Debuting at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Type 996 marked the largest evolutionary leap in the 911’s thirty-four-year history. A clean-sheet design, the 996 stirred controversy as it was the first 911 to transition from air to water cooling to better meet emissions and noise regulations. As per custom, Porsche built different versions of th..
For BMW, it was a daunting task to follow the success of the E30 M3. In 1992, a new M3 was introduced based on the E36 platform and it was immediately recognizable as an M-car. The performance of the new M3 surpassed its predecessor in every measurable way, and period road tests raved about the BMW’s value when compared against cars with similar..
With its two previous generations, based on the E30 and E36 platforms, firmly cemented as performance legends, BMW introduced a new M3 to the public for the 2001 model year. Based on the advanced E46 architecture introduced in 1997, the new M3 was a great leap forward in terms of outright performance, mostly stemming from the new S54 straight-si..
Built on its basic but dynamically superior E30 chassis, BMW developed the M3 to compete with Mercedes-Benz in various forms of motor sports, including touring car racing and rallying. Helping to differentiate it from the standard E30 coupe were unique bodywork featuring boxed fender flares and a rear wing, and most importantly, the S14 DOHC fou..
Launched in 2005, the 997 represented a significant overhaul of the Porsche 911 range. Utilizing much of its predecessor’s underlying platform, the 997 was distinguished via more traditional aesthetics including upright, oval headlights and a richer, quieter cabin. Drivers desiring more performance could step up to a Carrera S, featuring a more ..
Launched in late 1993 and on sale shortly thereafter, the Porsche 993 was the last 911 to use an air-cooled engine. A significant advance both visually and technically, the 993 was stated to be 80% new, sharing only a roof and front lid with its 964 predecessor. Per Porsche custom, the list of 993 variants was extensive and included a 4S model t..
Unveiled at the September 1993 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 993 was Porsche’s last air-cooled 911. While preserving many elements of the classic 911 silhouette, the new Tony Hatter-penned design was considered revolutionary, rather than evolutionary, from its predecessors in terms of performance, handling, comfort, and safety. Starting with the 199..
Introduced in 1999, the 996 GT3 continued Porsche’s tradition of producing lightweight, performance-oriented 911s that were equally at home on the track or the road. Developed to homologate the 911 GT3 RS and RSR race cars for motor sports competition, enthusiasts residing in North America had to wait until the 2004 and 2005 model years to purch..
Introduced for the 1989 model year, the 964 was the third generation of Porsche’s perennial sports car. While appearing similar to its predecessor, Porsche claimed the 964 was 85% new, retaining little from the long-lived G series besides its classic silhouette. Aerodynamic front and rear bumpers and an automatically extending rear spoiler were ..
The 993 was the fourth generation of Porsche’s seminal 911 sports car. The model spawned several variants including a 4S which shared the Turbo’s wider body shell and all-wheel drive, but was powered by the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six. One of 937 models exported to North America for the 1997 model year, this Porsche 993 Carrera 4S is ..