I am looking for your opinion, especially from those of you who have been Porschefiles for some time. In your opinion, and solely based on the spy photos, do you think the new 991 represents a larger step, similar step, or lesser step than previous model upgrades? I’m more interested in later models which I am familiar with: say, 993 to 996, 996 to 997, and now 997 to 991.
I am confused. I look at the photos, and granted they are professional and taken from the best angles, maybe even photoshopped, but I see little difference to my 997. Sometimes, when I compare my 997 to the 996, I see even smaller differences making me think the new 991 is “leap” forward vs current.
Another, but closely related, question is: given that the 997 is almost as pretty as the 993 (almost, I said almost), but that the 993’s life extension was greatly helped by the less attractive 996, do you think the 997 will fall in good company with the 993 or will the 991 makes us forget 997 even existed?
Thanks.

 

From my point of view, and as an avid obsesser of Porsche's design work, I think the change was a bit more evolutionary than it was 996-997. Not as much as 993-996, but just a bit more than 996-997.

When I look at the 997, I think damn, that's a good looking fresh car, and every part about the design seems right. But when I look at the 991, it makes the 997 look dated. I didn't think it was possible, but Porsche have managed to make the 997 look dated (though VERY SLIGHTLY). I think the 997 will age very well though, as did the 993.

I don't think the 991 will make us think the 997 never existed, but I also don't think it will be like it was when the 996 came into view. I think something will happen that hasn't ever happened. I think the 991 will come and we will all love it, but the 997 will still be a great car, and won't either lose or gain popularity. It's just the 991 will be more popular.

 

See here - https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...11-leaked.html

 

Can't wait to see what the Turbo and GT3 looks like, the 991 does seem very aggressive and modern looking.
Watching the 997.1 grow into a 991, I think it may be time for a Cayman. It's just losing the sports car feel and turning into a big luxury GT car like the Aston Martin. Then again maybe I'll just drop a 991 engine in my 996 and have the best thing about it.

 

I don't particularly care for the front fog lights and surrounding trim. I can take or leave everything else about the car. The 997.2 might be the sweet spot. I'm in love with my Gen. 2 Cayman and see no need to change.

 

>991 engine in my 996

it will probably be impossible as they altered frame on 991 car. best bet is GTS 408hp DFI engine - but it is not clear how many of those will be available in 3-4 years. plus you`ll need new ecu, wiring, total price will be quite high.

but it is possible - i saw a post of BGB (imho) club doing it to thier racing caymans. gts motor is sweeet.

 

yup, much cheaper then buying a new one and not liking the looks or losing the rawness and gaining all the electronics

 

it looks an awful lot like a Cayman- interior is nice - closer to a Panamera - especially the console... just can't get past the front end - that's my favorite part on the 997's...

 

I think both the lower part of the front and the whole rear are downright ugly. The front looks like it was designed by two different people who didn't speak to each other during the design process.

On the bright side, this saves me quite a bit of money.

 

I remember my brother's 993 getting stares, and stares, not to mention compliments, 4 and 5 years into the 996 era. It wasnt until the 997.1 came out before the 993 started to show age. I'm hoping the same for my 997.2, but I am afraid it will look outdate the minute the 991 hits the roads. I really hope not-- I am all with you and hope that my love for the 997 continues well past the euphoria of the new car.

 

I suspect that many laymen will not be able to discern the difference between 997.2 and 991 (much like laymen have trouble discerning the difference between anything pre 996). visually the 997 and 991 share a lot thought the 991 is has more tension in the curves and is slightly more angular.

 

The beauty and boredom of the 911 series is that you can grow old with it. The 997 will look and feel just fine even after the 991 hits. Heck, even the 996 MK2s look great to this day. If it's dated in your eyes, and since some of you seem pretty concerned about turning heads, then sell your 997 get the 991. Simple.

 

Plus 1

 

Big step: 997.2 to 991. It's a new chassis. From what I've read (non-Porsche resources), the wheelbase is longer and the body is longer. I'm not sure what the list of other changes are, but based on Porsche's modus operandi, the 991 will largely carry over 997.2's drivetrain under a new body and more creature comforts. I read somewhere that from the 996 to 997, every body panel is different except the roof. I bet Porsche starts a new amortization table for the tooling on the 991's roof panel.

Bigger step: 997.1 to 997.2. New engine designs were introduced for the 997 refresh. Why do I think new engines is a bigger change than all-new chassis? It's my judgment call, but Porsche has shown it can go decades with the same engine architecture, while upgrading the body periodically. From 1963 to 1997, the 911 had been using the same fundamental engine architecture. Porsche's next generation 911 powerplant lasted from 1997 to 2008. The 911 is on its 3rd engine concept, but on its umpteenth front bumper tweak.

Biggest step: 993 to 996. This was a clean sheet drivetrain and body redesign. I imagine the only limitations on the designers were that the new 911 have a H-6 in the back and look like a 911. I think I read somewhere that the 993 and all models before it share the same windshield and doors. Leaving that behind is betting the farm.

 

I've owned a 964, 993, 996, and 997. Based on what I've seen thus far, the 991 will be accepted and desired as the next 911. It keeps getting better and better.