Porsche 996
The Porsche 996 marked a bold new chapter in the 911 story. Produced from 1997 to 2005 (MY2006), the 996 was the first clean-sheet 911 since the 901 in 1964. Its biggest departure from the well-recognized 911 lineage was a switch from an air-cooled to water-cooled engine to comply with performance and emissions targets. But this shift was also accompanied by sweeping changes elsewhere, including its styling and component-sharing strategy with the 986 Boxster. In total, the 996 generation represented a significant technical evolution.
Between 1998 and 2005, Porsche built 175,262 examples of the Typ 996. While the standard 996 Carrera models were succeeded by the 997 in 2004, high-performance variants like the GT2 and GT3/RS continued production through 2006.
History of the Porsche 996
- Financial pressure & tightening emissions: In the 1990s, Porsche faced financial difficulties and looming emissions regulations, prompting a major shift from air-cooled to water-cooled engines, leading to the birth of the 996.
- Toyota manufacturing partnership: Porsche partnered with Toyota to modernize its manufacturing with lean production methods, helping reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Shared development with Boxster: To trim manufacturing cost woes from the outgoing 993 and 968, the 996 shared its platform and various components with the new Boxster (986).
- Revolutionary redesign: Designed by Pinky Lai, the 996 introduced an all-new chassis, body, interior, and signature "fried egg" headlights. Thanks to high-strength steel and new production methods, the 996 weighed around 110 lbs (50 kg) less than its predecessor.
- Performance evolution: The water-cooled engine allowed the 996 to extract an impressive 300 hp from its 3.4L flat-six (M96). The Mezger-based models—Turbo, Turbo S, GT3/RS, and GT2—pushed Porsche's performance ceiling higher than ever.
"While I’ve been bummed about the two 996 GT3s North America didn’t get, the one we got is my pick of this litter. While I don’t doubt the RS’s advantages in weight or aero, I find myself appreciating the 996.2 GT3 as the sweet spot among the three variants."
Porsche 996 GT3
Issue 005 does a 53-page deep dive on the full 996 GT3 lineage—from the length of its development process to its storied racing endeavors—and compares each road-going model in immersive, technical detail.
Porsche 996 GT2
Issue 021 takes a look at the Porsche's 996 GT2, which followed its predecessor’s mechanical concept as a lighter, rear-drive 911 Turbo and a true product of Porsche Motorsport. It was the first GT2 we received in North America, and importantly, on equal terms to our European counterparts.
Porsche 996 GT3
Issue 005 does a 53-page deep dive on the full 996 GT3 lineage—from the length of its development process to its storied racing endeavors—and compares each road-going model in immersive, technical detail.
Porsche 996 GT2
Issue 021 takes a look at the Porsche's 996 GT2, which followed its predecessor’s mechanical concept as a lighter, rear-drive 911 Turbo and a true product of Porsche Motorsport. It was the first GT2 we received in North America, and importantly, on equal terms to our European counterparts.
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