Porsche 911 Turbo (996) – what makes it so special?

The Porsche 996 is a car from the modern era, admired by fans for its blend of power and comfort.

In 1999, the updated 911 model – the fifth generation of the renowned Porsche 911, also known as the 996 – marked the beginning of a new era for Porsche. It was the first 911 to be liquid-cooled instead of air-cooled like its predecessors. Due to stricter noise and pollution emission requirements, Porsche introduced not only a new engine but also a completely new, wider chassis and design solutions. This move received mixed reviews from Porsche fans – some were surprised by this decision while others welcomed it as a necessary step for the 911 and the future of Porsche. As a result, this car holds an honorable place on collectors’ lists.

NEW DESIGN

Compared to the previous 993 Turbo model, the 996 brought in a new era of Porsche design: the car’s smoother lines, swept-back windscreen, and more spacious interior gave the car a cleaner appearance, while a 45% stronger and lighter structure, updated chassis, and brakes perfectly complemented the engine’s performance.

The 911 has traditionally had round headlights, which have become a recognizable symbol. The introduction of the 996 with its new headlight shape, combined with the amber turn indicators, caused a stir among Porsche fans and earned the nickname “fried eggs”.

However, the designers created these lights not only for uniqueness and aesthetics but also to meet changing safety requirements.

POWER

The 996 Turbo features not only a distinctive, exclusive design but also a powerful engine.

The water-cooled 3.6-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol engine produces 420bhp as standard and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds. The X50 Power Pack increases the output to 450bhp and reduces the 0-100km/h time to just 3.6 seconds. The all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip and stability, even at high speeds on the track or winding roads.

Another highlight of this model is the brakes, designed to handle the extreme power of the 996 Turbo. Four-piston monobloc aluminium fixed calliper brakes with 330 mm cross drilled internally vented discs, four-channel ABS, and a 10-inch vacuum brake booster make it possible to come to a complete stop from 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds.

ONE OF THE BEST

The Porsche 911 Turbo is a popular choice among car enthusiasts and drivers who demand top quality, power, and speed. It competes with other premium supercars like the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lamborghini Huracan, and Audi R8 Spyder. While others may have more horsepower or faster acceleration, the X50 package for this model offers an optimal balance of speed, power, and handling that many cannot match.

No wonder the legendary Jeremy Clarkson said when the 996 Turbo X50 model came out – “It pains me to admit it, but of all the cars available today, this is the best.”