If given the choice between having my engine repaired locally at the dealer or having a new factory engine installed that was shipped in from Germany, I think I'd opt for the new engine.
458 fires were isulation amterial, and lots more cars out there before fires. This is catastrophic engine failure. Kinda miss that Metzger engine, at least now we know why the racing GT3's dont have the new motors, nor do they have 4ws. Does anybody think that the 991 GT3 will have anywhere near the long term durability as a DE track car as the 997? The 991 GT3 to me looks more like a carerra GTS, than a "real" Gt3. Pity. As many have said, faster is not necessarily better.
Well-stated! I think some are missing the point with the "no big deal" sentiments. This fiasco suggests that Porsche Ag put out a car that wasn't fully developed or thoroughly tested. Actually, it proves it. Great that Porsche Ag stands behind the cars wih new engines, but really, have they any choice if they wish to salvage any credibility? A defective engine (the heart of the car) is not the same as the ancillary teething troubles such as the 458 had, its far more serious! The 458s did not require new engines. Accordingly, I think the 991 GT3 will forever drive around under a cloud, long after this is resolved. I bought my first 911 27 years ago and was looking forward to owning the 991 GT3, but now, after all the drama with no end in sight, not-so-much. I can't possibly be the only one who feels this way. Perception becomes reality. I'd love to be proven wrong, but that's my two cents.
I have a GT3 on order which stopped production on 2/14. PNA has been useless with any information. The customer service does not exist. They are saying "do what you want" i.e. get your deposit back, buy another car we have no idea when Porsche will have new engines and no idea about anything. The reason they don't care is they know there is a very long list of people that want this car and they have no production capacity to meet the demand. (As a Ferrari owner who does this sound like?) Porsche management must have used old Hogan's Hero's shows to teach them how to respond ( I knowww nothing)
Good comments, a few thoughts if I may: In defense of PNA & its USA dealers (no affiliation BTW), they "have no idea when Porsche will have new engines and no idea about anything" because Porsche Ag in Germany has not provided them with anything, as the recent communication with owners shows. This matter clearly goes up the chain of command back to the source - the factory. Ultimately, its is Porsche Ag's reputation that suffers. I can always sympathize with a USA dealer who accepted to sell these cars in good faith, only to find out that over 100 of the cars they have already delivered are now useless, with continued supplies that they were promised, now held up indefinitely. As regards the thought that a "very long list of people that want this car", that could change...
Joe, I agree 100% it is Germany AG that is the problem. They are creating the problem for the dealers and PNA with "we know nothing" attitude. With only about 1500 or even say 3000 GT3's that may have been planned to be built it really is a pimple on an elephants butt (I am not referring to the impact to the racing program). If they killed the GT3 it would not surprise me. They will now loose money but again to VW it is pennies for us common people. Likely won't impact Earnings per share. Germany needs to wake up as these customers likely have been long time Porsche owners of several Porsches. Since 2006 I have always had a Porsche in my garage. That likely will change the longer "We know nothing" attitude continues from Germany.
Nono, I want to look at it like this... Porsche: Mien Got! Two fires! Vee must do somesink! Tell zem to schtop from driving zee cars! Ferrari: Whatsmattayou? Four-a Ferrari catch-a fire? *waves hand* We have-a no problema! Eza normale! Whats-a dat you say, five-a Ferrari catch-a fire? Eza no problema, dats-a normale. Scuzi? Six now, six-a Ferrari catcha fire? Eza no pro... Youza gonna sue? Eets-a the glue. We replace-a the glue. I know I'm being obtuse, mostly because it amuses me. I understand full well that these are two totally different cases and it's a bit unfair, but there you go. It is terrible that these things happen, but they do happen. I hope Stuttgart makes everyone involved whole. Could be worse... y'all could have Toyotas... or anything with a GM ignition...
I think they killed the GT3 with the 991 version anyway. Big bloated heavy a dimishement of tactlity all in the name of paper performance. to me aGT3 was a superlative drive, as tactile as a modern gets, and mostly very durable for weekend after weekend of track use. The first warning shot was the single bolt hub on the 997.2 Gt3 all in the name of more $$$ and marketing, but in every other way a downgrade for a track person. The GT3 was THE porche for the track, and in may ways THE car to take to the track. Not the fastest on paper, but really really fast and the best to drive on track, plus strong and durable. Ask yourself, even if the 991 did not catch fire, what is it really compraed to a 997 other than a bit fatser due to pdk. If you bought a GT3 to keep and drive for 10 years would it be a 997 or a 991. The 997 is going to be iconic and worth $$$ and frankly worth keeping for the sheer joy of its drive, the 991 its headed towards used car territory superceded by the next thing same as many a recent ferrari. As to engine replacements, if you think that the a car with a replacement engine wont depreciate faster than a 2015 Gt3 you are self delusional. On the positive the new Turboi is really cool for what it is, a def upgrade over the 997 version visualy and performance wise, but then its not a track car. My bet is Gm is going to be comming out with better and better vettes and camros for the track crowd and in a few years these plus some hot mustangs will be the car to have for DE, while porche continues to charge extra for past glory.
Yeah I agree. If I owned one of these cars I would be doing everything I could to return the car for a full refund under whatever lemon laws applied. Whenever Porsche gets their **** together I'd consider ordering another car of a later model year to stay clear of the whole mess.
