997.1
Round headlights and a proper interior, still carrying the M97 engine and everything that comes with it.
- Years
- 2005–2009
- Trims
- 10
- Power
- 325–530 hp
- Known issues
- 7
- Lightest
- 3,020 lb
- Quickest 0–60
- 3.6 s
Overview
The 997.1 fixed the 996 cosmetically and left its mechanical inheritance largely intact. Round headlights returned, the interior finally used materials worthy of the price, and variable-ratio steering and optional adaptive dampers sharpened the chassis. Underneath, the M97 is a bored-out M96.
That matters more than any styling change. These cars carry the intermediate shaft bearing and the bore-scoring exposure of the late 996, and the 3.8 in the Carrera S has the worst scoring reputation of the era. Later engines in this window use a larger non-serviceable bearing, so the 996-style IMS retrofit is frequently not even an option.
Buy a 997.1 on the strength of a borescope and a leak-down, not on the paint. It is a beautifully sorted car around an engine that needs proving.
The range
10 Sorted by output| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Weight | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coupe / Cabriolet | 2005–2008 | 3.6 L | 325 | 273 | 4.8 | 3,075 | RWD |
| Coupe / Cabriolet | 2006–2008 | 3.6 L | 325 | 273 | 4.9 | 3,241 | AWD |
| Targa | 2007–2008 | 3.6 L | 325 | 273 | 5.0 | 3,450 | AWD |
| Coupe / Cabriolet | 2005–2008 | 3.8 L | 355 | 295 | 4.6 | 3,131 | RWD |
| Coupe / Cabriolet | 2006–2008 | 3.8 L | 355 | 295 | 4.7 | 3,296 | AWD |
| Targa | 2007–2008 | 3.8 L | 355 | 295 | 4.9 | 3,505 | AWD |
| Coupe | 2007–2009 | 3.6 L | 415 | 300 | 4.1 | 3,075 | RWD |
| Coupe | 2007–2009 | 3.6 L | 415 | 300 | 4.0 | 3,020 | RWD |
| Turbo Halo Coupe / Cabriolet | 2007–2009 | 3.6 L T | 480 | 460 | 3.7 | 3,495 | AWD |
| Coupe | 2008–2009 | 3.6 L T | 530 | 505 | 3.6 | 3,175 | RWD |
Power in hp, torque in lb-ft, 0–60 in seconds, weight in pounds. Hover a badge for what it means.
Year by year
4- 2005
US launch of the 997 Carrera and Carrera S with round headlights, a proper interior and PASM on the S.
- 2006
Carrera 4 and 4S arrive on the wide body, marking all-wheel-drive cars visually for the first time.
- 2007
Targa 4 and 4S added. Turbo arrives with the Mezger engine and variable-geometry turbochargers. GT3 and GT3 RS return.
- 2008
GT2 joins with 530 hp and rear-wheel drive. Final full year of the M97 engine.
Known issues
7- Cylinder bore scoring Critical
2005–2008 M97 engines, disproportionately the 3.8 L in the Carrera S and 4S. Not the 2009-on DFI cars, and not the Mezger-engined Turbo, GT2 or GT3.
- IMS bearing failure Critical
2005–2008 M97 engines only. The 2009-on 9A1 has no intermediate shaft, and the Mezger cars never had this bearing design.
- Glued coolant pipe separation Critical
997.1 Turbo, GT2 and GT3 — the Mezger cars. Not the 2010-on DFI Turbo.
-
All 997, most commonly the M97 cars.
- Ignition coil failure Minor
All 997.
-
All 997.
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All 997, worst in hot and humid climates.