and revised chassis dynamics, which includes active suspension, called "Porsche Active Suspension Management" (PASM). In the "normal" position, PASM provides a sporty and comfortable balance to the suspension; engaging the "sport" function, however, makes the suspension firmer providing enhanced agility for enthusiastic drivers. PASM is fitted as standard on the S model and available as an option on the Carrera. A further option for both models is a sports suspension package, which lowers the body by 20 mm, offered in combination with a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The specification of the wheels and tyres fitted to the Porsche 911 has also evolved: the 911 Carrera now has, as standard, 8J x 18 wheels with 235/40 ZR 18 tyres at the front and 10J x 18 wheels with 265/40 ZR 18 tyres at the rear. For the first time, 19 inch diameter wheels are available on the Porsche 911 and the Carrera S is equipped with 8J x 19 wheels with 235/35 ZR 19 tyres (front) and 11J x 19 wheels with 295/30 ZR 19 tyres (rear).

The design of the latest Porsche 911 is a logical continuation of the 911 story, now in its 41st year. The result of the new exterior design – including a wider track and more emphasis on the waist – is a 911 which is even more dynamic, clear, powerful and, at the same time, elegant. Other features of the evolutionary design are new circular headlamps, more prominent bumpers and wheelarches, dual-arm exterior mirrors, altered seam characteristics and a more aerodynamic rear spoiler.

The price for the new Porsche 911 Carrera is £58,380 (including VAT) and £65,000 for the 911 Carrera S. Both models offer Porsche Stability Management (PSM) fitted as standard. These prices also include UK specification feature content including full leather interior trim and graduated tinted windscreen.

The new Porsche 911 will not be shown at The Sunday Times Motor Show Live at the Birmingham NEC in May.

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http://www.flat-6.net/view.php?model=997&sel=997%20Carrera&tab=oview

http://speed.supercars.net/boardpics/2004-4-10/2270444-Hyundai%20Driverd.jpg

http://speed.supercars.net/boardpics/2004-4-10/2270553-Pendulumd.jpg

I like the circular headlamps that this 997 has. It really looks more like the 993. The 996 cars are very nice looking, especially the Carrera 4s', but this car looks like a good successor as far as style. Now all we need to see is the 997 GT2.

p.s. Porsche is coming out with a Boxster coupe. That should be popular among the autocross audience. I really do like porsches, my dad used to have a 944. It was a great car, and nothing of the half wit Porsche that purists thought.

Hi

I dont wanna be a d*ck or anything, but the new 911 looks like an update rather then an actual new car.

Look at the difference between the older versions, like the 996 and 995, or even the 995 and 994.

It looks like it was designed back in 1998. I don't think porsche pushed the envelope far enough.

Anyway thats my opinion.

Do you think it has something to do with Porsche's shift from a sports car company to an SUV company.

Sometimes change is too much of a bad thing. Subtle differences are nice. Hopefully all of the change is under the hood. Would it be the boot? jk...

I am disappointed with their suv attempt. I see those peppers all over town. I guess it is better than the alternative suvs', but it is still disappointing. It may be fast, but it is not a sports car!!! It seems as if people accept these cayenne things more than non-911 cars. I hope I am wrong. I wonder how they are selling?

-Ben

The Cayenne SUV makes up 2/3 of Porsche's North American sales.

All I was saying is that the New 911, in my opinion, is not a radical enough car to warrant a new 997 designation.

I understand that the basic layout/shape of the 911 is querky

and difficult to shape.

but I also think a client who is willing to pay well over a hundread thousand for a car deserves more then just an update.

Am I the only one who thinks that Porsche is very secretly owned by VW.

The 997 is a welcome departure from the styling that has become common to the boxster and 996. Good news is that the front end is reminiscent of the 993, Porsches best looking 911. It is a start but for me much of the "sports car" feel is gone from the new Porsches. Yea, they are great cars and very fast, but not like the old light and nimble RS's. I am not complaining, I just think that Porsches shouldn't have power steering and weigh more than 3000lb's.

My Z weighs less than my 911 and that is precisely why I like it so much.

In my opinion it's a step backwards.. the awkwardly proportioned front looks like it was designed in 1998 and the rear is ALMOST brilliant, but just doesn't get there. The interior now resembles a Toyota, at least, in grey it does. I'll wait for the 998 before purchasing.

Wow, Crystal finally gets her forum. And her first post--NOT! Funny, I didn't see simultaneous cross-posts to ZCAR.com and others like in the past. Losing your edge, Crystal?

steve

For good reason it is a step backwards. The 996/Boxster identical front ends did not set the two models apart enough. This new design is a good thing, part retro was its intent. More 993ish.

I agree that the Interior is bland. For that kind of money it should have more character. It can still be light weight and have style at the same time.

Better hurry up if you are ever going to get one since I'm afraid that the 998 will be more like a cadillac than a sports car.

BTW, I would still be happy to drive one.

Originally posted by getrdone

For good reason it is a step backwards. The 996/Boxster identical front ends did not set the two models apart enough. This new design is a good thing, part retro was its intent. More 993ish.

Yeah, I know. That was the whole point of the facelifted 996. My point is I think they were on a good thing with the introduction of non-circular headlights, this new 997 is way too 'safe'. Porsche seems to be increasingly driven by profit over passion. Although.. new 911 models were never really revolutionary. I guess this is just natural progression. It's frustrating though!

Better hurry up if you are ever going to get one since I'm afraid that the 998 will be more like a cadillac than a sports car.

I certainly hope not :( Seems like thats the way it'll be though doesnt it

Originally posted by getrdone

The 997 is a welcome departure from the styling that has become common to the boxster and 996. Good news is that the front end is reminiscent of the 993, Porsches best looking 911. It is a start but for me much of the "sports car" feel is gone from the new Porsches. Yea, they are great cars and very fast, but not like the old light and nimble RS's. I am not complaining, I just think that Porsches shouldn't have power steering and weigh more than 3000lb's.

My Z weighs less than my 911 and that is precisely why I like it so much.

You can't forget the GT3. I hope that Porsche continues the GT3 because it is a serious naturally asperated lightweight racing machine. :devious:

Ben