996

Welcome to the 996 Register
 
The Register covers all models of the 911 Type 996 that was launched at the Frankfurt Motor show in September 1997. The 996 was a radical redesign of the 911 concept with a completely new body shell, and for the first time the engine was water-cooled, with a capacity of 3.4 litres. The engine used four-valve technology with a new Variocam system for adjusting the camshaft timing to produce an increase in torque and reduction of hydrocarbon emissions. Transmission was either a manual 6-speed transmission or a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.
 
On the inside, gone was the seemingly haphazard arrangement of switchgear and instruments which had been carried over from previous models to the 993. A more ergonomic layout took its place, yet it retained some of the trademark Porsche features, such as the large central tachometer. Water cooling also had the advantage of providing a superior heating and climate control system.
 
For Model Year 1999, the Cabriolet version was introduced, along with the Carrera 4, which featured new technology such as electronic throttle and PSM. The Carrera 2 version had to wait until Model Year 2000 for these features.
 
The long awaited 996 Turbo arrived in Coupe form in mid-2000, with a 420bhp engine, derived from the Le Mans winning GT1 engine. It was an instant success, and early cars changed hands privately at well over the list price by buyers wanting to avoid waiting lists.
 
Model Year 2002 saw the most significant changes to the 996, as the ‘facelift’ version was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001. With a 320bhp 3.6 litre engine and styling changes, there were also two new models - the Carrera 4S and Targa.
 
In September 2003 the Carrera Anniversary celebrated 40 years of the 911, finished in special ‘GT Silver’ metallic paint, of which only 1963 cars were produced.
 
As well as being socially active, the Register provides valuable technical support and helpful advice for owners.