ORIGINAL: Z80
First impressions are the usual awsome ones.
This is one heck of a car.
I took delivery of a 997 Turbo 'S' in July (my 12th new Porsche).
Have to say, my first impressions were a little disappointing [&:].
Now I've never quite engaged with the Turbo models, but for practical reasons, and from initial feedback ,advice and experience, I was hopeful that the new models would be much better. However, I like tactile cars, with sensitive steering, a great sound, a long 'elastic' power delivery, and I'd spent the previous three years driving a 997GT3, the previous couple of weeks with a brilliant little Boxster 'S', and drove up to the dealership in a 2.7RSL.
So, by my standards, the Turbo felt a bit too clinical, not enough feedback, engine noise too subdued, ride too firm, steering a bit numb... Fast, yes, stupendously fast in fact -
much faster than any GT3, but power delivery too sudden.
Well, two months on, I can report that it has grown considerably in my affections. With mileage, everything has settled nicely, I'm much more in tune with the chassis and the steering sensitivity. The PDK is
very clever - although I generally use it in auto with manual override and the sport button on (pasm normal). The engine noise has improved and has grown on me, the ride is far more settled and compliant - probably the nicest of any 911. I wouldn't modify the Turbo, but I did have it checked and subtly set up by CG, which has improved the turn in and, surprisingly, ride and tyre noise.
It is an astonishingly competent GT car, munching up long distances with ease, yet great fun on tight twisty B roads, whatever the weather, and very practical - the 911's usp - seats in the back and 25mpg. Very clever car, and yet another great achievement from Porsche. Think I'll keep it [
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