More on Porsche's 2009 updates for the 997
by Alex Nunez on Apr 25th 2008 at 12:31PM 
Following word that Porsche will incorporate direct injection and the 7-speed Doppelkupplung gearbox into the 997 refresh, we've come across an official document that details what we can expect when the latest iteration of the 911 arrives. We're not posting the document itself, but by now a quick Google search will reveal it to you if you're that interested. The changes coming apply to the 2009 Carrera, Carrera S and their C4 and Targa variants. Look for the 3.6L base engine to get a 20-horse bump to 345 ponies, while Carrera/Targa S models see the 3.8L mill's output jump to a very healthy 385 horsepower. Both engines also get a commensurate increase in torque. The good news is that despite the added muscle, both the 3.6 and 3.8 are expected to consume less fuel and have cleaner emissions numbers.
As we've seen in numerous spy photos, new front and rear bumpers update the fascias. Lighting updates are also on the way, with standard bi-xenon headlights on the base car, plus LED daytime running lamps and LED taillamps across the board. New wheels will hide upgraded brakes, and word is that the Carrera 4 models will get additional cues that visually set them apart from the 2-wheel-drive cars. Inside, a new steering wheel tags along with the Doppelkupplung, and drivers can expect a freshened instrument panel boasting simplified controls and a host of improvements to the multimedia and nav system offerings. All the changes will be officially revealed/confirmed in June. As for when we can expect the skinny on any updates to the Turbo, GT2 and GT3, your guess is as good as ours. Thanks for the tip, Matthew!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Carlos 12:42PM (4/25/2008)
I guess I'm just racist against cars with their engine in the back, because though it is great engineering on Porsche behalf, I know that if the 911 were mid engine it could be so much better. I know I speak blasphemy,
Reply
mk 10:20PM (4/25/2008)
I'm a bit partial to the Cayman myself.
I wish it had the 911's engine lineup, and non-upswept quarter windows, much like the 996-7.
And also the 997's oval headlights, rather than ovoid ones.
Mid-engined porsches have always been a force to be reckoned with, even if the 911 line is the "bread and butter".
r33 10:15AM (4/26/2008)
big boys choose their own venon i guess.
americans big displacements soft rides.
japaneses turbo tec wirzadry.
italians exotic shapes md engines
germans eficient stubborness?!!
Carlos 12:42PM (4/25/2008)
I guess I'm just racist against cars with their engine in the back, because though it is great engineering on Porsche behalf, I know that if the 911 were mid engine it could be so much better. I know I speak blasphemy!
Reply
Tim 1:16PM (4/25/2008)
Sorry to be the grammar police, but in this context it's "cue" not "queue".
I had to read that several times to figure out what you meant.
Reply
Alex Nunez 1:27PM (4/25/2008)
Ugh. Don't I feel like a genius now...
(Places hands on the hood, spreads legs, assuming the position for the grammar Police.)
nastinupe 1:29PM (4/25/2008)
Wow... just as I'm filling out my credit application for a 2006 C4S with a GT3 Kit I read this.
But I also heard that the cars are going to get a 8% price increase as well. I think that I will stick with my $73,000 price tag. My car would cost $110,000 new and I can't afford that anyway.
Reply
Ken 12:56AM (4/30/2008)
AWOT FTW!!!1
zmf001 1:40PM (4/25/2008)
I hear you Carlos.
I am holding out. I figure it will be a while, but I want a Cayman with PDK and close to 400hp.
Until then an Elise will keep me happy.
Reply
aaron 2:17PM (4/25/2008)
I like the fact Carrera 4's are getting more visual cues, since they've look to damn much like a "stripper" 996-7.
Of course, a stripper 996-7 is still better than all of the Boxsters sold, then and now.
Reply
LloydChiro 2:49PM (4/25/2008)
Hah! Everyone knows that the Boxster is the same car as the same-generation 996 or 997 from the front seats forward. It's just the engine is in the proper place behind the driver.
It's a sad shame that Porsche doesn't develop the 987 platform to its full potential. I want a Cayman GT3.
mk 10:26PM (4/25/2008)
A GT3 or 3.8 X51 powered (380-400 lag-free HP) Cayman with an LSD in the differential, Bilstein PSS10/PASM suspension, forged wheels, and the bodywork from a 997 GT2 forward of the bulkhead...
Sounds pretty darn good to me.
I like turbos, but that kind of power from a non-turbo flat 6 would be fine by me, as it would run cooler, and respond quicker without the turbos. And that is quite a bit of power for a modest weight mid-engined coupe.
HeyHuub 9:53AM (4/26/2008)
420nm out of an atmospheric 3.8 is pretty damn impressive.
Reply
AMcA 2:13PM (4/26/2008)
I don't like the new front end cap. They'd If a car has a face, the urrent 911 has a knowing smile. This one show that blank look Homer Simpson get on his face when he doesn't understand something.
Reply
jeffzekas 10:38AM (5/01/2008)
Too bad Porsche can't build a "German Miata"-- a sports car based upon the Golf, which is fun, fast and affordable-- much like the original 356 or the 914.
Reply
Will 5:31PM (5/02/2008)
Problem is, the Golf platform is FWD. The Germans may occasionally put the engines in the wrong place on their sports cars, but they always put the drive wheels where they belong.