With much of the 996’s underpinnings carried over, including the 3.6-litre flat-six for the base models, Porsche consciously took a step back styling wise. Gone were the controversial headlights and general smooth look of the 996, the 997 featuring a more accentuated classic 911 look, including a return to the traditional round headlamps.
The exterior redesign was complimented by a complete interior makeover, with again a nod to the more traditional 911 feel and appearance. Materials were much improved too, and more in keeping with what a Porsche owner would have expected.
Initially in Generation 1 models, the 3.6-litre engine was still producing 320BHP, whilst S models got a new 350bhp, 3.8-litre variant of the same engine.
For 2009, the Generation 2 models arrived, with revised styling that was more evolution than revolution, featuring subtle internal and external changes to the earlier 997, which gave it a more modern look and feel. However mechanically, it featured all new direct injection engines with more power at 345bhp for the 3.6 litre and 385BHP for the 3.8 variant. Not surprisingly, both variants offered stronger performance than the outgoing models and fuel economy was much improved too.
It is well documented elsewhere that these Generation 2 997s fitted with later DFI engines, are a sweet spot in the 911 line up for those considering a classic 911 for daily use, offering modern and efficient ergonomics without the sheer size of the 991 variant that followed. The manual gearbox still offered the short ratios that we love in earlier 911s, unlike the manual 7 speeder in the 991, whilst a new PDK automatic gearbox that replaced the aging Tiptronic variant in previous models was a game changer.
Suave & Sophisticated
Which brings us rather neatly to this 2010 Generation 2 997Carrera 4S with PDK transmission, finished in the subtle but stunning colour of Meteor Grey Metallic with full black leather interior. Supplied by Porsche Centre Leeds on 1st September 2010, it was highly specified with the following equipment from new.
635 Park distance control
594 Alcantara roof lining
603 Xenon Plus dynamic cornering light
421 19-inch Turbo wheels
176 Sports exhaust system
342 Heated seats
375/376 Sports seats
425 Rear window wiper
475 PASM electronic damper control
573 Air conditioning
640 Sports Chrono Plus
680 BOSE sound package
XMZ Rear section of centre console in leather
XPT Centre console storage bin lid with crest
XTV Leather door panel parts
XWU PDK gate frame in leather
It has been meticulously maintained by either a Porsche OPC or Porsche specialist throughout its life and of special note, the suspension was completely refreshed by Reason Porsche in February 2025 at a cost of £6,398.00, which included fitment of the excellent Öhlins adjustable dampers.
On The Road
Whilst the sheer stats on paper for outright performance favour current 911s, 0-60mph in the mid 4s and a top speed just shy of 190mph for this 3.8 litre car certainly isn’t shabby. However, it’s the compact dimensions of the 997 that make it easier to drive quicker with confidence on your favourite road, particularly with the four wheel drive and recently refurbished suspension fitted to this example. This is also the last 911 to feature hydraulic steering, so unlike the electric equivalents that followed, communication at the helm is just as good as you would hope, brimming with feel and feedback.
For those who bang on about manual transmission, the PDK fitted to this car not only allows it to reach a higher top speed than the manual equivalent, but the acceleration figures are also quicker too, and that’s before we talk about the ease of driving in traffic.
Our Thoughts
Jump behind the wheel of a Generation 1 997 and it feels closer to the previous 996 series in the way it drives and performs, whilst in contrast, despite its similar appearance, the generation 2 model manages to feel like a more modern car, particularly when fitted with the excellent PDK transmission as in this car. It is no surprise that Porschephiles are seeking out these late 997s, particularly in S specification in preference to the larger later models that followed, and we don’t expect this excellent example of the breed to hang around for long.
Service History
18,048 Miles – 09/03/2012 – Porsche OPC Leeds
21,730 Miles – 18/02/2014 – PorscheTek
25,249 Miles – 23/08/2016 – Porsche OPC Leeds
37,962 Miles – 24/07/2018 – DW Performance
48,391 Miles – 19/03/2020 – DW Performance
53,260 Miles – 28/06/2021 – Pristine Automotive
56,920 Miles – 11/05/2022 – Reason Porsche
60,562 Miles – 31/07/2023 – Reason Porsche
62,925 Miles – 22/04/2024 – Reason Porsche
67,333 Miles – 09/06/2025 – Reason Porsche
2010 
2011 
2011 
