Yep, cars that are the first of their type sent to dealers, whether they like them or not. The '05's were black on black with PCCBs and other options. On the other hand, launch '09's included the PDK cars that are green and don't come with sport chrono, but were equipped with sport bucket seats. An odd combo that left those cars to be heavily discounted to move them.

 

Any evidence as to weather the 997.1 launch cars were lighter? And if so why?

 

There is nothing special about a Launch Edition other than they were the first available with a pre-determined options list from the factory. In most cases, the '05 car will be lighter becauseyreey came with PCCBs and the light, great looking (debateable), lobster wheels . Also, the reduced unsprung weight makes for a better handling car all things being equal. Moreover, the '05 did not come with PSE for additional weight savings. I do not think Porsche was concerned about weight for the Launch Editions otherwise they would have deleted the sunroof, back seats, electronically adjustable sport seats, etc.

The factory short shift kit was included in the '05 launch car - also a debateable performance enhancing option.

 

Actually, there were a couple of different launch models in '09 for the PDK.

The '09 C2S PDK launch car was green, with sand beige interior. It had PDK, the electric seats (not ***, not sport buckets) and did have Sport Chrono. But it didn't have the nav system. I know - I had one. AFAIK, every Porsche dealer got one. Mine was an executive car. I got it in May of '09 with 900 miles on it, registered as a new car, full warranty and over $20K off sticker. Way too good a deal to pass up.

The C4S PDK launch car was gray and had the sport bucket seats. I don't know whether or not it was equipped with nav and Sport Chrono. My understanding is that the sport buckets made those cars a little difficult to sell.

DMoore
'11 GTS
'10 Panamera 4S

 

[QUOTE=DMoore;3408533]Actually, there were a couple of different launch models in '09 for the PDK.

The '09 C2S PDK launch car was green, with sand beige interior. It had PDK, the electric seats (not ***, not sport buckets) and did have Sport Chrono. But it didn't have the nav system. I know - I had one. AFAIK, every Porsche dealer got one. Mine was an executive car. I got it in May of '09 with 900 miles on it, registered as a new car, full warranty and over $20K off sticker. Way too good a deal to pass up.

The C4S PDK launch car was gray and had the sport bucket seats. I don't know whether or not it was equipped with nav and Sport Chrono. My understanding is that the sport buckets made those cars a little difficult to sell.

DMoore


I had the 2009 C4S Meteor Grey. PDK It did come with PCM Nav, Sports Chrono XM radio, IPod etc. I added Tech Art Aero kit but later sold it in 2011 when I bought my GT3RS. Had no problem at all selling it but the guy was interested in tracking it as he should have been! ;-). That Launch car was excellent! I would have kept it if I had the room for it. With the TechArt kit it really turned heads.

 

I really don't think the PSE weighs in any less than the standard exhaust. In fact it might weigh more considering the additional components (ie valves, hoses, wiring, etc).

I might be wrong but I don't think 'Short Shift Kit' was part of the 05 Launch Car configuration.

The initial 997 Launch Car (2005) had just about every option available in it's 2004 offering. Subsequent Launch Cars did not have PCCBs ($8.5K).

 

Agree on the PSE which is what I meant to say. I'll check my window sticker and options sticker under the front hood because I believe I have the short shift kit on my '05 launch car. But then maybe I don't have the short shift kit

 

Exactly....C2S Porsche Racing Green 2009 PDK 3.8 electric seats, sport crono, just as DMoore says.... Mine had 500miles and 21K off Too great a deal to pass up.
I like everything it has and don't miss anything it doesn't. Ignorance is bliss