LCT decision delays 911 Carrera 2 pricing

Porsche will not announce pricing for the latest 911 models until proposed changes to the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) are formalised.

Speaking at the launch of the Second Generation 997 series 911 near Stuttgart on the weekend, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) boss Michael Winkler told the Carsales Network the company would hold off any final decisions on pricing for the new Carrera 2 and Carrera 2S coupe and cabrio models until the proposed changes to the LCT had been dealt with by parliament.

With the Liberal opposition holding a majority in the Senate until July 1, it is likely this week's vote to change the LCT from 25 to 33 per cent will be defeated and therefore go back to a Senate committee for review. If this happens it is unlikely the bill will again go before a vote in the Upper House until late August -- the month before the new Porsche models are due to arrive Down Under.

According to Winkler, the new petrol direct fuel-injection 911 models are around 1-1.5 per cent more expensive, however, in the changeover there has been a significant upgrade in specification. Items such as bi-xenon headlamps, reverse sensors, auto-dimming mirrors and the upgraded Porsche Communication Management system are now standard across the 911 model line-up. (In the case of the PCM system, that now includes a full satnav system plus phone and iPod and Bluetooth prep.)

According to Winkler, based on a 25 per cent LCT rate, the sum total of changes should see prices increase by around $10,000. Were that the case, the Carrera 2 Coupe will open up the batting at around $208,000. The 2S Cabrio will top-out the Second Generation line-up at around $254,000.

Porsche's new PDK twin-clutch automated manual gearbox will be an option on all models, replacing the Tiptronic S auto option. Winkler says the cost for the smart seven-speeder will be circa $6.5K -- again based on a 25 per cent LCT rate.

While less than 50 per cent of 911 buyers currently opt for the auto gearbox, the performance credentials of the new PDK box are expected to attract significantly increased patronage.

Says Winkler, PCA expects at least two-thirds and perhaps as many as 75 per cent of all Second Generation Carrera 2 and 2S models sold Down Under will be PDK equipped.

Look out for our launch review of the updated Porsche Carrera 2 and Carrera 2S range soon.

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