The 09 launch cars were much worse than anything I had ever seen in terms of options or colors . If it had good options .. it was green . If it had a basic color then it also had PDK and no chrono . The C4S is the most unlikely car to have the sport bucket seats . And the macadamia Targa with PDK and no chono --Yikes!!!!! Plus they made so many of them that anyone who bought one took part of a flooded market segment .

This recent move is actually brilliant in contrast . The 997 base is made affordable but has the street comforts suitable for a professional on his way to work in a street car. His morning commute gives him that reminder of a driving vacation but serves a practical need . It has enough juice for a pleasant Sunday drive at a price that he can deal with .

Plus the gap to the S is widened and it also wedges right above the used market .

 

I was talking with my dealer in Chicago a few months back. Their selling point for the 997.2 non s was that was a improved 997.1 S without the $$$. You get get the same HP, new DFI motor, PDK option, new interior. It appeals to both the current 997.1 owners and non Porsche owners looking to get in.

 

+1 the green 997.2 S is odd IMHO.

I think it's ironic that Porsche doesn't group any options into packages, or impose any preconditions.. i.e. must have sport chrono to order sport exhaust etc... because my perception is that Porsche customers trust the factory more than any other group of buyers I've ever seen.

BMWNA for example somewhat dictates how your car will look based on your "must have" options. limiting colors and dashboard trims for sport package cars, making ipod and satellite mandatory with upgraded audio etc.. It's like their saying, if you want X, trust us, you'll appreciate Y&Z as well. But with Porsche, I think you can option out a $160,000.00 997.2 turbo with no rain sensing wipers, no Bose, no power seats etc. Its cool that they will build a car to whatever specification, but as we've discussed in this thread, odd results are not uncommon...


David

 

PAG's a la carte is expensive but I would not like ordering a car and being forced to get Bose and NAV and motorized seats (which I do not need) as part of some package which includes something I want.

 

Larry,

Agreed, Porsche (or the dealers) were smart in how they optioned the base Carerra's that are now all over dealer lots. Porsche equipping the base models with the basics such as Ipod compatability, gives these cars the options anyone would expect from any new car. Ignoring the expensive and sometimes worthless options that only drive up the price was smart a move.

In reality, I question the need for the extra HP in the S. In everyday driving is it even noticed? I drove both the standard 997.1 and 997.1S and in the end I think it was ego more than anything that drove me to an S.

Jason