quickxotica

Now that the factory 991 brochures & spec sheets are out in public, I thought it would be good to start a thread where people can list the new features that they love & hate.

Please avoid any discussion of aesthetics in this thread. Opinions about aesthetic design are individual. Rather, this is a place to give feedback on new mechanical/functional elements of the 991.

My lists:
THE GOOD: (i.e. Hey, Porsche, thanks for…)
1. No compulsory sunroof
2. Less weight
3. Mechanical LSD standard on manual S (& optional on the base)
4. ISOFIX child seat lower anchors standard on rear seats, (+ optional on front passenger seat)
5. PASM Sport option retained (+ now includes changes to front air dam & rear wing)
6. Ducktail option (available in Europe, presumably in USA eventually)
7. Oil temp gauge
8. Dynamic Engine Mounts (although I wish it were stand-alone option, rather than bundled w/ Sport Chrono)
9. More power with greater fuel efficiency
10. 245mm front tire width

THE BAD: (i.e. Aw-Shucks, why'd you do that?)
1. Closed-backed calipers (the end of quick brake-pad changes)
2. Large center console = less knee-room for heel&toe work
3. No less than 20” diameter wheels available on the S
4. Sport Chrono still lacking a “wart-delete” sub-option
5. How about giving us a non-PASM (fixed rate shocks) SPORT (-30mm) suspension option?

Please feel free to add your own lists. Who knows... maybe Porsche AG will read this?

Riz

Good: Engine still in back
Lighter
More power

Bad: Electrohydraulic steering
Bigger and bulkier in size
Shifter too high
Handbrake uses a button
7 speed manual
Only 20" wheels
Ugly big sunroof if you choose to get it
3.4L for base car, same as Boxster S/Cayman S

Keadog

Bad: appears you can't delete "PORSCHE" on back deck. Yuk. If it isnt glued on and can't be removed, that will be a problem for me. I like debadged vehicles and that huge Porsche lettering looks awful.
No fan of 20" wheels as compulsory on the S.
Seems like you can't paint center console in exterior color (just that little thin strip).
Don't care about bigger, cushier, etc. I'm up for the full GT experience at this point and dont fancy myself a boy racer.

alexb76

Just adding what's missing (or I disagree)

Good:
- MUCH better exhaust tone than 997.2 [based on current videos, recordings]
- Better weight distribution
- More power - better MPG
- 7 speed manual (positive for me instead of negative)
- More rear seat room
- Still looks like a 911 (was worried it may not)
- Silver pieces look like real Aluminium instead of fake plastic [remains to be confirmed]

Bad:
- Electrical steering (WORST new feature)
- HUGE Center console (mini Panamera)
- Sedan look/feel of interior
- Rear spoiler and engine bay do NOT follow the roofline anymore
- 20" STANDARD wheels on "S" models (cannot be optioned off to 19")
- Inability to debadge the rear
- Electrical Handbrake
- UGLY sunroof
- CANNOT paint centre console or do it in Carbon, etc...

Eric - Plug Guy

Just an FYI....nearly every badge on the rear decklid comes off with dental floss - no biggie to debadge.

Unless they decide to go with pins and rivets, debadging should be simple.

Biggest bad for me: the high shifter.

JW911

Good: Navigation is now standard. This is a big surprise. Porsche is not prone to throwing anything in for free. It's all about running the price up with option after option.

Riz

Bad- PTV standard on the S.

Bill_C4S

Riz - am curious, why do you consider Porsche Torque Vectoring to be "Bad"?

kosmo

Good: the fact that not only did P continue a Stick but they added another Gear!
Bad: 1. 20 in wheels are a JOKE. Looks like i'll be swapping them for 19 from the Base.
2. Brakes are too small
3. No grill in front to protect radiators from debris!
4. Side/door storage compartments are NOT fully enclosed. I like the way it is in the 997- can Hide crap in there.

jason74

Why is Nav even needed anymore as opposed to being a great standard feature? All they did is raise the price for an obsolete option. My iPhone costs way less, and works better than the current gen of Nav anyways...

Mike in CA

If you do a lot of long distance travel Nav can be very helpful in places where cell phone service is spotty or non-existent. Displays of distance to turns, road configuration, trip and travel time info, etc. are more detailed and easily read on an in-dash screen. And it's easier and safer to input to while driving than a cell phone. To your point, whether that's worth the added cost is an open question.

jason74

I do agree with your points about use of Nav except for the ease of input (997.1 at least). To me, it is rare that I use it. The time that I used mine was looking for roads that appeared twisty when out for a spirited drive at the lake.

I mostly feel that making it standard is just like how the 997 sunroof was standard. I rarely open it, carry it's extra weight, listen to it rattle, but still paid for it...

Dr. G

Does the US get the stop/start feature?

Mike in CA

Yes, but it can be switched off with a button. It stays switched off, even after a restart, until you manually re-engage it.

micahbones

Can't answer for Riz, but agree with him for two reasons:

1. can't be disabled
2. utilizes the brakes on inside wheel to distribute power to the outside wheel, thus causing (IMO unnecessary) brake pad wear and heat, especially during spirited or track driving

Ask current 997 GT3 owners what happens to their rear brake pads when they leave TC on during track days...