I haven't tried the 997S version yet but thats the impression I'm getting as well from the magazine tests and dinos.
To think that a "carrera" with only 355HP (with rear seats and PSM) tilting the scale just over 1400kg can lap the ring under 8 minutes on street tires is incredible and unprecendented, I know the new 997's chasis setup, wheel&tire combo and specially -20mm with rear LSD suspension has a lot to do with it, but I'm inclined to believe a couple of hidden extra ponies may have helped too