997 Turbo - first short impressions
2. Tiptronic S requires a different driving/acceleration style, needs adaptation, may be frustrating at first
3. Tiptronic S works great with Sport Chrono active but requires a different driving/throttle style (compared to manual) to profit from it
4. Tiptronic S launch from standstill has been "de-tuned", it isn't as spontaneous as it was "before" if you fully press the throttle
5. as soon as the car moves and the boost kicks in, the car becomes a weapon, very dangerous for unexperienced drivers
6. car feels lights, same feel as 997 Carrera S but Turbo tends to more curve "hungry", it "turns" into the curve, a very dynamic and sporty drive feel but may pose a challenge for non-experienced drivers
7. steering feels almost same as 997 Carrera S, incl. the "lightiness", demanding a careful and experienced driver at the limit since the steering works very "sharp"
8. PASM sport setting too harsh, normal setting too comfortable but surprisingly you can be very fast with it
9. engine/exhaust sound is HORRIBLE, absolutely HORRIBLE. I would actually ask Porsche if they forgot to put an engine to the car if there wouldn't be that phenomenal boost. I really don't understand how Porsche can sell a 911 Turbo sportscar icon with that kind of sound, absolutely pathetic. No matter what rev range or what speed, there is no enjoyable exhaust/engine sound available.
10. no real understeer but heavy oversteer provocable, unexperienced drivers should be careful because the rear really starts dancing and it slides much faster than on the "old" 996 Turbo
11. fuel consumption around 16 l/100 km when driving at normal speeds, around 18 l with playing the throttle and around 20 litres at full power usage. Didn't get it below 16 l.
12. motorcycle riders started to greet me. First, I thought it was just a mistake but I met around 20 bikes, mostly superbikes and half of them greeted me. Seems I'm driving in a different car league now.
13. I already have dozends of finger prints on my car, a stop at the fuel station made me feel like Brad Pitt among a group of teenage schoolgirls. Never spent that much time at a fuel station to answer questions.
14. two cars almost reared me, thanks god I was looking in the rear view mirror. Others tried to keep up or came alongside to take pictures with cameras, camera phones, etc. Unbelievable.
15. PCCB brake is out of this world, can't say how much I love it, probably 30% of the fun with this car.
16. Tiptronic S as good as I expected, however a little disappointment with starting off from standstill. This can be "fixed" with keeping the left foot on the brake and accelerating up to 5000 rpm, at the same time releasing the brake suddenly and fully pressing the throttle then. Works like a charm, car goes off like a rocket but I had a different experience a couple of months ago and I'm sad it hasn't stayed that way.
All impressions with Sport Chrono activated!!!
If you have questions, I can answer them now. A full review will be available in around one to two weeks.