The curvaceous styling of the 996, particularly its interior, was in vogue in the late 1990s. Yet although it suited Ford’s ground-breaking Focus, Porsche buyers were more conservative and critical. For his last major oeuvre at Porsche, design chief Harm Lagaay turned to Grant Larson to recreate something of the 993 in the 997’s lines. Pinky Lai, stylist of the 996, was awarded the consolation prize of the forthcoming Cayman at the same time.
There was little question that as far as the Porsche community was concerned, this was what they’d been waiting for and Steve Sutcliffe, writing for Autocar, was almost alone in calling for a moreradical, less-obviously 911 shape. Often referred to as a ‘reskin’ of the 996, although it kept the same platform and wheelbase, the 997 was rather more than that. Much work was carried out on the 996 shell to incorporate not just greater crash protection, but the adjustments to height and width necessary for 19-inch wheels that were also wider, which meant moving the wheel centres.
Space was also required for the ever-growing repertoire of technology such as PASM. As before, the range extended to C4 (which used the wider body and had 295- rather than 265-section rear tyres) and Cabriolet and sliding roof Targa versions; the Coupe was by far the most popular. The 997 cabin was revised: while the basic layout and ergonomics were unchanged, the curves and swoops of the 996 era gave way to a more classic appearance, which also featured better materials.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 234-Ausgabe von Total 911.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 234-Ausgabe von Total 911.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Living the Legend
Our contributing enthusiasts from around the world share their real-life experiences with their Porsche 911s
A GRAND Revival
Viewed by the modern world as objet d'art, long-hood 911s are no longer deemed practical enough to be used as regular steers. But does that have to be the case? Makellos Classics has a rather brilliant answer...
THE BIG INTERVIEW Brian Redman
In the first of a two-part interview, Brian Redman looks back on key moments from a glittering career punctuated by both success and sacrifice. Here, the British racing driver shares details of the crashes that nearly took his life, plus his many experiences at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans
911 THE FORGOT TEN
The short-lived Carrera 3.0 might just be the most significant 911 that nobody knows about. Total 911 studies its backstory...
Porsche Moment
Total 911 recounts the story behind a famous picture from Porsche's past...
Jürgen Barth
The legendary former Porsche racer and archivist talks to Total 911 about his 35-year Stuttgart career
Big Mover
Its build receipts add up to more than the average price of property in the UK, so is this the ultimate custom Porsche 964, away from company restomods? Total 911 finds out...
911 AT 60 THE END OF AIR COOLING
As part of the Neunelfer's 60th birthday celebrations, Total 911 looks back to the final days of air-cooled with the 964 and 993
Spotted
Total 911 assesses the rare and unusual Neunelfers currently for sale from around the world
INTERVIEW WITH Mike Brewer
The Wheeler Dealers presenter and TV personality explains his enduring passion for Porsche