Re: 500 miles Review
Even from a pricing stand point, I don't think that it's a coincidence that the turbo is more in line with the SL55/63 and DB9 rather than the Gallardo and F430. And there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever. Porsche, is not the one comparing the TT with the F430 and Gallardo. Rather it's the media and the consumers that are not catching on to this transition. For a small company, they made a killing off of the 996TT in coupe and convertible versions in comparison to the 993TT or the 964 turbo.
We all know that they can build an incredible sounding car like the CGT if they wanted to. But when they come out with an exhaust system on the new 997TT that is on the quieter side, everybody is perplexed, as if Porsche doesn't know what they are doing. They know exactly what they are doing. They are going were the money is. They are going after the main stream MB buyers who are not track oriented but are more about being seen in style while enjoying their comfortable daily commuter.
Why else would they even push the fact that the tip is faster than the manual if this was not the case? Again is it to compete with Ferrari and Lamborghini who have moved on to the racier F1 tranny or to go against the SL55/63? In the 80's and 90's it was blasphemy to even mention the turbo and automatic in the same sentence.
Who knows, perhaps Porsche is counting on the new GT2 to fill in the more hard core car role and go up against the F430 and Gallardo. If you think about it, the GT2 is definitely going to be a better match from a pricing stand point as well as the performance arena where it'll be lighter and more agile when competing with the F430 and Gallardo.
In any case, the 997TT is a great car and will undoubtedly be a great seller for Porsche. I just think that we as consumers, have to come to the realization that it's all about the money and Porsche will do whatever it needs to do to stay as one of the most profitable manufacturers in the world.
For me, as long as they build cars like the Carrera GT, the GT2 and the GT3, I will gladly wait in line with my check book in hand.
Amir