Don't you get special front/rear styling on the bumpers that you couldn't normally option out?

 

Difference in 997.2S to 997.2 GTS is 23 HP. 385 vs 408. I can feel the difference.

 

Exactly what I mean by aesthetic - it's only really bumpers; at which point I don't understand such enthusiasm or people holding out for a GTS, saying they can't wait, sight unseen if they want a car now - As if it's a whole new, better car.

My hypothesis is they want the three letters. Suncoast, Tequipment and body shops sell bumpers.

As for the X51, I optioned it (included in 991/50) because I wanted the best NA 991 available apart from getting a GT3. You feel it in the upper rpms.

 

408 HP was available as the PowerKit option, right?

Just wondering, was there more than .1sec difference in acceleration?

 

If resale value is a concern, the GTS should have better resale than a comparably equipped non-GTS simply because the options are standard and resale is primarily based on the base price.

 

Great comment. Having just an S or 4S you get bunched in and compared to all other similar badged vehicles. An over optioned S takes huge hits after the 125-130K total build.

Dealers mostly spec out S's around 115-120K

 

I'll bet x51s hold their values very well based on the exclusivity, cost and the fact it is a better engine. They will ultimately drop as do all 911s but I think they will do ok.

 

The only difference you might feel is a little more wheel spin. That's when the lesser S goes rocketing past. Your car (like all 3.8 997s) has great trouble hooking up at WOT. More power is less of an advantage unless you're a god at feathering throttle.

The added hp only helps at very high speed. Ever been north of 150 for sustained periods? I've averaged 150 on 2 hour road trips before in Germany. That's where the extra power counts. In the US it means dick.

If you really think hp matters most, try to figure out why a '14 Cayman S is faster than a 997.1, Ferrari F360 and F430 around Nurburgring, despite being greatly down on hp.

As for a X-51 on a 991 in the US. It's a complete waste. The power is only above 6500 rpms, which is exactly where you'll never need it.

Skip X-51 and source ceramic brakes. Brakes are the first thing you upgrade when you want to go fast!

 

Clarification/correction. I learned throughout my 997 2S experiences you need the 997 4S/GTS4 if you want any hope of utilizing 400+ hp in the 997 configuration. It's the quicker car in the real world.

I don't know if that's true in the 991 with the longer wheelbase. If 991 S owners are breaking traction under hard acceleration, then the answer again is the 4S.

 

Guess what? I hit redline regularly, so I must be getting my money's worth.

 

I have to disagree with this more HP does not mean faster. It really depends on the driver, especially if it is MT (non PDK). Both the new M5 and AMG E63 will eat the base C2 alive on open road. Both with 570+ HP. I am hoping the X51 will make it a more interesting run. On the other hand, if it is on the track, the Cayman S will eat the E63 and M5 alive because they are too big and heavy.

In my case, I prefer MT ( eventhough PDK claims it is faster) and I do like rev'ing to redline a lot. I guess I could use some of those extra HP.

I think we are all getting too technical. Why can't Porsche just install X51 on all Carrera S model instead of making it an expensive option. Then the next level up is the GT3. Sometimes, it feels like they are giving us too many choices in order to make things more complex.

 

Why don't they include it? Because some people will pay $18,000 more for it! I'm willing to bet they earn 80% margin on that 18k too. What they really should have done is created another trim level for it (Carrera R?) since it slots perfectly between the S and the GT3. Adding some badge appeal probably would have sold more units.

Carrera Turbo S - 560hp, $182,700
Carrera Turbo - 520hp, $151,100
Carrera GT3 - 475hp, $130,400
Carrera S w/powerkit - 430hp, $117,695
Carrera S - 400hp, $98,900
Carrera - 350hp, $84,300

 

Isn't the trim level going to be the GTS??

 

Yep, your're right.
We have timed 3.8-3.9 secs repeatedly to 100km/h at sea level at around 15 degrees Celcius. That is with 1/4 tank fuel, total weight of driver+pax (who did the stopwatch thing) of about 135Kg. Frunk empty. Zero wind, average both directions, multiple runs.
This is C2S with PDK using launch control with the latest control unit updates installed.

Guess we could have shaved another 0.1 if we didn't have breakfast...

Rainier

 

I ran my car hard today and the kick you get when shifting at redline is pretty aggressive, it almost feels like you have a bottle. Do you have the same kick in a non x51? I would love to run against a 991s without the powerkit to see the real difference. I was quite impressed, especially coming from a new modded s6 with at least 500hp. Anyone in VA want to make a run or two so we can settle this? I have a feeling this 30hp is more like 40-45. BTW, no wheel spin so you get the full effect. I am really impressed.