Porsche 911 (Germany, 1997-2004)

It was a big step for the Porsche 911 after 34 years of production when it finally traded its traditional air-cooled engine for new water-cooled ones. With the ‘996’ internal dub, the 1997 generation of the 911 started being manufactured in 1997 and was sold until the beginning of 2005. Several variants grew from the 996 model, such as the Turbo that debuted in 2000.

First 996 cars came with the naturally aspirated 3.4-liter rear engine that produced 296 hp, which increased to 315 hp in 2002 when engine displacement was improved to 3.6-liter. The range’s top variant, the GT2, produces up to 483 hp.   996’s top speed for non-turbocharged versions is 177 mi/h (285 km/h), but Turbos can achieve 197 mi/h (317 km/h) and the strongest GT2 reaches 198 mi/h (319 km/h). 996 models were available in both all-wheel drive (Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S) and rear-wheel drive versions.   Transmission for these cars could be chosen between a 5-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual.

Platform
  Suspension The 996 model’s front suspension is built with McPherson struts with an adjustable camber, cylindrical springs and dampers. Its 5-link multi-link rear suspension is built with spring struts, coil springs and gas-press dampers   Steering Hydraulic power assisted rack-and-pinion steering.   Brakes Ceramic vented and cross drilled discs, with 4-pot calipers and ABS.

Automotive designer Pinky Lai is the responsible man for this 2-door car, available in coupé and convertible (Targa) body versions. When compared to previous 911 generations, the 996 cars come with a sleeker shape and a newly designed interior.