I was concerned about the gearing too but I must say that after yesterday's trip, it's not that bad, yes it's a tad long but there's descent torque too so it's ok, you'd definitely need to downshift to 1st gear for exit of mountain hairpins.

I was more troubled by the electric steering, it was my first experience driving an EPAS Porsche (except the Cayenne which is no sports car) and I can see where the criticisms are coming from.

Driving the RS 4.0 the day before certainly didn't help, but there is vagueness to the steering feel off center which feels very artificial, one you go into curves, it's better but there is a layer of feedback removed, it's obvious. Not a deal breaker at all, it's really bad when you drive the car back to back with a 997 RS mostly. On it's own, it's just fine. For those who haven't driven a 997 GT, just don't and the steering feedback is fine.