As some of you have probably noticed, in recent weeks my black 997 Targa (T4S) has lightened its coat a few shades, shed a few pounds, and widened its track. Yes… I traded in for a 991S! (Sorry for the single crappy photo -- haven't had chance yet to take more but will do so and post).

The history: After modding the T4S to my tastes and track needs over the past couple years, I had plans to keep it for at least a couple more years. It handled as well as I wanted on the track, I adored the glass roof and feared giving that up, and the sound it made with my extensive exhaust mods was just divine. To the last day, every minute of driving the T4S was a blast and I never felt deprived in any way.
Anyway, due to reasons that I needn’t get into, I decided that now was the right time to trade-in or sell the T4S. Deciding on the new ride was basically between a 997.2TT vs. a 991S. Although I track quite a bit, I eliminated a GT3 because this car has to occasionally be driven in winter and 70% of its miles will be on Northeast backroads and 10% in Manhattan streets, neither of which are suited to GT3’s clearance. I’m also not a fan of the spoiler and do like having the back seats (You’d be amazed how nicely your typical NYC chick fits back there). I decided on the 991S over the 997.2TT because coming from the T4S, I wanted to own something significantly lighter and because I strongly believe that if you give a company like Porsche 7 years to come up with an all-new platform, there will be enough all around improvements to forego the extra ponies of the TT. I also knew that I would “need” to mod the TT for sound and for the track (aftermarket exhaust, LCA’s, stabilizer bars, etc.) whereas the 991S is ideal to me out of the box.
The 991: I opted for a launch car with all the performance options except SPASM, which I felt might be overkill in terms of clearance and smoothness I need outside the track. I was fortunate that the launch cars were spec’d pretty much exactly the way I would have ordered (plus some goodies like 18 way ventilated/heated seats, dynamic lights, light design package) so I had a few to choose from. In the end, my dealer located one a couple states away with 300 miles on it (test drives). I got a nice discount from the dealer, free CPO, and a couple other minor concessions – I felt this was worth the test drives, especially given that its PDK and given the value of a warranty in a few years on a 5 or 6 year old car that’s still being tracked. I was a bit on the fence about sticking with black exterior, which I love in many ways (read, when it’s clean) but ultimately went with Agate to cut down on cleaning time. I also like the hint of champagne that’s in the grey.
Review-wise, I don’t have much to add over what’s been said over and over again. Basically, I am extremely happy with the car overall and floored by the handling. IMHO, this is a noticeably faster car on real world roads than the 997’s. I have not test-driven one without PDCC, but with that option installed on mine (along with PTV, e-Diff, Dynamic Engine Mounts, etc.) the 991S corners so flat it’s just eerie. It dampers are also significantly better than any 997 model I’ve driven (most all of them). On the twisty roads where I’ve been pushing it for the past two weeks, in spots where I constantly used to pound the front undercarriage into dips, that’s no longer the case at all.
Steering – the electrical steering definitely loses some of the feel, but at the same time it feels more precise and easier to adjust under dynamic situations. If I had my choice, I’d combine the feel of the 997 wheel with the precision of the 991, but all in all I feel it’s a fair trade-off as is for the performance gain.
Only “mods” are clearbra, radar (Passport 9500ci), fire extinguisher, and some new track decals. I highly doubt I will do anything else. First track day will be June 22 PCA at NJMP Lightning! Will report back again afterwards. Happy to answer any ownership questions I can. All the best and enjoy your summer driving fellas!

 

Congrats! nice pick up. Post more pics when you have a chance. Any planned mods for 991?

 

Congratulations - 991 C2S is a beautifully evolved car. Enjoy it in good health.

 

I'm happy for you and sufficiently jealous. There is the perfect 991 C2 at my local Porsche dealership, optioned out the right way and the right color as well, just sitting there outside in the elements looking quite neglected. I want to give it a good home every time I pass by it, but the $117K sticker keeps me sufficiently at arms length.

You've got a beautiful machine there!

 

congrats in the new ride L! Targas are so unique though, I am sure you'll put a stamp of personalization on you new baby.

I can't wait for you turbo wheels to arrive! 3 more days I think. Thanks again!

 

So, where's your old Targa so I can check it out? And congratulations!

 

Thank you all for the kind words so far. No mods planned except for Pagids when on track.

Cav -- the T4S was traded in to local dealer. Not sure what they did with it.

 

Congrats! I am sure you'll love your 991.

 

congrats!

good choice and i LOVE the color!

 

Congrats, she's a real beauty!
I will try to make the best of one of the organ transplants from your departed T4S.