Everyone is familiar with the legendary Porsche 996. This is the 911th Porsche, its interior designation is just that. This model was produced in the period from 1997 to 2005, and during this time period it managed to win many motoring hearts. And now we will talk about this particular car, as well as its features.
A bit of history
The Porsche 996 was introduced in 1997 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first in its long 34-year history, the all-new Porsche, designed from scratch.
The car has become much more environmentally friendly, fast, spacious and economical in comparison with its predecessor. And the price increased by only 2%. Importantly, the model retained the signature features of the 911th.
Of course, the sound of the engine has not changed at all. Although the developers have replaced air cooling with water cooling.
But the engine remained the same short-speed “six”. Everything in it is invariable - an excellent balance of inertia forces, a decent liveliness of the engine at high speeds, minimized number of vibrations, and also a low center of gravity. Even the distance between the cylinders remains unchanged.
GT3
The Porsche 996 platform was used to create two light cars - GT and GT2. GT3 was also released, but they decided to deprive it of a large amount of equipment in order to reduce weight. An adjustable suspension and reinforced brakes were installed on this model, and additional stiffness 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 boost version 3.6L. The power of the installed motor was 360 liters. from. Interestingly, the unit was developed for the 911 GT1.
On the second generation Porsche 996, the Mk.II GT3 variant was used. The result was an updated, improved aerodynamics, as well as increased to 380 liters. from. power.
By the way, in 2004, a test was conducted on a model with the Mk.II GT3. From 0 to 60 mph (about 97 km), it accelerated in 4 seconds. The car showed 1.03g (a measure of lateral acceleration), and this is the second result in the overall ranking of ever registered cars.
GT2
This modification is also necessary to tell. 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 loss of power through the transmission. Also in the Porsche 996 (911) added new aerodynamic elements. The 3.6-liter turbocharged version was also finalized.
Work on improving the performance has been done a lot. The developers installed new intercoolers and turbochargers, reviewed the exhaust and intake systems, reprogrammed the option of providing engine control.
After that, the new Porsche began to pick up speed from 0 to 60 mph even faster - in 3.9 s. The maximum speed was 319 km / h.
Equipment
Studying the features of the Porsche-996 lineup, it is necessary to note the attention and its equipment. The notorious versions were equipped with large tires and wheels, standard lightweight ceramic brakes. The rear fixed wings in the GT2 model were made of carbon fiber, as there were aerodynamic rules in the competition.
In addition, there were no rear seats and air conditioning. The box was offered only a 6-speed manual.
The GT3 and GT2 models used an aluminum crater and air cooling. In 996 Carrera used water, plus a system of six separate cylinders. The engine is very similar to the engine in the Porsche 962 and GT, the legendary 24-hour Le Mans endurance race winners.
Travel version
In 1997, the world introduced the Porsche 996 GT1. Manufacturers called the road version of the racing supercar. The base was decided to take from the Porsche 993 GT1.
The body of this model was made of strategic materials, the price of which was about $ 1,000,000. To meet all the requirements of the racing series, the company has created 30 such cars. Each car, which at that time had really impressive characteristics, was sold at a price of $ 1 million.
Porsche 911 Carrera (996)
This car "Porsche" is really sometimes found on the road. Included in the TOP 10 cars that 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 on the choice of the car of the century, this model took 5th place. Ford Model T came first, followed by the Mini, Citroën DS and Volkswagen Käfer.
All engines were 6-cylinder, gasoline. If we talk about the characteristics, then they can be distinguished in the following list:
- Carrera: 3.4 L, 350 L from. Acceleration in 4.8 seconds, top speed - 289 km / h. Consumption in the combined cycle - 9 liters. The improved version is Carrera 4. Features are similar.
- Carrera S: 3.8 L, 400 L from. Acceleration in 4.5 seconds, maximum - 304 km / h. Consumption - 9.5 liters. The improved version is Carrera 4S. The specifications are similar.
- Turbo: 3.8 L, 520 L from. 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 there are some. And here is what people familiar with this car say in them:
- The machine is very convenient for use in urban conditions, problems with low clearance do not arise. Pits and irregularities are felt, but without discomfort.
- The seats are incredibly comfortable. In general, there are no complaints about ergonomics, as well as about 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. There is enough space.
- When driving, you feel a real unity with the car. The car behaves the way the motorist himself is set up at a particular moment. The Porsche 996 is capable of both sharp and fast accelerations, and a relaxed ride.
- The engine has a unique sound. Connoisseurs describe it 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, then one could say this - it is a practical and sports car for one or two people, which gives incredible pleasure when driving, and also attracts the attention of others.
Winter riding
Many people are interested in - is such a colorful car capable of coping with the Russian cold?
The machine, of course, is not designed for use in freezing conditions. The stabilization system often blinks even with small accelerations, but there are no problems - everything is adjusted on time.
If you squeeze the gas intensively, the car will begin to scour the path, even if the speed is high. This is at least uncomfortable, even somewhat scary.
But, again, this is all with kickdown. In normal driving mode, no serious problems were identified. Although, during the rebuild, accompanied by acceleration, the car almost drifts. It’s good that there is a stabilization system and an option for dosing traction - everything is automatically adjusted.
More problems are in races in those places that have an ice rut. The car literally "sits" in it. And if you start to get out, then it can fly sideways, it is very dangerous, especially if there are other cars nearby.
Exploitation
Something was said above about the characteristics of the Porsche 996 (911). I would like to talk about how the small owners of this car experience the feeling of regular driving. As a rule, attention is focused on the following nuances of a car:
- The behavior of the machine is predicted at any speed, which gives confidence. The car has a very clear pedal-deceleration connection.
- The checkpoint, so to speak, knows its job. Box sharpened for this car. It switches instantly, keeps revs. If you want acceleration, then up to 7,000 revolutions spins very fast.
- The dynamics are impressive. And on the passenger seat, a person presses more tangibly than at the wheel. Some even compare the sensations to take-off on the Airbus. Acceleration peppy, before switching from fourth to fifth rushing literally like a train. Even with kickdown, when the speedometer is 150 km / h, pressure is felt.
- The seat profile, even without looking at pronounced lateral support, is very comfortable. The driver does not get tired, even being on a long many-hour trip.
Of course, the actual car consumption is higher than stated. Here the driving style plays a role, and the age of the car also affects. The exact figure depends on the installed engine, but approximately 15-16 liters in the combined cycle.
Cost
To find on sale the 911th (aka 996th) Porsche, which was previously produced from 1997 to 2005, is quite realistic. And in good condition.
A model with a 300-horsepower 3.4-liter engine and a modest mileage (up to 130,000 kilometers) of the early years of production will cost about 1 million rubles. For a car “younger” (2004, 2005, for example) 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 and can not be cheaper.