neanicu

" It's been the subject of much debate lately whether or not future sports cars should be offered with a manual gearbox.

With a dual-clutch unit's ability to help deliver even greater performance numbers, automakers like Porsche really don't see the need for drivers to row their own gears any longer. And that's an absolute shame because cars like the 997 911 GT3 are all about driver engagement. But that's where Porsche sees a weakness, because humans make mistakes that a dual-clutch won't.
Sometimes those mistakes are intentional simply for the sake of, say, exploiting that torque curve for all its worth. On the other hand, that can interfere with the car's performance and Porsche doesn't like that. So is the old 911 GT3 the last great purest Porsche? Sadly, it's quite possible. "



Carbuzz.

jumper5836

I'd say it is, plus I miss the hand brake level now replaced with a electronic button.

88TurbolookCab

it sure will just like 993's. I can see low miles 997.1 example in 10 years command $200k easy,even more on RS

993Brendan

Awesome...I have both so I guess I can stop putting aside money for my daughter's college

plima

While not taking anything away from either the 997 GT3 or the new 991 GT3, I'd say that the 996 was the last great pure Porsche. Other than ABS, it was all up to the driver, just as a 1973 RS was. Electronics have made the cars more "user friendly" but in a 996 GT3 it is all up to the driver.

DC640

I hear 996 gt3 is RAW in a good way.

tcsracing1

Although people feel the 997GT3 series is the last of the true purest porsche, I feel the 991 Carrera S with a manual transmission is being overlooked.

With "drivers aids" turned off (even the 997 compared to 996 for that matter), the 991S can indeed be all up to the driver and can lay down an impressive lap time too.

Will the 997 show the test of time? I willing to think so.

ShakeNBake

I don't think we're talking about lap times. At least that's not how I interpreted the spirit of the argument that the 997 (or 996) is the last pure/raw car and the most involving. I've driven several 991s now, and they are NO where near as involving or provided as much feedback - but much easier to achieve a faster lap time for sure. It could also be that the 991 has fewer character flaws, so the "involvement" needed to overcome them is not required.

neanicu

+1

They'll be collectible in 10 years,I have no doubt,especially the RS!
I'll make sure to have one in the garage in a year or two,as soon as I'm done with the Turbo and GTS.

Alan Smithee

I don't see any 993s near the $200k mark. Nor do I see the 997.1 GT3/RS being as desirable as the 996 and 997.2 due to its first generation PASM suspension.

IMO, if there is a backlash against all of the technology, and relatively common cars like the 996/997 GT3 double and quadruple in 10 years, companies like Porsche will build 'pure' cars to fill the void. If Toyota/Subaru can do it, so can VW/Porsche at a higher price point.

Note that it was leaked today Porsche has a Speedster in the works. Which tells me Spyder and R model 981s will follow. Thankfully it appears they have not abandoned the idea of purity in their cars.

neanicu

All 3 with PDK only? If so,where's the purity?

Alan Smithee

Where and when was this officially announced?

neanicu

No,I don't know if that's the case,I'm just asking... But seeing the direction they've been taking lately,I wouldn't be surprised...

Alan Smithee

While I wouldn't be surprised, I doubt that Porsche will go with an all-automatic line-up, at least in the short term with the current generation of vehicles, all of which are still available with manual transmissions - including the Panamera (in other markets) and Cayenne.

JasonAndreas

The last great pure Porsche is always the last one built before the model you own.