The Porsche Type 997 (Type Nine-Nine-Seven), also simply called the 997 (Nine-Nine-Seven) is the current version of the 911 sports car built by German manufacturer Porsche in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. Production of the Carrera and Carrera S coupés began in early 2005, all-wheel drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S versions began shipping in November 2005, Turbo and GT3 derivatives went on sale in late 2006 and the 911 GT2 in 2007. In addition to the coupe and cabriolet versions, Targa versions of the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S are available, which carry on with the "glass canopy" roof design used on all Targa 911s since the Type 993 Generation 911.
During 2009 Porsche made comprehensive changes to the 997 lineup which included small styling changes, increases in engine displacement across the board, the addition of gasoline direct injection and the introduction of the company's new "PDK" dual clutch transmission as well as other mechanical changes. As a result, the updated 997 models are faster, lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing versions and have somewhat better handling. In the case of the 997 Turbo, a comprehensively re-tuned all wheel drive system with an optional "torque vectoring" system was also a part of the upgrades package; in an October 2009 preliminary review, Car and Driver magazine estimated that when equipped with the PDK transmission, the updated Turbo should be capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in three (3.0) seconds flat. As of December 2009, the 911 GT2 was the only variant in the 997 lineup not to have received any changes or upgrades.
The 997 is the most commercially successful 911 of all time, having sold 100,000 units between its introduction in 2005 and July of 2007. It has also received mostly positive reviews from the worldwide motoring press; even British motoring journalist Jeremy Clarkson, a known detractor of Porsche vehicles, noted that the 997 will "make love to your fingertips and stir your soul.
