Porsche 996 Carrera 4S

The vehicle in detail

The Porsche 996 4S is often recognized by its unique and controversial headlight design, which for the first time broke away from the traditional round headlights of the 911. These “stacked” headlights, sometimes derisively referred to as “ovoid,” gave the 996 a modern look that initially divided fans.

The 996 4S combined the wide body of the Turbo variant with a naturally aspirated engine. The wider fenders, side air intakes, and striking rear spoiler created an aggressive and sporty look. Furthermore, the wider tires and lowered suspension contributed to both the aesthetics and the performance.

Under the hood of the 996 4S lies a 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing an impressive 320 hp. This powerplant was paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional Tiptronic automatic transmission. Power was transferred to all four wheels via Porsche’s advanced all-wheel-drive system, ensuring excellent grip and stability, even in challenging driving conditions.

Thanks to this configuration, the 996 4S could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in approximately 5 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 280 km/h (174 mph). The combination of power, all-wheel drive, and a refined chassis made the 996 4S one of the most capable and exciting cars of its time.

Although the Porsche 996 4S generated some controversy in its day due to its unusual design, it earned its place in automotive history, and today, more and more people are beginning to appreciate the 996.