Porsche 996 Turbo

M376: Sport shell seat, right

M436: 3-spoke leather sport steering wheel

M446: Concave wheel centers with color badging

M454: Cruise control

M539: Manual seat height adjustment, left

M539: Manual seat height adjustment, right

M567: Gradient tinted windshield

M635: Rear park assist

M650: Sunroof

M662: PCM1 navigation and telephony

M663: PCM1 passive telephone handset

M692: Porsche CDC-3 6-CD changer

M981: Extended leather upholstery in special color

The history of the 996 Turbo
In 1997, Porsche presents the fifth generation of the 911, the type 996. It takes over from the Porsche 993 and represents a real break in the lineage of the sports coupe of the brand from Stuttgart. Indeed, after 33 years, Porsche abandons the air cooling for a water cooling much more traditional which allows the brand to meet the pollution standards in force. Moreover, it is with the 996 generation that Porsche will modify the design of the front lights by passing from the traditional round lights to more original lights. These changes to the mythical 911 will make many purists of the model scream. Often considered as the least appreciated 911, it is nevertheless a real 911 and with the passing years, the love for this fifth generation is increasing.

It’s 2000 when the Turbo model is released in Porsche dealerships, this one, just like its Carrera sisters, has a Flat-6 engine placed in the rear overhang, however, the block is coupled to two turbochargers. In addition, the 3600cc block is not the same as the one used in the Carrera models, but the famous Mezger block that is also used in the GT3, GT2 and the very rare GT1.

From a technical point of view, the car still impresses with its performance. Reputedly unbreakable, the race-bred block delivers 420hp and over 560nm of torque thanks to the two turbos. The power is inexhaustible, and a simple press of the throttle propels the driver to unbelievable speeds, all accompanied by the characteristic roar of a turbocharged flat-6. Overtaking becomes a mere formality, as the passing maneuvers are so powerful.

The pleasure of this car is also linked to its mechanical gearbox, its particularly smooth and precise handling gives the impression of really being at one with the machine. This engine/gearbox combination is a real source of pleasure for the driver, comfortably installed in the wraparound seats that can be adjusted to 8 positions to find the perfect driving position to devour the road.

The dynamic qualities of the car are also exceptional, the driver can afford to corner at high speeds in complete safety thanks to the permanent 4-wheel drive and the various driving aids, the impression that the car is placed on a rail is real. Cornering traction is simply exceptional and the next corner comes very, very quickly. As always with Porsche, the braking is there with 4-piston calipers and 330mm discs located behind the 4 18-inch rims specific to the Turbo model that allow the vehicle to stop in complete serenity.

The great quality of the 911 Turbo is its versatility, the car is just as well adapted to cover the miles on the highway as to unleash its power on winding roads at a particularly high pace.

As is the tradition of the Turbo models at Porsche, it is the top of the range in the GT category of the brand, the leather is omnipresent in the cabin, the options are numerous and the quality of finish is exemplary. Its great GT qualities and the perceived robustness would almost make you want to use it as a daily driver, as the car is so pleasant in all situations.