2008 PORSCHE 911 | WP0AB29948S730814

Body Styles

The Porsche 997 was available as a fixed-roof coupe, an open-top cabriolet with a fully automatic soft-top, and a Targa version featuring a panoramic glass roof and hatch-style rear opening. Coupes retained the classic 911 profile with a modernized edge, while cabriolets provided full open-air driving with minimal compromise in torsional rigidity. Targa models, exclusive to all-wheel-drive variants, combined the coupe's silhouette with improved cabin light and access, and were favored in markets with mixed weather. The facelift (997.2) subtly revised the body with new LED lighting elements, slightly reshaped bumpers, and improved aerodynamic efficiency without altering the timeless proportions.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name “911” traces back to a practical naming decision in the 1960s, but by the time of the 997 generation, it had become one of the most revered monikers in automotive history. Porsche kept the number not just for recognition but to honor the continuity of a concept: a compact, rear-engined sports car that evolved rather than changed. The internal code “997” represents the seventh generation of 911 and signaled a return to enthusiast-favored styling and mechanical precision after the controversial 996. With its blend of modern technology and classic analog feel, the 997 preserved Porsche’s rear-engine legacy while restoring confidence in the purity of the driving experience.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

The number “911” is universally used across languages and markets, evoking the same respect in English, German, Japanese, and Arabic. It does not translate but carries a consistent message of performance heritage and timeless design. While “Carrera” means “race” in Spanish, it also serves as a symbol of Porsche’s motorsport DNA in every country where the model is sold. The model designations “S” and “4” are similarly recognizable and rarely translated, representing sport-oriented enhancements and all-wheel-drive functionality respectively. Together, these badges create a global language of Porsche precision, easily understood regardless of geography.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Porsche 997 was available in a refined selection of body colors including classic Arctic Silver, Basalt Black, Carrera White, and Guards Red, as well as bold hues like Speed Yellow, GT Silver, and Slate Grey Metallic. Paint-to-Sample options allowed for heritage or custom finishes, with limited-edition tones offered on special trims. Subtle styling tweaks across model years and wheel designs helped differentiate trims while retaining a cohesive brand identity.

The interior could be optioned with full or partial leather in Black, Stone Grey, Sand Beige, and Cocoa, along with two-tone designs and extended leather packages covering the dash and doors. Upholstery included soft leather, Alcantara, or embossed Porsche crests on headrests. Sport seats, heated and ventilated options, and adaptive lumbar adjustments made the cabin equally supportive for spirited driving and long tours.

Wheels ranged from 18 to 19 inches with multiple forged alloy designs like the classic Lobster Claw, Carrera Classic, and SportDesign series. S models received red brake calipers and larger rotors, while some trims added center caps with full-color Porsche crests or optional painted rims matched to bodywork. These elements, combined with the car’s signature stance, gave the 997 a poised and unmistakably Porsche presence.

Top Expensive Options

• Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB): ~$8,000
• Chrono Package Plus with Sport Mode & Timer: ~$920
• Sport Exhaust System: ~$2,300
• Adaptive Sport Seats: ~$1,500
• Bose Surround Sound System: ~$1,390
• PASM (standard on S): ~$2,000 if optioned separately
• Full Leather Interior with Deviated Stitching: ~$2,000+
• Navigation Module + PCM: ~$3,000
• Sport Suspension (-20 mm): ~$1,300
• Painted Key Fob / Custom Seat Belts: ~$500+ each

vs Competitors

The 997-generation 911 faced rivals such as the BMW M3 (E92), Audi R8 V8, Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG, Chevrolet Corvette C6, and Aston Martin V8 Vantage.

Compared to the M3, the 911 offered sharper steering, better weight distribution, and a richer driving experience. Against the R8, it was more compact and lighter, with a stronger rear-engine character. The Vantage won on sound and aesthetics, but the 911 beat it in precision, reliability, and usability.

In its segment, the 997 was often praised as the last truly analog 911, especially in 6-speed manual form — retaining hydraulic steering, mechanical engagement, and pure feedback.

Fun Fact

The 997 marked the final generation of the 911 to feature hydraulic steering, making it a favorite among purists. It was also the first 911 to offer Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission (from 2009), which dramatically improved shift speed and drivability.

In 2009, Porsche also introduced the 911 Sport Classic, a retro-inspired limited edition based on the 997, with a ducktail spoiler, wide body, and 408 hp — now highly collectible.