At Law

There is an antenna option on the 997. It is attached to the
rear of the roof and it is made of flexible plastic.

Why would Porsche offer this option? Do they want the 997 to
resemble a college girl's VW Jetta?

Nugget

What's the mystery? Some people live in areas where in-glass antennas aren't sufficient. I've never seen the option in real life, but it can't be any uglier than those satellite radio shark fins. Will you hate those too once they become common on proletariat cars?

At Law

Yes, most likely.
The "shark fins" are at least built into the body (as in BMW) and color
coded with the rest of the car. Porsche could do this as well in order
to achieve greater radio frequency.

I do like your phrase "proletariat cars"--very old world European.

pete95zhn

Over here proletariat car means a bus... But really, my 996 has an external antenna, but it's for factory cellphone option. My gone 951 had one too.

Edgy01

The optional rod antenna is an alternative for better reception for AM signals. For the cabs they put it on the right front fender. For coupes, near the back of the top. I just didn't want another hole in the car. I think I have only seen one photo of a 997 with one. Never in person. In the US it's just not really something anyone would consider. When you're that far out in the toolies, you play the CD.

cole328

However, as a crosspost, would you get it if it extended your "soft top" signal such that you could now open the top while getting out of the shower?

Minok

I don't see why you need to disparage the VW Jetta as a "college girl's car".
And there are situations where an external antenna is needed to get the reception one needs.

Stop being so myopic.

MJones

No charge for better AM reception!!

Gen 1 on the roof

Gen 2 on the RF fender...

Gotta love AM

Edgy01

Actually, I have it hardwired to do that. There's a little squat switch on the shower door, and it activates the remote engine start, too. It's referred to by PCNA as the "XWNT Minnesota Remote Winter Start" option.

tejoe

The radio reception in my 06 is crap, but 3 dealers say it's normal, which is also crap. I'd be pissed if I were using it as a touring vehicle, but since I don't I'm happy listening to the engine/exhaust noise and paying attention to what's going on ahead of me. Someday someone will explain to me why an in glass antenna in a $15k car provides fairly decent sound and signal strength but don't expect it in a Porsche.