Just got back from Ira Porsche with the new atlas/black C2 . 500 miles, half dry, half rain. All highway driving, so I can't comment on how it feels on the twisties, but I really enjoyed the ride home. Speeds varied from 60's to 90's on both dry and wet pavement, and the car just felt great. Can't wait to get through the next 1500 miles so I can hear the sound of the car beyond 4200 rpm. Since my car is a base Carrera with almost no options (metallic paint because we like the color, heated seats because it gets really cold here in the winter, and xenons because we like the added safety at night), I wanted to give my impressions of a car at the low end of the price spectrum. Please note that my wife and I are just regular drivers who want a great car for commuting to work, tooling around town, and weekend drives. High performance driving lessons and track time will happen at some point in the future, but for now my main outlet for competition is running marathons, 5ks, etc.

Base car has plenty of power, especially since we're coming out of a 225 hp 330i. It's way faster that my E500 4matic wagon .

Partial black leather looks fine, as nice as my MB, and nicer than the 330.

Non sport, non power seats are just about perfect. I have adaptive seats in the MB and hardly use them, and after 4 years never got completely comfortable in the 330.

Base sound system sounds just as good as the Bose in the MB and the Harman Kardon in the 330.

No sport chrono and no PASM, but the throttle response, ride, and handling (on the highway anyway) are just fine.

Compared to my 3 previous 911s ('86, '87, '90), the exterior, interior, amentities, power, ride quality, and anything else you can think of are light years ahead. This might be blasphemous, but I really like the cup holders, storage bins, cd holders, interior lighting, etc. It makes the car so easy to live with on a daily basis.

So far there have been no system failures, leaks, sqeaks or rattles. The only problem is trying to get the big smile off my face.

Anyway, my point is that whether you want to pay $70,000 or $150,000, whether you buy a base C2 like mine, an S, a GT3 or a TT, you can still get the Porsche experience and have a pretty incredible car. Right now I'm just happy to back into the P car fold.

It's dark and raining now, but I'll try to post some pics of my very dirty new addition tomorrow.

 

Can't wait to see the pics...Congrats!!!!!!!!!!

i sat in a new black 997 C2 at the dealer and am very tempted to take the plunge.

Robert

 

Congratulations on your new car!!! can't wait to see the pics now!!! Possibly, make yourself pictured with the cars as we can see your smile not getting off your face!!!

zacharie

 

Congratulations! BTW, those are not cup holders, they double as handcuffs and stirrups.

 

Sounds superb.

The cupholders are cool. By the way, has anyone seen the cupholders on the new Mercedes SLK? I think Mercedes might have out-engineered Porsche.

 

Congrats on the new car. I too have the base with just a few options and LOVE the car. I also use it as a daily driver. I'm closing in on 3000 miles and have found the car very easy do live with day in and day out. Will have to say I'm a bit dissapointed in the base stereo though. The Bose system sounds MUCH better in my opinion, so that is definately one option I wish I would have taken. The cup holders are pretty good but they hang over the console a bit so it you have a drink drip it tends to get on things it shouldn't. Enjoy the car and post some pics!!

 

I'm glad the weather gods were with you & the trip went well. I'll just stay logged in until you send us some pictures.

 

You know, I couldn't agree more. I have an '03 996 C2. The only options on my baby are Xenons and PSM. Heck, I only have the base 17" wheels (better wet handling IMHO). The car is my daily driver. And while I work out of the house I do get to drive my four year old to school every morning before work. I absolutely adore the car and wouldn't change a thing. I love the simplicity of the base model 911s.

And I have a theory: few options=lighter car=better handling and performance.

Enjoy your new car!

 

Congratulations. Great story. Look forward to the pics.

 

I couldn't agree more. I really hate the current fad for big wheels, as it has dire effects on ride quality and handling.
Porsche do seem to have found the perfect solution though with the 997's PASM...

 

Congrats! I too have a base 997 that is used for my daily driver. Also about 3100 miles with no complaints. Mine has the SportChrono and the Bose...these are musts IMHO. But I'm sure that grin on your face will be permanent until spring!! Enjoy...

 

Congrats.

 

Ok, how many times have you been in the garage admirring your car at the middle of night sine you got the car
Happy ridding !!!!!!!