MarkN:
Interesting exhaust comparison, thank you. If the 997.2 exhaust tips are too large - I tend to agree, almost cartoon like - you can certainly say the apertures in the 997.1 are too large which makes the exhaust tips look a bit whimpy. The 997.2 had better sound good, though of course we know it probably will not.
Porsche design is all over the place. Whatever they do, there are details which grate. Whether it's the absurdity of having to have the chrono clock thing in order to have the functionality which comes with it, the ghastly new steeering wheel or the piggy-eye fog lights, I do not know what Porsche are doing. they seem incapable of updating the classic 911 design without messing it up while elsewhere, they throw in 911 styling cues to make someone driving a Panamera thing he's driving a 911. He's not.
I'm pleased the RS Spyder wheels are here even though they cost. I never liked the 997.1 ones and I don't like the 997.2 standard ones.
So why I'm pleased with the scope of the facelift - and it is only a facelift remember, designed to slot in easily to the existing line - there's some I do not like. Then factor in the new that Porsche is now definitely going to lose its independence to VW and it's a sad day.
Fiat have always kept their hands off Ferrari but I doubt VW will do the same, witness the poaching of the Lamborghini engine for the Audi R10.
Hi Mark,
If it's me you were thanking, you're welcome. I am nutty about my Turbo baby, and about Porsche, but will pull no punches when I see flaws.
I agree with you, that the oval tip of 997.1, funny enough, now looks small. But, bottom line: Exhaust tip is meant to be ROUND and the designer of both 997.1 and 997.2 tips should be fired.
And unfortunately I am 99% certain the stock exhaust won't sound good. The turbo muffles the sound, plus there are noise, emission, etc., constraints, so your stock car will sound like a loud Lexus. This could be very easily changed; check out Cargraphic in my signature. Not only will it sound better, but by reducing back pressure, it will improve performance as well.
Did you order a 997.2? If so, congratulations. Which one did you order? PDK or manual? We are all nit picking the car to death here but mark my words: The 997.2 Turbo with PDK will be a stupendously fast car with ring time that will put my 997.1 Turbo and many other world class sport cars to shame. The combination of PDK with Turbo is a match made in heaven as there will be no drop in boost and power will be uninterrupted. Passengers WILL want to jump out of this car at WOT .
If you like automatic, this PDK is an absolute no brainer. For manual die-hard like me, PDK is a tough choice. So fast, but will it "feel" good?
I don't think PDK 997.2 Turbo will be ECU-tunable, but it will be so fast there is a reasonable chance you won't need to.
I believe Manual 997.2 Turbo will be ECU-tunable since when there is a will (the will is the $ sign), there will be a way. Either way, PDK or manual, I am somewhat envious of the 997.2 Turbo owners , especially the ones with PDK.
I don't like the RS Spyder wheel because of that CL system. I am suspicious of how user-friendly it will be at the track, or when you have a flat. It's the nicest OEM wheel, but the HRE P40 is a better design and a 3D work of art compared to the flat RS Spyder design.
More specifically, Buddha only knows why Porsche seems to target the Turbo, and only the Turbo in the 911 family, as recipient of some of the most dubious and cheesy components:
1. Oval exhaust tip. Why oh why.
2. Horrible stock wheel of 997.1 Turbo with multiple slats and shiny finish.
3. CHROME Turbo badge. Come on, Porsche! Chrome?
4. The golf ball front lights. Lord have mercy.
That said, in the end, with a little mod, I wouldn't say that I am unhappy with what greets me every morning. The Turbo nuclear power plant is a once-in-a-lifetime must-try, and I am indeed star-struck every time I see her.
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Regards,
Can
997 Turbo + Bilstein Damptronic ( Review ) + GIAC ECU Tune ( Fast as a torpedo & reversible to stock - Review ) + Cargraphic Exhaust ( Oh heavenly noise! )