I think that I'm a pretty good on the track but playing Gran Turismo 5 on my PS3 I could not break the 9:00 mark. And that must be a very accurate measure of my skills right???

 

Time to check your Koolaide: Walter Rhoerl was the driver, the source is Porsche, the time 13 seconds faster than the predecessor (997)...and the link if you speak/understand german http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/n...gt-871543.html .

 

How in the he11 is that humanly possible??? An all-wheel 530hp Turbo compared to a 2-wheel drive 400hp p-car. And don't tell me turbo lag... Just doesn't make sense. For the record I LOVE the new 991 look!!

 

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AWD doesn't equate to being faster on the track. I'd say the major improvements that this lap time results from is in the chassis. Sure the lighter weight and more power help, but I think chassis developments like the longer wheelbase really help with the high speed nature of the Nurburgring.

With only 80hp less than the Turbo, less weight, and better chassis I would be surprised if it didn't beat it.

 

Wasn't this done right after they laid all new high grip paving on the Ring?

 

There could be a difference in tires, too. I think they need to use OEM tires, and this was helping the GT3 with Pilot Sport Cups. I'd be interested in the tires for the 991. I don't know if they used any special tires on the 997 turbo.

 

 

What was interesting to see was that the 991 was sporting Goodyear Eagle F1s in pics I saw. I'm sure the car won't be as fast at Hockenheim. Or maybe it will be since the shorter course is usually better for cars with less HP.

 

Absolutely fantastic photo gallery in the AMS article. Has anyone ever seen the fixed ducktail on the new Carrera? I'd never seen that one before. Looks much better than the Sport Classic.

 

I had a well modded 09'C2S and I was able to keep up with a stock 997.1 turbo on some straigts. I was doing 3.7sec to 60; 8.2sec to 100 and 11.8sec in the 1/4mile. My car would easily keep up with a gt3 in the straigts, would fall behind only in the corners with the gt3 but pull ahead on the turbo.
So if this car is that much better then mine with handling and is just a little slower then it could make this happen.

Then again, it could be the wheather and/or traffic on the ring. Who knows, but it does show that they once again made huge improvements on the 911 and that is not questionable.

 

From the way this is written, are they saying the 991's manual transmission AND the PDK will both be 7 speeds? If so, that 7th gear in the PDK could contribute greatly to reduced lap times. I know some of the other mfg's are coming out with 8 speeds or more automatics so I suppose it's possible.

"The car gets everything from a 10-centimetre longer wheelbase to seven- speed manual and PDK double-clutch gearboxes, electrically-assisted power steering, more-powerful engine and a slippery new body with a drag co-efficient of just 0.29."

 

Exactly. Thanks for proving my point.

The fact that it was Rhoerl and the fact that he was driving for Porsche makes it all the more suspect.

I do not question Rhoerl's ability and skill. I question other things.

Sorry, not buy'n it.

If it was an independent test with a similarly skilled driver (and they are out there) I might sit up and take notice.

 

There always has to be at least one person sipping on a big bottle of

 

I believe the times. The improvements on the 991 are big so that time makes sense to me. I even believe that 991 can burn the n'ring with a 7:33 with a secret track configuration. I can't wait for independent testers to take a swing at the n'ring with the 991 because they may very well break the 7:40 mark if they option it out to somewhat match the secret track configuration. It can go both ways Waxer.