Porsche 911 Fifth Generation (1997-2005)

Porsche introduced the fifth generation Porsche 911, in 1997. This new model, known as the type 996, was a completely redeveloped car. And the greatest revolution was at the rear. The flat engine design was preserved, but it was now water cooled.

Porsche 911 Fifth Generation

The 996 was based on a new platform that enabled parallel development with the Porsche Boxster. The new model was also bigger, offering significantly more space and comfort. Aside from the name and the engine layout, only the the crest on the bonnet, the wheel hub covers, the steering wheel and the airbags were kept from the previous 993.

The new 911 was 18.5 cm longer 3 cm wider. The length of the wheelbase was increased by 80 mm. The 996 also offered more elbow room and a more generous feeling of spaciousness. However, thanks to high-strength steel and new production methods, the 996 weighed around 50 kilograms less than its predecessor.

The most striking design feature was the front headlights with integrated indicators. With the mid-life model update in 2002, the 911 Carrera was given the front headlights of 911 Turbo model, which were rounded off at the bottom so as to differentiate it more clearly from the Boxster.

Water Cooled Engine

The 996 was the first 911 generation powered by a flat water-cooled engine. This was necessary because new statutory exhaust regulations. To meet the regulations, Porsche had to use a four-valve cylinder head, which could only be cooled reliably in all operating situations with water. At the same time, this four-valve technology enabled the basic six-cylinder 3.4-litre engine to deliver 300 PS. After the update, the new 3.6-litre engine delivered 320 PS.

The Porsche 911 Turbo also received a new water-cooled flat engine. Thanks to twin turbocharging, it delivered 420 PS. The 996-generation Porsche 911 Turbo was the first series model Porsche that could break the 300 km/h barrier.

New 911 Variants

Along with the familiar 911 Carrera, 911 Carrera 4 and 911 Turbo with its Coupe, Cabriolet and Targa bodies, Porsche also introduced some new variants.

The new 911 GT3 marked the start of a new era: it offered pure driving pleasure both on the road and on the race track as part of Track Days. It also formed the basis for the Porsche brand cups, and was the starting point for many race victories of Porsche customer motorsport all over the world.

In autumn 2000, Porsche unveiled an extremely sporty Porsche 911 GT2. And in 2004, Porsche presented the track-focused Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Between 1997 and 2005, Porsche produced a total of 175,262 type 996 vehicles. The sixth generation Porsche 911 was unveiled in 2004.

Image by Porsche