Dear 001,
My Porsche sources say the 997(2005-2007) update will only apply to the non-turbo models. The Turbos will remain on the 996 platform.
Then after a couple years they will come out on the 998 platform (2007-2008). The lights on the 998 will be almost identical to the Carrera GT lights, while the 997 will have retro look lights. Engine wise, the 997 will have a few more horses, but the 998 will have Cayenne derived v8 engines tunes to 400hp stock and 500hp in turbo form. The interior on the 997 is derived from the cayenne and will continue unchanged on the 998.
The double clutch gearbox will be available on the 997 and 998. 19 inch wheels will be available on 997 with 18 inch as standard. Also the 997/998 are going to have more standard features than present.
Prices are expected to be almost the same. However the 998 v8 will be significantly more. Also the "big heads” at Porsche have not yet decided whether to only have the flat 6 on the Boxster and have the Carrera only run the V8, or have the Carrera running the V8 and flat 6 stretched to clost to 4.0L.
Thats what I know for sure, more to come…
997 Update!
Seems like this is the suspected timing:
2004 late: C2 and C2S Coupe
2005: C2S Cab and C4S Coupe
2006: C4S Cab (400hp), GT3 and Turbo
2007: GT2
2008: 998
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From the latest AutoBild article....and with some try at translation,
this is what the scoop is saying:
The new design 997 will appear only as Coupé. However there are two different versions starting from Carrera 2 and the Carrera 2S with wider rear flared fenders, 19" wheels and sport chassis. The new C2/S Cabrio and the C4/S Coupé follow in 2005, the C4/S Cabrio with 400 HP strong, GT3 as well as the Turbo with all-wheel drive and 460 HP appears in 2006.
Targa and the second edition of the GT2 complete 2007 offerings. The 911 gets more capacity (3.8 instead of 3.6 litres), more power (340 instead of 320 HP) and when desired a Tiptronic transmission with more gears (six instead of five).
The cockpit with better readable instruments, better formed seats and a completely better quality is likewise new. But the 997 is only a further evolution stage, not a genuine new development. For that we wait until 2008.
Talk to you soon,
Tiger Tanaka