celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation

In the blink of an eye, the Porsche 911, with the internal codename 996, along with the Boxster, celebrate its 25th birthday. First breaking cover at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 1997, the car is credited with securing the continued independence of Porsche.

celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation
The show car had wowed the public with its many design and technical innovations while maintaining the iconic 911 shape and rear-engine concept. “It was time to ‘break with old habits’,” said August Achleitner. From 1989 to 2000, he served as Head of ‘Technical Product Planning, Vehicle Concepts and Package including Special Projects’ and as such was the strategic head of the overall 996 vehicle concept. “Porsche needed a car in a lower price segment, to help generate a higher volume of sales. So this led to the idea of the Boxster and the 996 sharing parts”. There was no question that the new 911 had to look like a 911, but which engine would be installed in the rear was not initially clear. “We experimented with the engine because the air-cooled 2-valve-per-cylinder designs were at the end of the road technologically in terms of emissions and power,” he explained. “And air-cooled 4-valve boxers didn’t work due to various hotspots that we couldn’t get a handle on. In 1989, a compact V8 was even fitted in the rear on a trial basis, but that idea was also discarded. So that brought us to water-cooled, 4-valve boxer engines.”
celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation

The use of water cooling instead of air cooling along with a groundbreaking parts-sharing concept with the 986-generation Boxster meant that up to the B-pillars, the interiors of the 996 and the Boxster were identical. What remained unchanged was the boxer principle of the 6-cylinder engine. What was new was the willingness of the engineers and designers to turn much else on its head.

celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation

Harm seated in the 986 Boxster

The look of the 996 model came under the direction of Harm Lagaaij, Chief Designer in the 1990s. He recalls how surprised he was by the strategy, unique in the automotive industry at the time, of building a mid-engine roadster and a rear-engine coupé identically from the front to the B-pillar. “The task was a major challenge. But we mastered it by first designing a number of different Boxster-996 matching parts,” he commented. Due to time constraints, the modellers had to work directly on 1:1-scale models. To bring it all together on schedule, Porsche had brought a multitude of specialists on board, increasing Lagaaij’s team to 80 members at its peak.

The fact that the 2 selected design models bore the look of the Boxster concept car presented at the Detroit Motor Show in 1993 was down to the success of its debut. The Boxster concept car had thrilled the crowds, bagging the ‘Best of Show’ title. “I knew immediately that the show car’s front end would fit with the 996 as well,” said Lagaaij. “What people forget is that we were working on all 3 versions – 996, 986 and the concept car – at the same time. Otherwise, it would have taken too long before the public heard about the cars.”

At the same time, he was aware of the risk of mixing up the 996, 911 and 986 Boxster models, but other concerns were more pressing: “The pressure and the imperative of saving the company was the top priority.”

celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation

The new parts-sharing concept impacted every department involved in the front end, from the suspension to the electrics, the body and the overall packaging. “The programme envisioned that we would sell a total of at least 30,000 units of both vehicles with a good return on investment,” Achleitner revealed. This was also the reason why the Boxster was launched in 1996, a year before the 996. The plan worked: more than 30,000 examples of the 996-generation 911 were sold annually, with total unit sales hovering between 50,000 and 60,000.

Internally, there was never any criticism of the concept or the design. In contrast, the form and effect of the headlight units, with their integrated indicators/turn signals, fell into disfavour with the press after a few months. It came as a surprise to the designers since the design had been roundly praised in the Boxster concept car not long before. “The design was totally unique: 5 functions in a single module that was not expensive and could be installed in minutes on the assembly line,” explained Lagaaij.

celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation

Then in April 1998, the Cabriolet joined the Coupé – with a fully electric hood that went up or down in 20 seconds. When retracted, it disappeared beneath a metal cover plate, removing the need for a tonneau cover. Some 6 months later, Porsche complemented the duo with an all-wheel-drive 911 Carrera 4 in Coupé and Cabriolet versions, each using the body of the base 911. This all-wheel-drive Carrera and the 305 km/h, 4-wheel-drive 911 Turbo, which was offered from January 2000 with a 420 PS twin-turbo engine, were part of the product planning from the outset. Achleitner once again: “In the design of the 996, we made the transmission tunnel sufficiently large that an all-wheel drivetrain would fit into it. That required some compromises: due to the parts-sharing plan, the Boxster also had this same detail, although it was never available with all-wheel drive.”

celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation
celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation
celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation

While the Turbo and Carrera 4 models were pre-planned, the 911 GT3 launched in May 1999 came about almost by chance. Due to changing motorsport regulations, Porsche built a 360 PS offshoot of the 911 as a road-legal homologation vehicle – and as the successor to the 911 Carrera RS. “The commercial success and the unit numbers were not great at first,” Achleitner admitted. “And yet the 911 GT3 marked the beginning of the establishment of an independent brand – because with the 911 GT3 of the 996 generation, we established a clear difference between an everyday 911 and a motorsport-inspired road car.” This was then followed in January 2001 by the 911 GT2 based on the 911 Turbo with a 3.6L boxer engine and 462 PS. It was also the first model to feature ceramic brakes as standard.

celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation
celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation
celebrating 25 years of the porsche 911 996 generation

The 996 generation was reworked in the 2002 model year. Displacement was increased to 3,596 cc and power was boosted to 320 PS. Subsequently, the 911 Targa and the 911 Carrera 4S Coupé with the wider bodywork of the 911 Turbo joined the family. The open-topped 4S version followed in 2003.

For the 2004 model year, Porsche also offered a Cabriolet version of the Turbo and, as one of various special models, the 911 Carrera Coupé ‘40 Years of Porsche 911’ with 345 PS, sports suspension and an electric sunroof. From model year 2005, the Turbo S was available as a Coupé and Cabriolet with 450 PS. Never before had there been so many variants of the 911 as in the 996 generation. Porsche would go on to sell roughly 175,000 examples.

Keyword: Celebrating 25 Years Of The Porsche 911 996 Generation

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

New Porsche Panamera revealed – South African pricing and launch date

Everything new Price Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid Porsche Panamera 4 The new Porsche Panamera is arriving in South Africa in the first quarter of 2024 with three models available starting at R2,216,000. Now in its third generation, the luxury performance sedan strikes a sportier appearance than ever before and ...

View more: New Porsche Panamera revealed – South African pricing and launch date

New Porsche Panamera Revealed with Trick Suspension and E-Hybrid Power

Porsche has lifted the veil on its third generation Panamera, with the luxurious grand touring sedan picking up new suspension hardware, revised styling inside and out, more equipment and a range of more potent E-Hybrid powertrains. For its proportions, the Panamera measures in at 5,052mm long, 1,937mm wide and stands ...

View more: New Porsche Panamera Revealed with Trick Suspension and E-Hybrid Power

Porsche’s “Road to Le Mans. The Film” Documentary is a Must-Watch

Image: Porsche Image: Porsche NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers Porsche’s “Road to Le Mans. The Flim” is a 90-minute documentary which recounts the racing journey of Michael Fassbender and Porsche from 2018 to 2023. The film culminates in a recap of the 100th anniversary of the 24-Hours of Le Mans ...

View more: Porsche’s “Road to Le Mans. The Film” Documentary is a Must-Watch

Here's the new third-generation Porsche Panamera

Here’s the new third-generation Porsche Panamera We promise this really is the new third-generation Porsche Panamera. Porsche has reverted to its classic incremental design approach for the switch from G2 to G3 (hope that pleases the model code fans out there), although there are some subtle styling differences if you ...

View more: Here's the new third-generation Porsche Panamera

3rd-gen Porsche Panamera priced at Rs 1.68 crore in India

Currently, Porsche has only listed the Panamera V6 on its Indian website. The third-generation Porsche Panamera made its global debut earlier this week. The new model is priced at Rs 1.68 crore in India, and bookings are set to commence soon. The new Panamera gets subtle styling changes that ...

View more: 3rd-gen Porsche Panamera priced at Rs 1.68 crore in India

Porsche Carrera Cup – Gold Coast Race Two Update

Motorsport Australia Investigatory Tribunal – Porsche Carrera Cup Motorsport Australia has released the findings of an Investigatory Tribunal into the outcome of Race Two of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup at the Gold Coast 500 in October. Earlier this week, Motorsport Australia initiated the Investigatory Tribunal to consider ...

View more: Porsche Carrera Cup – Gold Coast Race Two Update

Four Of The Finest From Exciting Porsche Japan

Not all Porsche 911s are created equal. Well, except for those that are. The ones that are most interesting to you and I, are those that take on a life of their own. The ones that get a little extra special sauce slathered on them, have their power turned up to 11, or ...

View more: Four Of The Finest From Exciting Porsche Japan

Da Costa’s three-minute London penalty stands as Porsche’s appeal rejected

Credit: Nick Dungan courtesy of FIA Formula E Almost four months on from the season nine finale in London, TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team’s appeal regarding António Félix da Costa’s three-minute penalty has been rejected by the International Court of Appeal. The appeal being rejected means that the ...

View more: Da Costa’s three-minute London penalty stands as Porsche’s appeal rejected

Porsche Panamera Pricing for South Africa

Next-gen Ford Mustang – The competitors at R1.5 million

Porsche Kills The Panamera Wagon Because Few People Bought One

Porsche Unveils Its Third-Generation Panamera

Unique 2024 Porsche Panamera Turbo Has Two-Tone Paint With Real Gold

2024 Porsche Panamera Debuts With More Hybrid Power, Fancy Active Suspension

Review: Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid

New-Generation 2024 Porsche Panamera Gets Updated Styling, Powertrains, Technologies

The 2024 Porsche Panamera Has A Wild New Active Suspension

The Porsche Panamera's Trick Suspension Is Unlike Anything We've Driven

Evolution of Porsche 911: A world-renowned sports car

2024 Porsche Panamera Debuts Today: See The Livestream

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel