Ahem... that Porsche 997 update story.

Word of 977 "MkII" upgrades has popped up on a super excellent world renowned web site today. In stores this fall, paddle shifters, direct injection, more power yada yada yada.

Of course you tracktard Axis readers knew all about this LAST NOVEMBER!

Re-Read "Die Luddites, Die!"

Die luddites, DIE! Porsche 997 MkII with DSG in 2008

Some drivers have to push levers, some LIKE to hold sticks and some just want the best possible engineering solution to make the car as fast as possible,  it's a fairly solid rumor that Porsche have finally decided to cater to this last group with the upcoming facelifted and revised 997 coming in 2008.  Every model from the Carrera though to a new and revised GT3 MkII will have an available DSG transmission or, in Jeremy Clarkson speak,  flappy paddle gearbox.

The lineup looks awesome: all will get direct injection for better efficiency and less emissions ("I'm upgrading my Porsche because I love the Earth"  should work quite well....).  The base Carrera will get 345hp vs the current 325hp and the Carrera S, 380hp!  The cars should debut at the Geneva show and be on sale in Europe in April.

And it only gets better if you can wait,  September will see the rollout of the new Turbo and, most juicy, a GT3 mkII.  

The Turbo...we don't care, but the GT3 will have a 7 speed DSG transmission and a 435hp 3.6L Direct injection, dry sump engine.  If you missed your chance to buy a 997 GT3 the first time around,  here is your chance to get your deposit in.

Then again, why would Porsche NOT produce another run of GT3 RS...

autoblog.it

The Stig would get sent home....

Posted for CG

Session 1 - 3rd lap, Pocono Double Infield course:




Black flag called on the Back Straight. Message from Track Marshall: "You almost lost it in several places"

...CG gives the logical rebutt...

"I don't care if you are in control or not, listen, we don't do sideways here..."

".... Yes Sir.... "and CG proceeded to pussyfoot for most of the rest of the day.


Seriously, I don't blame them. How can they know I'm not another "IflySolo"?

The reality is the 275/315 Nitto setup sucks in my non adjustable 997S, and the only way to drive it fast is with turn-in oversteer that occasionally ends up in full corner length power slides ( just slowing down would be so ungraceful!...).

I did improve my best double infield time by 2/10ths (1:44.1) but I know I would have been much faster on the RA1s... I just hope the new R888 are as good and not similar to the Nittos.


AC adds:

I don't see the big deal, especially if there is nobody around. That turn is a very safe place to spin if one had to choose... Here is more from that turn...