# Porsche 911 (997) (2004–2012)
Rear-engined 2+2 coupé, Targa and cabriolet.
Source: https://porschetrails.com/models/911-997/

- Engine: 3.6 and 3.8 flat-six; 3.6 and 3.8 turbo; 4.0 in the GT3 RS 4.0
- Power: 325–620 PS
- Weight: about 1,395–1,585 kg

The 997 kept the 996's basic structure but brought back round headlamps and a far better interior. The Carrera had a 3.6-litre engine with 325 PS, and the Carrera S a 3.8 with 355 PS and adaptive dampers (PASM) as standard.

The second generation, introduced for the 2009 model year, is a different car under the skin. Its new direct-injection engines have no intermediate shaft, and the PDK dual-clutch gearbox replaced the Tiptronic automatic. Power rose to 345 PS and 385 PS.

The 997 Turbo introduced variable turbine geometry to a petrol production engine, with 480 PS. The GT3 and GT3 RS kept the Mezger engine to the end, finishing with the 500 PS GT3 RS 4.0 of 2011, of which 600 were built. The GT2 RS produced 620 PS.

## Variants
- **Carrera / Carrera S (first generation)** (2004–2008): 325 PS 3.6 and 355 PS 3.8.
- **Carrera / Carrera S (second generation)** (2008–2012): Direct injection, 345 PS and 385 PS, PDK option.
- **Carrera GTS** (2010–2012): 408 PS, wide body, the pick of the standard range.
- **Turbo / Turbo S** (2006–2012): 480 PS; 500 PS and 530 PS with the later 3.8 engine.
- **GT3 / GT3 RS / RS 4.0** (2006–2011): 415 to 500 PS, manual only.
- **GT2 / GT2 RS** (2007–2011): 530 PS and 620 PS, rear-drive, manual.

## On a road trip
Many owners think of the 997 as the best balance of size, feel and usability in the water-cooled cars. It is still compact enough for narrow passes, the steering is hydraulic, and the cabin is comfortable for a week away. A second-generation Carrera S with a manual gearbox or PDK is an excellent touring car. GT3s are low at the front; the optional nose lift on later cars is worth having.

## What to check
- First-generation engines: bore scoring, particularly on the 3.8, and to a lesser extent the IMS bearing, which on later engines is a larger type that cannot be changed without dismantling the engine.
- Rear main seal leaks on first-generation cars.
- Coolant pipe fittings on Mezger-engined Turbo, GT3 and GT2 cars.
- High-pressure fuel pump failures on some second-generation cars.
- Corroded exhaust fixings, tired dampers and front radiators blocked with debris.