tlippold

Hi everyone. Are there any significant differences between the 997.2 model years (2009-2012). In the market for one and wanted to understand any major feature or technical differences. Thanks!

Hula

Early 2009 PSE was not available. Thumb switches instead of paddles for the PDK. "Beer belly" steering wheel.
2011s with PDK have a third center radiator installed as standard in NA.

tlippold

What is a beer belly steering wheel? Was the third radiator added to improve cooling for the PDK?

Ironman88

Standard steering wheel in '09 vs an upgraded one...



Original (with PDK buttons) - '09 C2S

Upgraded Sport Design with paddle shifters

Hula

I take that back. The 997.1 had a different, more bulky, steering wheel design. The 997.2 did upgrade the style but had the thumb switches but it can be swapped out for paddles.

The third radiator is recommended for track use. It can be retrofitted. The third radiator keeps things cooler and came standard in hot climates. After some PDK failures in early cars Porsche NA added it as standard.

Floyd540

I am not a PDK guy, so no comment on that. No major changes occurred during the model .2 generation. However there were many revisions and improvements during the 3 years. There is some confusion (probably mine) as to the introduction of the complete new brake system for Carrera model. The 2011 definitely has them. Also some features were added as standard on the 2011 models. So , lots of small differences but not enough to make a buy/don't buy decision. The HPFP issue was not sorted out by the 2011 model year. My 2011 car had the pump replaced in 2015 by dealer campaign. The .2 generation has not shown any serious problems which is a miracle since the power train was brand new. (MT was a carryover from .1)
No real evil lurks in the .2 generation. Enjoy the hunt.