The Porsche 997.2 Turbo (2009–2013) marked a major engine change for the 911 Turbo. The outgoing 3.6-litre Mezger turbo unit was replaced by an all-new 3.8-litre direct-injection (DFI) twin-turbo flat-six with variable-turbine-geometry (VTG) turbochargers. The result is 500 hp, all-weather pace through standard all-wheel drive, and for the first time the option of Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch gearbox. It is a usable everyday supercar with devastating real-world performance.
Specifications
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Production Period | 2009–2013 |
| Engine Type | 3.8L flat-six, DFI, twin-turbo (VTG) |
| Displacement | 3,800 cm³ |
| Power | 500 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 650 Nm (700 Nm on overboost with Sport Chrono) |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK |
| 0–100 km/h | 3.7 s (manual) / 3.4 s (PDK, Launch Control) |
| Top Speed | 312 km/h |
| Suspension (front) | MacPherson struts, PASM, anti-roll bar |
| Suspension (rear) | Multi-link, PASM, anti-roll bar |
| Brakes | 350 mm front / 330 mm rear (PCCB optional) |
| Wheels | 19-inch alloy wheels |
| Tyres | 235/35 ZR19 (F) / 305/30 ZR19 (R) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,570 kg (manual) / 1,595 kg (PDK) |
| Fuel Tank | 67 litres |
| Fuel Type | Super Plus / 98 RON |
| Emissions Standard | Euro 5 |
Highlights
The 997.2 Turbo introduced the all-new 3.8-litre DFI twin-turbo engine, leaving behind both the Mezger engine and any IMS-bearing concerns. VTG turbochargers deliver strong low-end response and a near-flat torque curve. It was the first 911 Turbo available with PDK, and could be optioned with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) and PCCB ceramic brakes. The wide Turbo-only body with its distinctive air intakes sets it apart from the Carrera range.
Common Issues
- VTG turbo actuators can stick or fail with age (expensive to rectify)
- Front coolant pipes can corrode or weep on earlier cars
- PDK mechatronics wear on hard-driven or launch-control-heavy cars
- Bore scoring far less common than on older units, but worth a check on neglected examples
- High-boost driving accelerates clutch (manual) and rear tyre wear
- Coffin-arm / control-arm bushings wear over time
Maintenance
| Task | Interval |
|---|---|
| Oil Change | Yearly or every 15,000 km |
| Spark Plugs | Every 4 years |
| Brake Fluid | Every 2 years |
| PDK Service | Every 60,000 km |
| Coolant | Every 6 years |
| Turbo / Intercooler Inspection | At each major service |
Market Analysis (as of 2025)
- High mileage: CHF 62,000–75,000
- Good condition: CHF 75,000–95,000
- Low mileage: CHF 95,000–120,000
Unlike the Carreras, manual-gearbox Turbos command a premium over PDK cars, as they are rarer and increasingly sought after by enthusiasts.
Buying Considerations
- Full service history with invoices, ideally main-dealer or Porsche specialist
- Confirm turbo actuators and boost behaviour on a test drive
- Check for accident damage, especially front-end and wide rear arches
- PDK service record (if applicable)
- Inspect coolant pipes and look for weeping
- Verify PCCB disc wear if ceramic brakes are fitted (costly to replace)
FAQ
What changed from the 997.1 Turbo?
The 997.2 swapped the Mezger 3.6 for the new 3.8 DFI engine and added the PDK gearbox. More power, better economy and better everyday manners, though it lost the Mezger-engine mystique that keeps 997.1 Turbo values firm.
Manual or PDK?
PDK is faster and the better everyday tool. The manual is rarer and increasingly the enthusiast and collector choice.
Does it have IMS or Mezger issues?
No. The DFI engine has no IMS bearing and is not a Mezger unit.
Good investment?
Values are firm and rising, with manual cars leading. A documented, standard example is the safest bet.
Driving Experience
Relentless, usable, all-weather supercar pace. The VTG turbos give a near-flat torque curve from low revs, so performance is always accessible. Less dramatic than a GT car but far more comfortable and genuinely drivable every day. With PDK, launch control and AWD, repeatable sub-3.5-second launches are trivial.
Optional Equipment & Desirability Factors
- Sport Chrono Package Turbo (overboost, Launch Control)
- PCCB ceramic composite brakes
- PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring)
- Sports exhaust
- Adaptive sport seats
- 19-inch centre-lock-look / RS Spyder wheels
- Paint to Sample (PTS) colours
Colour & Trim Guide
Popular exterior colours: Basalt Black, Meteor Grey, GT Silver, Carrera White.
Rare PTS colours command a premium.
Interiors: Black, Cocoa, Stone Grey and two-tone combinations, often with carbon or aluminium trim.
Production Numbers & Rarity
Offered as Coupé and Cabriolet over 2009–2013. Manual-gearbox cars are the rarer and more collectible choice, as most buyers specified PDK. Well-specified, documented and standard (unmodified) examples are the most desirable.
Ownership Experience
Genuinely usable every day: reliable cold starts, a comfortable cabin, AWD security in poor weather and effortless long-distance pace. Running costs are higher than a Carrera, but the Turbo rewards with supercar performance in a car you can use all year.
What to Look For When Buying
- Complete maintenance records and cam/chain health
- Smooth, lag-consistent boost with no flat spots or warning lights
- No signs of previous accident repair on the wide body
- Tyre age and matching brand/spec front to rear
- Evidence of any engine-out work (coolant pipes, clutch)
Insurance & Running Costs
More expensive to run than a Carrera, below GT-car territory.
Annual maintenance: CHF 1,400–2,000.
Tyres: CHF 1,400–2,000 (wider rears).
PDK service: CHF 800–1,000.
PCCB replacement (if worn): several thousand CHF.
Comparison vs. Other 997.2 Models
- 997.2 Turbo S: 530 hp, PDK-only, PCCB and PTV standard, fully loaded
- 997.2 Carrera 4S: naturally aspirated, lighter, less power, cheaper to run
- 997.2 GT2 RS: RWD, manual-only, 620 hp, track-focused halo
- 997.2 GT3: naturally aspirated Mezger, RWD, driver-focused rather than all-weather
The 997.2 Turbo is the everyday supercar of the range: immense pace, all-weather usability and, in manual form, a growing collector following.