Thanks guys for all the great advice with so many great suggestions. You've all given me plenty of food for thought. I'm very grateful that so many of you voted in my poll and made the effort to reply.
@The Groom: AFAIK e-Gear in the new LP560 is now 40% faster in the fastest setting BTW. The only problem with a facelifted Targa is that it doesn't offer a significant power increase. Plus maybe it doesn't have that cosy feel of the coupe due to the glass roof.
@nberry: Thanks v much, I really appreciate the feedback. Even if I don't act on it now, I'll remember it for later. One day, health/wealth and other circumstances permitting, I will taste Ferrari ownership but for the time being, I don't think I've exhausted what my current 911 can offer me. I still think it's more an issue of these cars offering 'different' experiences rather than one being inherently more 'special' than the other. Still, although I may not share your view, I do respect your opinion all the same.
@atporsche: I've decided against the pure GTs/luxo-roadsters. Too soft for me.
@Silver Bullet, @Porsche-Jeck: such great advice
I certainly intend to attend some PDEs, other driving school courses and eventually track events no matter what happens and whether I change my car in future or not. It will open up a whole new dimension to what my car can do and maybe I won't feel like changing cars after all.
Porsche-Jeck, as ever, my friend, you know me very well and what you wrote is very perceptive indeed. I am very glad you always offer your wisdom so generously whenever it is needed most.
@mp: it may seem like my choices are all over the place but there is method behind my apparent madness
Basically the cars I listed are coupes/cabs that are either pure sportscar, sportscar/GT, pure GT. About budget, I don't mind spending up to GBPounds100k on top of the trade in value of my 997 C2S i.e. about GBPounds150k in total.
@Ferdie: BTW where is WBH? I haven't read any 'stream of consciousness' posts from him for some time. I may become a bit rusty at trying to decipher his messages
@beltar: thanks so much for your detailed reply. I am considering coming over to the track day at Zolder. Guess I would just have to consider myself uninsured though.
@porker: very innovative idea but I need a car not just for the outings/weekend trips but also for all the day to day mundane trips too. However, I just couldn't justify having a 911 AND supercar club membership at the same time. They cost anything from Pounds15k to Pounds25k per year for the better clubs with the better cars.
@69bossnine: I love the way you think
Reminds me of the saying, "a rental car will go on roads where even a 4x4 won't go".
@John H: yes, I did put a lot of thought into buying/speccing my car and yes, at the time of ordering it, I intended to keep it for a very long time. At the moment, I still intend to do precisely that! I am, after all, very far from being unhappy with my car. I really love it. But if I don't keep it for many years, it won't be because the spec wasn't right
I'm at least 95% certain to keep hold of it. The rationale for the thread was just to reconsider my options 16 months down the line to see if, after 2 years (including ordering/build time), something new might meet my needs better. A bit like, if you are in a particular job, even if you don't plan to move, you might, on a yearly basis, just reassess your situation and see what else is out there.
But don't worry, I'm not about to drive myself round the bend over this. It's not like getting my first Porsche. I'm staying grounded and not letting myself float away holding onto some fantasy.
@throt: yes mate, I still have the same opinion about M3 owners/drivers in London. I guess some of them are the richest thugs around.
The car is certainly good but being looked upon as 'one of them' in London is not very appealing.
@Porky Tokyo: yep, I can well imagine the way people boomerang back to Porsche etc. Yes, I bought it intending to keep it for a long time, and at present, that is still very much my intention after 16 months but nothing is set in stone. But like I said to John H, I'm at least 95% certain to stick with my original decision.
@Pink Panther: I find yours to be one of the more interesting stories of car ownership on Rennteam. I think we're very alike in respect of what we are looking for. So I especially appreciate the advice you gave me. Thanks v much again.
@boytronic: thanks - good suggestion
Actually, over the Easter weekend, when it wasn't snowing (!), I went for some nice long drives outside London so I definitely know and remember exactly why I love my 911 so much and exactly why I bought it in the first place. As Porsche-Jeck said, driving in London is enough to make anybody scratch their head and wonder whether their car is still as pleasing as ever. But he's 100% right. It's the roads and type of driving within the city that is all wrong not the car. With the right type of driving, a 911 is motoring heaven.
Once again guys, I can only express a very sincere and heartfelt thank you to all those of you who voted and offered your advice and wisdom to me. It's really very much appreciated.
All the best,
Easy
If you'll enjoy the experience (I've no doubt about it) the shortlist (poll) will look different afterwards 
My take is, it's not your car making you think about other options, it's just the missing thrill (driving in a not so sportscar-friendly environment most of the time). There is a medication against that - just get your prescription 
Have you now changed your mind 
,, you gave the M3 image a right good kicking a while back 
