Very early 991 cabrio questions? 2012-1/2?
02-05-2018, 05:27 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
Very early 991 cabrio questions? 2012-1/2?
I'm looking at a very early 991 Cabrio. The production date and VIN decoder indicate it was made in April of 2012. It's a Cabrio Carrera. All the "car research sites" show all 2012's as 3.6L - indicating 997 chassis and engine. This one is clearly a 991 body, wasn't sure what the change over point was in the model years. I pulled up the build sheet with the deal vin-decoder, it says 991, but doesn't list an engine type, the options generally agree with what the car has in it at this point.
02-05-2018, 06:02 PM
#2
What are these "car research sites" you refer to in quotes? The first production year of the 991 is commonly referred to as a 2012.5, though I can't help you with a firm cutoff between 997 production and 991 production. Pretty easy to spot the 991 from the build sheet, vin, or visual appearance, so I don't see how that creates any concern.
02-05-2018, 06:10 PM
#3
I'm pretty sure that all 2012.5 911's (i.e. 991.1) say "2012 Porsche 911 The New 911 Carrera" on the top of the Build (VIN Decoder) Sheets. Exact phrasing will vary depending on if it's an "S", etc. That's the way they easily differentiate between the different 2012's (997 vs 991)
02-05-2018, 08:14 PM
#4
Racer
Thread Starter
It is confusing for me since I don’t know the history very well.
Most of the car pricing tools online are assuming the early 2012.5 are 997. Also my bank thinks they 997 models with 3.6 engines.
I dont think think any of the “bluebooks” distinguish 2012 from 2012.5.
Most of the car pricing tools online are assuming the early 2012.5 are 997. Also my bank thinks they 997 models with 3.6 engines.
I dont think think any of the “bluebooks” distinguish 2012 from 2012.5.
02-05-2018, 08:24 PM
#5
Rennlist Member
And doing some searching online tonight somewhere in the world 991.1's must have been available in 2011.
I'm seeing more and more references to 2011 as the start for 991's and I don't know why.
I'm seeing more and more references to 2011 as the start for 991's and I don't know why.
02-05-2018, 11:39 PM
#6
Racer
Thread Starter
The dealer VIN decoder link I found in another thread produces a PDF that shows it as a "2012 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (991)", along with the equipment list that appears to be correct.
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02-06-2018, 01:30 AM
#8
I read something about this in a book I have about the 996s (I think it was called "996 The essential companion"?), anyway the US likes to release new models in August and date them for the following year (I have to imagine this is a marketing thing but I am guessing), whereas ROW has laws that indicate a car model year is dictated by (gasp!) what year it was ACTUALLY manufactured in. This is what lead to 99 being the first year for the 996 here in the US but there are 98s out there in existence. I can't say definitely that is what is happening with the 991 but it does make sense...
02-06-2018, 02:19 PM
#10
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If it is a 991 then it is a 3.4 (base) or a 3.8 (S). the 3.6 was for TURBOS only and consistent in 997.2 cars.
I bet the VIN is wrong if its showing a 997 and 3.6 - likely a TURBO vin.
I bet the VIN is wrong if its showing a 997 and 3.6 - likely a TURBO vin.
02-07-2018, 02:38 PM
#11
Three Wheelin'
According to Porsche 911 Red Book: "The type 911 Porsche Carrera...were unveiled on August 23, 2011, and launched on December 5 of that year as 2012 models." The Carrera models had a 350 HP 3.4 liter motor while the Carrera S had a 400 HP 3.8 liter motor. The confusion lies with the fact that Porsche also marketed late production 997's as model year 2012. Informally, the early 991's were given the model year 2012.5 designation to differentiate from the MY 2012 997's. Got it??: 