Porsche 996: description, specifications, reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Everyone is familiar with the legendary Porsche 996. It's the 911 Porsche, that's just its internal designation. This model was produced in the period from 1997 to 2005, and during this time period she managed to win many hearts of motorists. And now we will talk about this car, as well as its features.

A bit of history

Porsche 996 was introduced in 1997 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first all-new Porsche designed from scratch in its long history of 34 years.

The car has become much more environmentally friendly, faster, more spacious and more economical than its predecessor. And the price increased by only 2%. Most importantly, the model retained the signature features of the 911.

Of course, the sound of the engine hasn't changed at all. Although the developers have replaced air cooling with water cooling.

But the engine remained the same short-stroke "six". Everything in it is the same - an excellent balance of inertia forces, decent engine agility at high speeds, the amount of vibration minimized, and also lowcenter of gravity. Even the existing distance between the cylinders remained unchanged.

GT3

The Porsche 996 platform was used to build two lightweight cars, the GT and the GT2. The GT3 was also released, but it was decided to deprive it of a lot of equipment in order to save weight. An adjustable suspension and reinforced brakes were installed on this model, and additional stiffening frames were also introduced.

The GT3 version was released in two versions. The first (Mk. IGT3) manufacturers presented to the attention of motorists in 1999. Its feature was the supercharged version 3.6L. The power of the installed motor was 360 hp. With. Interestingly, the unit was developed for the 911 GT1.

The Mk. II GT3 variant was used on the second generation of the Porsche 996. The result was an updated, improved aerodynamics, as well as an increase to 380 hp. With. power.

By the way, in 2004, a test was conducted on a model with Mk. II GT3. From 0 to 60 mph (about 97 km) it accelerated in 4 seconds. The car achieved 1.03g (lateral acceleration), the second highest overall ranking of cars ever registered.

GT2

This modification also needs to be told. It used a solution in the form of RWD. The developers made the drive as such to save the weight of the car and prevent power loss through the transmission. Also in the Porsche 996 (911) added new aerodynamic elements. The 3.6-liter turbocharged version has also been modified.

Working on improvementcharacteristics has been done a lot. The developers installed new intercoolers and turbochargers, revised the exhaust and intake systems, and reprogrammed the engine management option.

After that, the new Porsche car began to pick up speed from 0 to 60 mph even faster - in 3.9 seconds. Top speed was 319 km/h.

Equipment

Studying the features of the Porsche-996 model range, it is necessary to pay attention to its equipment. The notorious versions were equipped with large tires and wheels, standard lightweight ceramic brakes. The rear fixed fenders on the GT2 were made from carbon fiber because competition had rules regarding aerodynamics.

In addition, there were no rear seats and air conditioning. The box was offered only 6-speed, mechanical.

The GT3 and GT2 models used an aluminum crater and air cooling. The 996 Carrera used water, plus a system of six individual cylinders. The engine is very similar to that used in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race winners Porsche 962 and GT cars.

Road version

In 1997, the Porsche 996 GT1 was introduced to the world. Manufacturers so called the road version of the racing supercar. It was decided to take the base from the Porsche 993 GT1.

The body of this model was made of strategic materials, the price of which was about 1,000,000 dollars. To meet all the requirements of the racing series, the company has created 30 suchcars. Each car, which at that time had really impressive performance, was sold for $1 million.

Porsche 911 Carrera (996)

This car "Porsche" is really sometimes seen on the roads. Included in the TOP 10 cars that have changed our world, according to the famous Forbes magazine. Not surprising, because this car is the most mass-produced sports car.

In the international vote for the choice of the car of the century, this model took 5th place. In first place was the Ford Model T, followed by the Mini, Citroën DS and Volkswagen Käfer.

All engines were 6-cylinder, petrol. If we talk about the characteristics, then they can be distinguished in the following list:

• Carrera: 3.4L, 350L. With. Acceleration in 4.8 seconds, top speed - 289 km / h. Consumption in the combined cycle - 9 liters. Improved version - Carrera 4. Features are similar.
• Carrera S: 3.8L, 400L. With. Acceleration in 4.5 seconds, maximum - 304 km / h. Consumption - 9.5 liters. Improved version - Carrera 4S. Features are similar.
• Turbo: 3.8L, 520HP With. Acceleration in 3.4 s, maximum - 315 km / h. The Turbo S version has 3.2 seconds and 318 km/h, respectively. Consumption is the same, about 10 liters.

On Turbo versions, a preselective robotic 7-gearbox was installed. For other Carrera models, mechanics were also offered.

Reviews

You can not ignore this topic. There are few reviews about the Porsche 996, but still they are. And here is what people who are familiar with this car say in them:

• The car is very convenient for use in urban environments, there are no problems with low ground clearance. Dimples and bumps are felt, but without discomfort.
• The seats are incredibly comfortable. In general, there are no complaints about ergonomics, as well as the quality of the materials used.
• When the driver is inside, he does not have the feeling that they are sitting in a small and low car. Enough space.
• When driving, there is a real unity with the car. The car behaves as the motorist himself is configured at a particular moment. The Porsche 996 is capable of both hard and fast accelerations and relaxed driving.
• The engine has a unique sound. Connoisseurs describe him as a thoroughbred, juicy baritone. For many, the sound of the engine means a lot, because it creates an additional mood.

If a brief description of the Porsche 996 were required, it could be said like this - it is a practical and sports car for one or two people that delivers incredible pleasure to drive and also attracts the attention of others.

Riding in winter

Many people are wondering if such a colorful car can handle the Russian cold?

The machine is certainly not designed to operate in frosty conditions. The stabilization system often flashes even with small accelerations, but there are no problems - everything is corrected in time.

If you press the gas hard, the car will start to scour the trajectory, even if the speed is high. It's uncomfortable to say the least.even a little fearfully.

But, again, this is all on kickdown. In normal driving mode, no serious problems were identified. Although, when rebuilding, accompanied by acceleration, the car almost skids. It's good that there is a stabilization system and an option for dosing thrust - everything is adjusted automatically.

More problems are in races in those places that have an ice track. The car literally "sits" in it. And if you start to get out, then it can fly out sideways, it is very dangerous, especially if there are other cars nearby.

Operation

Above was something about the characteristics of the Porsche 996 (911). I would like to tell you about the sensations that the small owners of this car experience from regular driving. As a rule, attention is focused on the following nuances of a car:

• The behavior of the car is predicted at any speed, which gives confidence. The car has a very clear pedal-deceleration connection.
• CPP, so to speak, knows his stuff. The box is tailored for this car. Switches instantly, keeps the momentum. If you want acceleration, then up to 7,000 rpm it spins very quickly.
• The dynamics are impressive. Moreover, in the passenger seat, a person squeezes more noticeably than behind the wheel. Some even compare the experience to taking off in an Airbus. Acceleration is peppy, before switching from fourth to fifth, it literally rushes like a train. Even with a kickdown, when the speedometer is 150 km / h, you can feel the pressure.
• The profile of the seats, even without looking at the pronounced lateral support, is very comfortable. The driver does not get tired, even being on a long, many-hour trip.

Of course, the actual consumption of the car is higher than stated. Here the driving style plays a role, as well as the age of the car. The exact figure depends on the installed engine, but approximately 15-16 liters in the combined cycle.

Cost

Finding the sale of the 911th (aka 996th) Porsche, previously produced from 1997 to 2005, is quite real. And in good condition.

A model with a 300-horsepower 3.4-liter engine and modest mileage (up to 130,000 kilometers) in the early years of production will cost about 1 million rubles. For a “younger” car (2004, 2005, for example) you will have to pay more.

The most expensive option is the turbo version. In good condition, it will cost about three million rubles. But a car with a 420-horsepower engine cannot be cheaper.