After reading some threads on the LEDs and how nicely they upgrade the car, I started noticing other new cars on the road with those rectangular strips of led's, beneath the headlights. Apparently Delray sold 300 + sets to happy Porsche owners.
But, these cars with led's I'm seeing are Kias, Hyundais, Hondas and Lexus.
Hmm, do we really want to emulate that? I'm having second thoughts on that upgrade... Any comments??

 

I think the upgrade looks pretty good. All the other cars you're noting that now have them is just a trend that all car companies are starting to do. If you like the look on the car, then stick with them! Don't let that deter you from adding the look to your vehicle.

-Luccia

 

I think you'll find you could just as easily say that they are emulating us. Most of their aftermarket solutions are simple taped-on light bars, not a custom-built solution that looks very nicely done.

And another question just for the sake of discussion: Are you saying that now that so many other cars have wings, even Camrys and the like, that we should ditch them too?

If you like it for yourself do it. If you feel there is some negative, then don't. I could see it either way.

 

I'm pretty sure German cars, specifically Audi, were the first to introduce LED DRL's on their cars. I know my brother's S5 had them back in 2008. Then every other company started copying. I think now it's pretty much standard on any new car no matter what make or model.

 

I know what you mean. The LED DRLs and tail lights were certainly more exclusive when they first launched and they were only found on more expensive cars. They are everywhere now. My GMC pickup truck has LED DRLs from the factory!

That being said, if you like them, then you should buy them. Personally, I don't like them on a car that wasn't sold with them originally. I did upgrade the tail lights on my 2008 997 to the factory "all red" option (not LED) and I love the look.

If you're trying to give your 911 some kind of a more exclusive look or more expensive or modern look, then the LEDs may not be the best choice for you. If you like the way they look or you like the added performance and functionality, then they may be right for you. Only you can decide that.

 

If you're going to do it, then do it the right way. Don't just buy any strip & tape it on and be done with. It will look cheap & tacky. Modify it to look more OEM like. Or just buy an OEM DRL set. It work if you have the right bumper for it.

 

noted on the huandi and kia,etc having LED drl... yes, audi was first in the game for mass produced cars.


I have front and rear LED's on my 08 car, and really like them. Other than the .2 series teardrop tail light shape, they look completely OEM. The front...not so much IMO.

 

Personally, I think LEDs on a Porsche are a win-win-win. First and foremost, it's the latest technology what functions better than its predecessors. They are brighter, fire immediately, use less power, run cooler, and last longer. They really are a better mousetrap. Next, they look more modern, because they are more modern. Finally, I think they look great on car models designed before LEDs became widely available.

I've replaced every incandescent bulb in my 997.1 with an LED, and I couldn't be happier. The quality of the light from the interior overheads, frunk, and engine bay is so much better than stock, regardless of aesthetics. Aesthetically, the exterior LEDs create a look I enjoy a lot. Frankly, from that perspective, I'm the only one who matters. Functionally, there really is no cogent argument against LEDs. If you like them, why not?

 

Walter, did you replaced your tail lights with an LED unit like Depo, or did you replaced the incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs in the OE light assembly? I like the second option if it's possible because it retains the original look and it improves lighting performance.

 

Dennis-- I replaced the entire assembly, since I also wanted a smoked tint. I've had my radar out for options for quite a while, and I haven't seen (or noticed) anyone replacing individual bulbs in the tail lights, except for the rear fog. That doesn't mean it can't be done.

 

All good points! Thanks for you insight. I just ordered some snd I'm sure they'll be nice...

 

I felt the same way as you. But after noticing other 997s on the road (many in SoCal), I realized that with the 997.1, the LED look is more about updating the car to the most recent spec (.2) rather than installing something that is an obvious aftermarket out of place upgrade.

Based on other comments I had seen online, I went with the Depo rears from Frank at Orange Tuning in Germany. I sent my inquiry via the website contact form and a week later I had my lights. Great service and a great look!

 

Quite right... Thanks for the tip about Orange Tuning...
Btw, we love the Montage! You're fortunate to be living where you are!

 

DelRay sold me ones that have recently stopped working and have misted up. Not cool, all they offer is a deal on new ones.

 

If you bought them with an American Express card you may have an extended warranty on those lights. Contact American Express to find out.