Porsche 911 (996)

Porsche 911
Porsche 996 Carrera 4S
Overview
Manufacturer	Porsche AG
Also called	Porsche 911 Porsche Carrera
Production	July 17, 1997–2004 (2005 and 2006 for 911 Turbo S, GT2 and GT3 models only)
Assembly	Germany: Stuttgart
Designer	Pinky Lai (1993–2006) Harm Lagaay
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car (S)
Body style	2-door coupé 2-door convertible 2-door Targa top
Layout	Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive/Rear-engine, all-wheel drive
Related	Porsche 986 Boxster Ruf RTurbo Ruf RGT
Powertrain
Engine	3.4 L–3.6 L M96 naturally aspirated/twin-turbocharged flat-6
Transmission	6-speed Getrag G96/00 manual 5-speed ZF 5HP19 automatic 5-speed Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	92.6 in (2,352 mm)
Length	174.5 in (4,432 mm) Carrera 4S and Turbo: 174.6 in (4,435 mm)
Width	1999–2001: 69.5 in (1,765 mm) 2002–2004: 69.7 in (1,770 mm) Carrera 4S and Turbo: 72.0 in (1,829 mm)
Height	51.4 in (1,306 mm) Carrera 4S and Turbo: 51.0 in (1,295 mm) 40th Anniversary coupé: 50.2 in (1,275 mm) GT2: 50.2 in (1,275 mm)
Curb weight	2,904 lb (1,317 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Porsche 993
Successor	Porsche 997

The Porsche 996 is the fifth generation of the 911 model sports car manufactured by the German automaker Porsche from 1997 until 2006.^[1] It was replaced by the 997 in 2004, but the high performance Turbo S, GT2 and GT3 variants remained in production until 2006. The 996 had little in common with its predecessor, with the first all new chassis platform since the original 911 and a new water-cooled engine. Technically, it was a major change, a complete break from the original car other than the overall layout.

The 996's development was shared with the roadster-only Porsche Boxster (986) whose nameplate was making its debut as Porsche's entry-level offering. The 986 was released shortly before the 996 for sales. Commonalities between the 996 and 986 included the front suspension, various interior components, and the engine, all of which were enlarged for the 996. However, the multi-link rear suspension was derived from the preceding 993. This was done mainly to save development costs as Porsche was facing financial troubles at that time. This move resulted in cost savings of approximately 30% in the development of the car.^[2]

At its debut, the 996 featured the most significant change from the classic 911 series: a water-cooled engine replacing the previously air-cooled engine. Progressively more stringent emissions and noise regulations, environmental concerns, a higher expectation for refinement and the need for a high-performance 4 valve per cylinder engine made the switch necessary. Other major changes include a completely new platform having a sleeker body with a more raked windshield, and a re-designed interior along with new "fried egg" shaped headlamps (so called due to the amber coloured turn signals) instead of previous "bug eye" headlamps.^{[3][citation needed]}