The 15th Targa California rally recently concluded with most drivers logging 1,000+ miles over the roads “less traveled” of California’s...
Porsche 911 (996)
The introduction of the 911 Model 996 in 1998 ushered in a whole new era for Porsche. Gone was the air-cooled flat six, replaced with an all-new, modern, water-cooled flat-six. The 996 911 was the first redesigned 911 model that didn’t carry over any significant components from it’s predecessors, significant for Porsche at the time as it was known to iterate on the original 911 formula and technology. The 996 was a big deal. It was totally revamped from the inside out. In 1998, the 996 was only offered in coupe and cabriolet versions with either rear-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The Turbo variant appeared in 2001 and came well equipped with a 3.6 L Turbocharged Flat 6 (M96/70), good for 415 bhp. All of the standard models received a minor makeover in 2002 (becoming known as the 996.2 cars), which included Turbo-style headlights, a freshly designed front clip and an increase in engine capacity to 3.6L along with a subsequent 20 hp boost. The bodies were more rigid which further improved handling. See all of our Porsche 996 Research.
The Porsche 996 There’s nothing really “entry level” about a Porsche 911 as a whole, and the 996-generation is responsible...
Evolution, not Revolution Since its debut in 1964, the Porsche 911 has epitomized engineering evolution. Conceived by Ferdinand “Butzi” Porsche,...
Bring A Trailer is currently offering three interesting low mileage Porches that will surely catch your interest. 1998 Porsche 911...
The Porsche 911 GT2 combines the sporting character of the 996 911 GT3 with the power and straight line performance of the...
The power unit featured in the new Porsche 911 GT2 is a high-performance evolution version of the six-cylinder horizontally opposed...
In 2002, the entire generation of the 996 was facelifted. The Carrera 4S was introduced and got the new engine...
Collecting Cars is currently offering a low mileage example of a 2004 Porsche 911 Turbo equipped with the optional X50 Performance...
The improbable win The afternoon of 2 February, 2003, was a historic day for Porsche. When a privately entered 996...
The 2022 Monterey Car Week is almost upon us and with it are the much-awaited auctions by Gooding and Company,...
For the 2004 and 2005 racing season, Porsche Motorsport used the 911 GT3 RSR. This near-standard racing sportscar aimed to...
The Porsche 911 GT2 combines the sporting character of the 996 911 GT3 with the power and straight line performance of...
Silverstone, FIA GT Championship, 15 May 2005: The #66 GruppeM Racing Porsche 996 GT3 RSR was driven by Marc Lieb...
Porsche 911 (996) (1997 – 2005) Story & History Type 996 – The 5th Generation Porsche 911 Premiere: GT1 May...
Porsche 911 (996) Engine Codes At its debut, the 996 featured the most significant change from the classic 911 series:...
James takes out this low mileage 996 GT3 RS, currently live on Collecting Cars, to discover how it differs from...
Porsche 911 (996) Sales & Production Numbers Production of the 996 spanned nine years, between 1997 and 2006. In that...
Porsche 911 (996) Technical Specs & Performance Porsche 911 (996) Coupe & Cabriolet Specs Porsche 911 (996) GT Car Specs...
Porsche 911 (996) Transmission Codes The transmission number code is found on the transmission data plate. Code Transmission Model years...
Porsche Option Codes – Porsche 911 (1998 Model Year) Looking to decode your 1998 Porsche 911 option codes? Want to...
Porsche Option Codes – Porsche 911 (1999 Model Year) Looking to decode your 1999 Porsche 911 option codes? Want to...
Porsche Option Codes – Porsche 911 (2000 Model Year) Looking to decode your 2000 Porsche 911 option codes? Want to...
Porsche Option Codes – Porsche 911 (2001 Model Year) Looking to decode your 2001 Porsche 911 option codes? Want to...
Porsche Option Codes – Porsche 911 (2002 Model Year) Carrera 3.6/GT3/Turbo/GT2, Coupé/Targa/Cabriolet Looking to decode your 2002 Porsche 911 option...
Porsche Option Codes – Porsche 911 (2003 Model Year) Looking to decode your 2003 Porsche 911 option codes? Want to...
Porsche Option Codes – Porsche 911 (2004 Model Year) Looking to decode your 2004 Porsche 911 option codes? Want to...
Porsche Option Codes – Porsche 911 (2005 Model Year) Looking to decode your 2005 Porsche 911 option codes? Want to...
1997-2006 Porsche 911 (996) Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, Targa, Turbo Service Schedule This maintenance service schedule checklist...
Porsche 911 (996) Paint Color Options This post outlines all the color options for the 996 generation Porsche 911 over...
1998-2006 Porsche 911 Fuses Box Diagram and Amperages List This fuse box information is ONLY for the following Porsche models...
Porsche 911 Spare Parts Catalogs (996, 1998 – 2005 Model Year) These official Porsche PET Diagrams and codes for the...
Porsche 911 Sales Brochures (Type 996) After lots of digging and searching, we have found five Porsche sales brochures for...
996 Carrera Cup Champions & Results Two weeks after the 996 Carrera, the 996 GT3 Cup car was introduced for...
In 2002, all of the standard models received a minor makeover in 2002 which included Turbo-style headlights, a freshly designed front clip and an increase in engine capacity to 3.6L along with a subsequent 20HP boost. The bodies were more rigid which further improved handling and safety and the lower, stiffer X74 suspension became available as a factory modification. From the outside, it was hard to notice the difference between the 1998 version and the facelifted model. The main difference was on the headlights. Including the Mk 1 cars, the 996 Carrera Coupe sold 46,317 units.
The 996 series was a monumental update to the 911 story. The Type 996 introduced water-cooled engines and it also ushered in a new body design. The roof line with a windscreen which is around five degrees flatter gives the side view a more fluid look. Gone was the "classic" 911 design, the entire main body now much sleeker. The flat six in the Carrera 996 was a newly-developed flat-six engine that offered 300 hp. It was mated as standard with a six-speed manual. A 5-speed automatic (Tiptronic) with manual override to shift gears was on the options list. As always, the Carrera 2 was rear-wheel-drive.
Designed as a grand tourer, the Porsche Carrera 4 Cabriolet was the base all-wheel-drive version for the open-top 911 range in 2001. It offered enough comfort to be used as a daily driver, on all weather. The 996 Porsche was facelifted in 2002. Along with the coupe versions, the convertibles were reshaped also. There was not a big difference on the outside. It was the same sports-car and open-top grand tourer. The Carrera 4 Cabriolet, continued on through 2004, receiving the same updates as the Carrera, including the 3.6-liter engine.
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
The 996 Cabriolet was introduced in March 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show. The 996 Cabriolet was long ready (remember, it was tested already in 1995), but for marketing and production-related reasons it was launched in 1998 as a 1999 model. While the evolution with the 911 coupe was questionable from 993 to 996, the real evolution came with the cabriolet. In USA - the biggest market - 911 Cabriolets outsold the Coupés. The all-wheel-drive system provides between 5-40% of torque to the front wheels depending on the situation.
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
Since 1989, the rear-wheel-drive Carrera has always been accompanied by an all-wheel-drive Carrera 4, and the 996 was no different. Overlapping with the last year Carrera 993'S, the 996 Carrera 4 represented two major changes for the venerable 911 lineage: a water-cooled flat-6 engine replaced the air-cooled engine used in the previous 911 model, and the body shell received its first major re-design. Engine was 3.4 L and power was 296 hp featuring a change to an "integrated dry sump" design and variable valve timing.
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2000 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2001 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
In 1999, Porsche celebrated the turn of the century with a special edition – the 996 "Millennium Edition". The 911 Millennium edition was based on the Carrera 4 coupé and was pretty rare, with only 911 cars made. Based on the Carrera 4, the "Millennium Edition" was limited to 911 examples and was based exclusively on the wide bodied Carrera 4. This special edition was finished in Violet Chromaflair paint, which, depending on the light changes from dark violet to light green and is quite spectacular to look at. It also got a caramel-colored leather interior and polished "turbo-twist" wheels.
To commemorate the 40th year of 911 production, Porsche built 1963 of the 40th Anniversary Porsche 911 Carrera for model year 2004. Painted only in a GT Silver Metallic finish, with a dark gray leather interior, the 40th Anniversary (or 40 Jahre in German) took the Base Model 996 Carrera and added the front fascia of the 996 Turbo, side skirts and luxury features for the cabin – including a luggage set that matched the special grey leather interior. Mechanically, the X51 Powerkit increases power to 341hp, combined with rear wheels power wheels, a standard 6-speed manual and sport suspension and limited-slip differential included.
The 996 Carrera 4S Cabriolet is the convertible version of the slightly-uprated 996 Carrera 4. Introduced a year after the 996 C4S Coupe. The Carrera 4S Cabriolet was introduced in the lineup with the new engine and the Turbo bodywork. The cabriolet version of the Carrera 4S paired the aggressive bodywork and suspension of the Turbo with the base Carrera 4 drivetrain, though it didn't get the Turbo's huge rear wing. The three-layer canvas-top was powered and it needed 20 seconds to completely retract or cover the car, at speeds up to 50 kph (31 mph). For winter, the car featured an aluminum hard-top.
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
In 2002, the entire generation of the 996 was facelifted. The Carrera 4S Cabriolet was introduced in the lineup with the new engine and the Turbo bodywork. Many publications called the Carrera 4S the sweet spot in the 911 lineup when it was introduced, providing more performance than the base car without the exorbitant pricing of a Turbo or GT2. The Carrera 4S paired the aggressive bodywork and suspension of the Turbo with the base Carrera 4 drivetrain, though it didn't get the Turbo's huge rear wing. It’s easily identified by “Carrera 4S” badging and a large reflective strip on the rear end, spanning the gap between the taillights.
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2004 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2005 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
The 996 was initially available in a coupé or a cabriolet (Convertible) bodystyle with rear-wheel drive, and later with four-wheel drive, utilising a 3.4 litre flat-6 engine generating a maximum power output of 221 kW (300 PS; 296 hp).[7] The 996 had the same front end as the entry-level Boxster. After requests from the Carrera owners about their premium cars looking like a "lower priced car that looked just like theirs did", Porsche redesigned the headlamps of the Carrera in 2002. With the cabriolet, buyers have a choice between this version and the hotter Carrera 4S cabriolet.
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2004 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
The flat six in the Carrera 996 was a newly-developed flat-six engine that offered 300 hp. It was mated as standard with a six-speed manual. A 5-speed automatic (Tiptronic) with manual override to shift gears was on the options list. As always, the Carrera 2 was rear-wheel-drive. Designed as a grand tourer, the Porsche Carrera Cabriolet was the base version for the open-top 911 range in 1998. The retractable roof was able to be stowed away in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 50 kph (31 mph), like the rest of the 911 convertible range. With the roof up, the car was tested in the wind tunnel at speeds of up to 338 kph (210 mph).
1998 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2000 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2001 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2002 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2003 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2004 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
1998 Porsche 911 Carrera (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
2000 Porsche 911 Carrera (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
2001 Porsche 911 Carrera (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Normally-aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
From model year 2001, the model range was extended to include the 911 GT2. The body of the extreme sports car was based on the body of the 911 Turbo. The GT2 engine was also based on the 911 Turbo but had ten percent more power. The bi-turbo engine delivered 462 horsepower. The GT2 was offered with a Clubsport Package for use in motorsport. In late 2003 the Porsche 911 GT2 received a power upgrade from 462hp to 483hp, maximum torque also increased from 457 lb ft to 472 ft lbs, thanks to a revised engine management program. Top speed increased by 2mph to 198mph while 0-60 is claimed to take 3.8 sec.
2001 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Twin-turbocharged Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
2002 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Twin-turbocharged Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
2003 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Twin-turbocharged Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
2004 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Twin-turbocharged Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
2005 Porsche 911 GT2 (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Twin-turbocharged Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts Injection...
The second generation GT3 takes all that was good about it's predecessor and then improves it! Power from the GT1 derived flat-6 is up by 21 bhp to 381 bhp (with an 8200 rpm redline), ride height is lowered for increased stability and also has an upgraded braking setup, as it features a 6-piston calipers on the front. Two versions are offered, the more extreme 'Clubsport' showing it's track day colors with a full roll cage, racing seat and a 6-point harness. The 996.2 GT3 was the first GT3 marketed in the North America. The new Porsche 911 GT3 comes with all the features of half a century Porsche motorsport. It is a sports car for the purist through and through.
2004 Porsche 911 GT3 (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Naturally Aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
2005 Porsche 911 GT3 (996.2) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Naturally Aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead camshafts...
The GT3 was based on the standard 996 Carrera, but was stripped of a great deal of equipment for weight savings, featuring stiffer, adjustable suspension and upgraded brakes. The GT3 used the bodyshell of the four-wheel-drive Carrera 4, which incorporated additional front-end stiffening. It featured a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre flat-six engine generating a maximum power output of 360 bhp @ 7200 rpm and torque of 273 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm. This engine was shared with the 996 Turbo and was a derivative of the engine developed for the 911 GT1 race car.
2000 Porsche 911 GT3 (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Naturally Aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain 4 Valves per...
2001 Porsche 911 GT3 (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Naturally Aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain 4 Valves per...
The 996 GT3 Cup served as the basis for the 996 GT3 road car, featuring a 3.6 litre engine with 355 hp. For the 1999 season the engine output was increased to 365 hp. For the 2001 season the GT3 Cup received modified aerodynamics including an enlarged rear wing and improved cooling. For 2002, the GT3 Cup received several changes, adopting facelift 996.2 features such as Turbo-style headlights. The new body significantly improves aerodynamics and cooling. Engine output was increased to 380 hp. For 20003 onward, the power was hiked once again, with the engine now pumping out 385 bhp @ 7250 rpm and of torque 288 ft lbs @ 6500 rpm.
1998 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (996) Technical Specifications Type Racing Car Built at Germany Engine Flat-6 Displacement 3598 cc /...
1999 – 2001 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (996) Technical Specifications Type Racing Car Built at Germany Engine Flat-6 Displacement 3598...
2002 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (996) Technical Specifications Type Racing Car Built at Germany Engine Flat-6 w/Dry Sump Lubrication Position...
2003-2005 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (996) Technical Specifications Type Racing Car Built at Germany Engine Flat-6 w/Dry Sump Lubrication Position...
The 996 GT3 R was a one-year-only (2000 model year) special of which only 63 were produced. The car took the basic GT3 bones and amplified it for motorsport. The Mezger engine produced over 400 horsepower, while factory-fitted adjustable shock absorbers gave better handling. Most notably, the GT3 R wore carbon-fiber bodywork meant for ultimate light weight in motorsport. The 996 GT3 R was introduced in 1999 as a replacement for the 993 RSR. Before its introduction, it was extensively tested at Weissach and Paul Ricard. In the 2000 FIA GT Championship, the 996 GT3 R was in the N-GT class and won every run. Won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring.
2000 Porsche 911 GT3 R (996) Technical Specifications 2000 Vehicle Description (according to 2000 ACO Le Mans Regulations) Type Racing...
The 996 GT3 RS was a sharpened version of the Mk.2 GT3, built for track use and it was the homologation model for the GT3 race-car. It was the forbidden fruit for the U.S. and Canadian customers. It was available in a limited number and it was a true track-oriented vehicle. It was based on the GT3 version, but with fewer comfort features and even stiffer suspension. It was the kind of car which could have been taken from the shop and dive into the first race-track. The GT3 was available in white color only, with red or blue inscriptions on its sides. The adjustable rear wing and the “duck-tail” were mounted in the back, to provide better traction on higher speeds. It was fitted with the same engine as the GT3.
2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (996) Technical Specifications Engine Type Flat 6 Induction Naturally Aspirated Cooling Water-cooled Valvetrain Double overhead...
2001 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Race (996) Technical Specifications Type Racing Car Built At Germany Engine Watercooled Flat-6 w/Dry Sump...
2002 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Race (996) Technical Specifications Concept Porsche 911 GT3 RS Single-seated, near-standard race vehicle 2002 Vehicle...
2003 – 2004 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Race (996) Technical Specifications Concept Porsche 911 GT3 RS Single-seated, near-standard race vehicle...
In the 2000 FIA GT Championship, the 996 GT3 R was the dominant racer in the new N-GT class and won every run. In the same year, the factory-supported Phoenix Racing won the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring. In 2001, the modified version, now called the 996 GT3 RS, was used. The vehicle was not only very successful in its class, it also achieved overall victories. Modelled on the 911 GT3 R, the GT3 RS race cars offered a number of technical improvements, which combine to ensure a racing car with optimal competitiveness. 50 racing cars were produced.