Porsche 911 997 - Storyboards

The 1975 Porsche 930 Turbo is the original Widowmaker

The 930's turbocharged flat-six developed up to 326 hp and 317 lb-ft, but it suffered from turbo lag

The turbo-engine overpowered the chassis, surprising many uninitiated drivers

But beyond the 930 Turbo, here's why the following 6 Porsche models can also be labeled as widowmakers

1. In 1965, Porsche entered the 904/8 Bergspyder in Targa Florio and secured second place

However, the ultra-light, flat-eight race car featured a very firm suspension, making it jump. They called it the Kangaroo

2. Early 911s were considered balanced cars, but they still had a dark side

Lack of chassis rigidity on the road cars and a rear-mounted engine was a recipe for the so-called pendulum effect

3. The 993 GT2 is the first and only air-cooled 911 GT2

Like all future models, the 993 GT2 was based on the Turbo, but was far less cooperative to the driver

4. The 996 GT2 was a homologation special like its predecessor

The first water-cooled 911 GT2 produced up to 483 hp and featured no traction control

5. The Porsche 997.2 GT2 RS is a modern-day widowmaker

The Turbo-based 997 GT2 RS features 612 hp, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual

6. The Porsche Carrera GT is considered one of the very last analog supercars

Its motorsport-derived V-10 produced 603 hp and boasts one of the greatest engine notes

It features a six-speed manual with an intricate clutch system that was sensitive to bad drivers

Tire technology at the time couldn't keep up with the Porsche Carrera GT performance

To make matters more interesting, the Carrera GT featured not traction control system

20 years later, Porsche worked with Michelin to create new tires for the Carrera GT

The new rubber made the Carrera GT 16 seconds quicker around the Nurburgring

Swipe up to learn more about why these Porsche sports cars are dangerous and earned the reputation for being widowmakers.

The 997 and 992 Sport Classic are both limited run models that have some similarities and differences

The 997 and 992 Sport Classic were both inspired by the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS

The 997 Sport Classic was introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show

Based on the Carrera S platform, the 997 Sport Classic had a slightly more powerful engine, producing around 23 horsepower more

The 2023 Porsche 992 Sport Classic was based on the 992.1 Turbo, but featured a few important distinctions

Its 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-6 was de-tuned from 572 hp to 542 hp and 442 lb-ft

This was still a lot more than the 997 Sport Classic's 402 hp and 310 lb-ft

The 992 Sport Classic was converted to rear-wheel drive and features a 7-speed manual transmission

The 997 Sport Classic's 6-speed manual with a 3.44 mechanical, limited-slip differential

Visually, the iconic ducktail spoiler and Fuchs wheels are present on both 911 Sport Classic models, but the ones on the 992 are center-lock

The classic theme continues inside the cabin of both 911s

Both generations of the Porsche 911 Sport Classic have tripled in value since their debut, making them great investments

Swipe up to see how these two limited-edition Porsches compare

Porsche 911s come in all shapes and sizes

The 911 GT2 RS is the most radical road-going variant of the 997

Limited to just 500 units, the 997 GT2 RS is a Turbo S with more power, no AWD, and a manual

The 993 is the last air-cooled 911 Turbo, but the first to get AWD

In 1997, Porsche introduced the X50 package, which turned the 993 Turbo into the Turbo S

Porsche 911 GT1 is the only mid-engine 911 ever made

It was built for Le Mans GT1 and FIA GT2 racing in the 1990s, where it showed consistent results due to its reliability

Between 21 and 25 road-going examples were built

The 911 Carrera 2.7 RS solidified the 911 as a capable race car

It was the birth of the Carrera name, the ducktail rear spoiler, and the wide body on 911 models

Thanks to Mezger power, the Carrera 2.7 RS was he fastest car of its day

The 2016 Porsche 991 R is a 911 that doesn't adhere to modern regulations

A modern homage to a legend; The original 911 R was the basis for many 911 race cars and at 1,929 pounds, it was the lightest 911 ever made

The 991 R tips the scales at 3,020 pounds, making it the most lightweight modern-day 911

Single-mass flywheel, close-ratio manual, rear-wheel drive, and 200+ mph capable

Swipe up for more on why these 5 911s should be in any Porsche enthusiast's garage

Porsche 911

Porsche 911 (G-Series)

Porsche 911 (Type-964)

Porsche 911 (Type-993)

Porsche 911 (Type-996)

Porsche 911 (Type-997)

Porsche 911 (Type-991)

Porsche 911 (Type-992)

If you've ever wondered, which were some of the most noteworthy Porsche's to be destroyed on the silver screen, we've got you covered, with five examples

In Risky Business (1983), starring Tom Cruise, they destroyed a Porsche 928

This is allegedly the car that Tom Cruise learned to drive stick in

The 4.5-liter V-8 in this 928 made just 219 horsepower since US models were strangled by regulations

Porsche 928s equipped with a manual transmisison account for only 10 to 15 percent of all 928s produced

The "Risky Business" Porsche 928 was finished in Platinum Metallic. A few cars were used - some survived

The movie Torque (2004) was a playful joke from motorcycle riders to car drivers. A Speed Yellow Porsche 993 was caught in the middle

The air-cooled Porsche was squashed by a Hummer H1 that landed on top of it

The movie car was made to look like a 993 Carrera RS Clubsport, but a experts will notice the irregularities

In Death Race (2008), one of the racers drove a heavily-modified 911 G-body with a missile launcher at the front

The G-Body 911 has its own charm, but that wasn't enough to spare one particular example from being blown to bits

The car was confirmed to be a 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera SC, which stands for "Super Carrera"

This means that the 3.0-liter flat-six is fuel-injected and has a 5-speed, 915 manual transmission

They spared no expense when filming the 2007 Reline. Not one, but two rare Porsches were crashed

The 2 Carrera GT cars that were destroyed in the movie were, allegedly, owned by the movie director, Andy Cheng

Just 1,270 examples of the Porsche Carrera GT were made, and more than a few had already been crashed

In Fast X (2023), they destroyed a real Porsche 997 GT3 by blowing it up

The 997 represents one of the most iconic, modern-day 911s, including the last Mezger-powered 911 and the last manual Turbo

Swipe up to learn more about these Porsche movie cars that met their untimely ends

This tastefull -modified Porsche 997 Cabriolet is one man's vision of how the car should have come from the factory

RUF and Reinald Mattes have enhanced the performance and aesthetics of this 911

The car didn't start as a RUF vehicle. At some point, it received the RUF R Kompressor conversion

The main highlight is the M97 engine, which now features a centrifugal supercharger among other supporting upgrades

The result - 435 hp and 347 lb-ft instead of the stock Carrera 4S' 355 hp and 295 lb-ft

The 0-60 mph time drops from 4.7 to around 4.0 seconds with the new top speed being over 190 mph

RUF body kit gives the Carrera 4S GT3-like aesthetics

The exterior is finished in Matt Titanium Gray, by Mata Automotive

The cognac interior is also done by Mata and features subtle carbon inlays. Note the six-speed manual

The RUF wheels measure 19x8.5 front and 19x11 rear with 235 section front tires and 325 at the rear

This tastefully modified and looked-after Porsche 911 is currently for sale

Swipe up to learn more about the supercharged Porsche 997 and what makes it a unique find

Engine-swapping a 911 isn't anything new, but these ones are are a bit controversial

A four-cylinder Honda K20 swap replaces a well-enjoyed M97 flat-six in order to avoid, potentially, expensive repairs

The K-Series engines are known for staying reliable even when making big power. It is also affordable and benefits from great aftermarket support

Honda K-series also boast incredible thermal efficiency. Initial power was 435 hp to the wheels, with 500 being the real goal.

This Subaru-swapped 997 solves the EJ25 problem while keeping the center of gravity intact

First presented at the 2022 SEMA, it was built by DevSpeed

Apparently, all you need to do for reliable 550+ hp is a closed-deck block, and the EJ25 becomes rock-solid

The most generic build is also the most sensible as it solves major issues with the 996 and 997.1 Carrera models

CPE specialies in LS conversions, and this LS3 swap makes 495 hp - 240 more than the stock 997 Carrera S engine

The LS3 V-8 is also 40 lbs lighter than the flat-six and does not suffer from the usual IMS and RMS issues, M96/M97 mills are known for

A 1966 Porsche 911 gets a Mazda rotary swap, because why not?

The reason is, the factory engine was beyond repair and the owner thought he could piss purists off by making somethig unique

A lot of custom work has been done to the classic 911, which can now push close to 700 hp

Swipe up to learn more about these 911s with unusual engine swaps, and why they work

The 997's original infotainment system, especially in the 997.1 models, is often criticized for its outdated design and limited functionality

Porsche Classic offers the PCCM Plus system as a direct upgrade for the 997.1. that supports Apple Car Play and Android Auto

The PCCM Plus is designed for easy installation and can be done by most DIY enthusiasts in under an hour

PCCM Plus offers a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, improved navigation with 2D and 3D maps, and support for the Traffic Message Channel (TMC)

While it requires a wired USB connection for smartphone integration, aftermarket adapters can enable wireless connectivity

It also can integrate with existing factory-installed sound systems and supports features like BOSE AudioPilot

The PCCM Plus is also compatible with the Boxster/Cayman 987.1 models

PCCM Plus offers a convenient and high-quality way to upgrade the infotainment system of the Porsche 997.1, while maintaining the car's original aesthetics

Swipe up to find out how much it costs and alternative ways to upgrade the infotainment system.

The first turbocharged Porsche was not a 911

But one of the final iterations of the 917 race car, more specifically the 917/10 and the 917/30

The first 911 to receive a turbocharger was the 1974 Carrera RSR Turbo 2.1

Thanks to a big single turbo, its 2.1-liter boxer engine produced from 500 to 620 hp

In 2024, Porsche celebrates 50 years of the 911 Turbo - its most capable road-going variant

Because of its big single turbo and laggy characteristics, the 930 Turbo was nicknamed the Widowmaker

The more powerful, 3.3-liter variants of the original 911 Turbo feature a K26 turbocharger, for upto 330 hp in the Turbo S model

2006 marked a milestone for Porsche's turbocharging game, with the 997

The Porsche 997 Turbo was the first 911 to feature variable-geometry turbochargers

Some advantages of VGT technology include better heat resistance, more power, and broader torque curve

The more track-focused, 997 GT2 and GT2 RS models feature similar turbo technology, but with upgraded turbos for even more power

The first production hybrid 911 marked another evolution in Porsche's forced induction technology

The T-Hybrid loses the twin-turbo for a big single turbo that's electrically-assisted

The turbocharger's E-motor helps with spooling and can turn excess exhaust gasses into energy

Swipe up to learn more about Porsche's obsession with turbos

The stock Porsche M96 engine in the 996/997 is not the best when it comes to reliability

Rebuilding or replacing the M96 engine can be very expensive (up to $18k) and a Honda K-series engine serves as an affordable, and reliable alternative

Benjamin Sipson from Bayside Fabrication has created a K-swap kit for Porsche 996/997 models

The K-swap kit includes engine and transmission mounts, a crossmember, spacers, and fasteners

The K-series engine itself is relatively affordable, with prices starting around $900

But you may also need to factor in costs for the turbo kit, clutch, fuel system, and potential transmission upgrade

Also, if you're looking for more power over what the stock mill offers, K-Swap specialist and tuner Nick, offers hardware that can help you accomplish that

Reliable, powerful, and readily available, K-Series engines are highly tunable and some folks have managed to crank out 1,000 horsepower

You can select from Stage 1 (budget-friendly), Stage 2 (more power), or Stage 3 (extreme power)

Expect to spend between $15,000 and $30,000 or more, including parts and labor.

Harald de Brujin, a.k.a. FourWheel Trader On YouTube Has Come Out With An Analysis Of The GT3 Market

After A Drastic Fall, Prices Have Now Stabilized

He Also Compares The Drop-In Price Between The 992 Touring And Non-Touring Versions

We See A Similar Leveling Of Prices In The Both The Generations Of The 991

991.1 Prices Range In Between $140 - $145 k, And 991.2 In Between $191 - 198 K

The Smaller 997 Market Saw An Incremental Increase, But It Is Unconfirmed.

996 Generation Cars Are Seeing A Decline After Stabilization

He Compares The Drop-In Value To Cars Like The Ferrari F430 And 360

The Complete Overview Of The Market Shows That The GT3 Market Is Quite Stable

A Look At Carried Over Inventory Shows The 996 Takes Longer To Sell, With Over 50% Of Cars Not Selling In The First 3 Months

He Also Analyzes The Discounts Applied On Carried Over Inventory

For The First Time, He Compares The German Market To The U.S

Swipe Up To Watch His In-Depth Video Analysis For A More Detailed Breakdown On The GT3 Market.

Timeless styling that pays homage to Porsche's rich heritage

Iconic Targa design with a modern twist

Wider rear fenders and rear light strip distinguish the Targa 4S

A more powerful 3.8-liter engine for faster performance

Smooth and responsive PDK dual-clutch transmission

Confidence-inspiring all-wheel drive system for all-weather capability

Standard Porsche Active Suspension Management system for sportier driving characteristics

Powerful braking system with optional ceramic composite discs

Premium interior with high-quality materials and craftsmanship

Updated PCM infotainment system with touchscreen display

Iconic five-gauge instrument cluster with central tachometer

Optimized aerodynamics for stability and efficiency

Sport Chrono Package Plus offers enhanced performance features

Strong resale value and enduring desirability

The Porsche 997.1 is the quintessential 911 Turbo as it perfectly blends classic and modern

997 is the last generation 911 Turbo to be offered with a manual transmission

The 997.2 adopted the PDK automatic, which replaced the outdated Tiptronic

From 2009, only the regular 997 Turbo was available with a stick. Turbo S became a PDK-only model

The 997.1 is the last 911 Turbo to be powered by a 3.6-liter Mezger flat-six engine that made 475 horsepower

The highlight of this powerplant and a 911-first was the variable-geometry Turbos

This enabled a much-power band for the 997.1 Turbo

The 997 Turbo manual transmission featured longer gear ratios than the 997 Carrera, despite the same 3.44:1 differential ratio

Even with the manual transmission, 0-60 mph happened in around 3.5 seconds

997 is the last 911 to feature hydraulic steering - another beloved feature of classic 911s

It was also the first Porsche 911 to offer Sport Chrono Package

Visually, the 997 also brought back the classic, round 911 headlights, ditching the fried-egg units of the 996

You get the iconic side-air intakes that are now synonymous with 911 Turbo models

The combination of Mezger engine and manual transmission makes the 997.1 Turbo highly-desirable

It is incredibly good at retaining value

Some examples go for more than the original MSRP, even after 15 years

Swipe up to learn more about current market values for the 997 Turbo.

A timeless exterior design with modern drop-top aesthetics

Quick and convenient power-operated soft top

Extra high-speed stability and muscular stance with a wider body

Open-air thrills with performance-focused seating dynamics

Enhanced aerodynamics with an automatic rear spoiler

Swift performance with a powerful 3.8-liter flat-six engine

Sonorous exhaust sound from the sports exhausts

Timeless touches and improved performance with a Sport Chrono Package

Modern infotainment hardware for uninterrupted entertainment

Surefooted braking performance with Optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB)

Performance-tuned adaptive dampers for enhanced driving characteristics

Engaging driving experience in all conditions

Balanced weight distribution for neutral handling

YouTuber Jack Ultramotive Recently Bought What He Calls The Poor Man's GT3 RS - A 2007 Carrera S

In The Video He Speculates That The GT3 RS Might Be Too Mainstream

Now He Wanted Something More Reliable, Which Can Be Taken To The Track

Around 8 Months Ago He AcquIred His Dream Car The Lamborghini Murciélago

He Finally Settled On An '07 Carrera S For A Steal

The Carrera S Comes With A 3.8 Liter Flat-5 Making 355 HP And 295 Lb-Ft Of Torque

Jack's Carrera Came With Some Undesirable Mods Like The Hood Painted Red And Wrapped In Carbon Fiber Print

Another Gawdy Mod Is The Matching Red Rear View Mirrors

Notice How The Carrera Font Is Offset From The Center

These Mods Allowed Jack To Get A Good Deal On The Car, Like This GT3 Inspired Rear Wing

The Only Mod That Jack Was Okay With Was The GT3 front bumper

We Get To See Jack Drive His Carrera S For The First Time

The Carrera S Has A Top Speed Of 182 MPH And Hits 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Seconds

Jack Has His Work Cut Out With Fixing This Inexpensive 997.1 Carrera S

But Before That, Swipe Up To See The Reactions From A Porsche-Only Cars & Coffee.

Swapping in a V-8 in a Porsche 911 is a sacrilege, according to purists, but there are some obvious advantages when doing it on a 997 Carrera/ Carrera S

Many Porsche flat-6 engines are experiencing bore scoring and IMS failure - both expensive to fix problems, warranting an engine rebuild at $30,000

An LS3 crate motor from GM solves those issues and adds performance, and CPE has the most comprehensive kit for the purpose

CPE's LS V-8 engine swap for the Porsche 911 is an easy conversion, and costs much less than rebuilding the stock engine at a Porsche dealer

CPE's V-8 conversion includes a proprietary, single-mass flywheel

The stock Porsche 997 Carrera S made 350 hp and 295 lb-ft on the crankshaft

The new V-8 engine packs 495 hp and over 420 lb-ft

Less weight: despite almost twice the displacement, the GM V-8 engine is over 40 lbs lighter than the boxer engine

This particular Porsche, owned by "Street Bandito" also gets carbon fiber bits that would shave even more weight

Swipe up to learn more about the advantages of an LS V-8 engine swap on a 911 and how much it costs.

Hans Mezger started and ended his career as an engine builder, at Porsche, making the most successful Porsche engines in motorsports

Most Mezger engines were air-cooled,but the Swan Song was a 4.0-liter, water-cooled M97.74

The last Mezger engine was made specifically for the most hardcore, naturally-aspirated Porsche 997 - the GT3 RS 4.0

At 2,998 lbs, the Porche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 was a lightweight as the analog 996 GT3 RS, but with more power

The last Mezger engine produced 493 hp at 8,250 RPM and 339 lb-ft at 5,750 RPM

997 GT3 RS 4.0 is also the last 911 GT3 model offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission

Even with the aggressive aero bits, the Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 reaches a top speed of 190 mph

With a 0 to 60 mph achieved in around 4.0 seconds, the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 can shame many modern performance cars in a straight line. Even more on a track

The first Porsche 911 to feature center-lock wheels as standard

The 4.0 badge returned with the 2016 911 GT3 RS, but it didn't have a Mezger engine

Despite many innovations, the new engine did not produce more power

Hans Mezger's last creation is one considered the purest Porsche 911 GT3 of all time, making the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 one of he best investments for those who have one

Just 600 units of the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 were built between 2011 and 2012. Just 141 were originally sold in the U.S.

Iconic exterior design with improved aerodynamics and modern styling

Greater downforce improves aerodynamics and high-speed stability

Updated boxer-six engine with Direct fuel injection for improved power and efficiency

New seven-speed PDK transmission for optimized performance and efficiency

Improved performance with the Sport Chrono Package

Extra high-speed stability and comfort with optional PASM suspension

Compact dimensions make the 911 Carrera a joy to drive

Aggressive braking performance with available Carbon Ceramic Brakes

An updated interior with more comfortable seats and premium materials

Enhanced in-cabin experience with a larger touchscreen and updated software

Timeless 911 exterior design with modern touches

Extra visual drama with the wider body

Adaptive sports seats for ultimate comfort and support

Sport Chrono Package Plus for track day enthusiasts

All-wheel drive mastery for year-round performance

Swift performance with the iconic boxer-six engine

Improved visibility with the optional Bi-Xenon HID headlamps

Confident handling with the Porsche Stability Management

Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes for ultimate stopping power

Heritage-inspired design elements distinguish the 911 from other sports cars

45 percent reduced noise/vibration/harshness levels with lightweight suspension

Classic circular headlights returned with the 997 generation in 2005

Open-air versatility with a lightweight power-folding soft top

Sufficient muscle for effortless daily drives and high-spirited drives

Transmission of your choice!

A rear-engine layout and the rear-wheel-drive system deliver the perfect recipe for purists

More planted stance and improved handling with wider tracks

Improved aerodynamics with automatic extending rear spoiler

Enriched track-devouring credentials with the Sport Chrono Plus package

Promising braking power with upgraded brakes

Improved comfort with redesigned front seats

Optional Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment suite to keep you connected

High-quality audio experience with a new Bose audio set