The Carrera 4S offered superb handling with its all-wheel drive and its turbo-body wide rear track. Introduced as a late 2001 model, it had a 3,596cc engine that developed 320 horsepower at 6,800 rpm. Porsche Archiv
After some tough challenges with the 993 glassroof Targa, Weissach body engineers reconfigured the entire concept for the 996. This new top system mounted to the car body from the inside and the rear window operated like a hatchback. Porsche Archiv
As the 996 lineup proliferated, the 911 celebrated another milestone in 2003. The 40th anniversary edition commemorated four decades since the Frankfurt IAA launch in 1963. Porsche Archiv
Porsche showed the 997 in Shanghai at the international motor show in April 2009. This special edition resurrected the 1973 RS Carrera body side script. Porsche Archiv
The 997 profited, literally, in its engineering and design from the great success the 996 lineup brought to Porsche. Porsche launched the 997 for 2004 model year. Porsche Archiv
Porsche’s optional composite carbon brake system,PCCB, made downhill sprints feel comfortable and secure on the Model 997. Porsche introduced the system first as an option on 2001 911 GT2 models, and the brakes were easily recognized by their bright yellow calipers. Porsche Archiv
Minimal body camouflage involved a clever paint scheme that resembled the predecessor 996 headlight configuration. By the time development models reached this stage, engineers were fine tuning optional suspensions. Porsche Archiv
Concept sketches early on during the 997 creative process showed the car with 19-inch wheels and immensely wide tires. As engineers tested the idea with carryover 996 platforms, they realized an entirely new structure was necessary to handle the forces for this new 997. Porsche Archiv
August Achleitner’s decision to develop the Cabrio alongside the coupe was one development innovation that differentiated 997 models significantly from all that came before. It led to much greater stiffness and rigidity in both cars, which improved further with these second generation cars for 2009. Porsche Archiv
With Porsche’s economy restored, the design and engineering team were allowed to divide up light sources again. Grant Larson’s 997 face looked more familiar to longtime 911 enthusiasts. Porsche Archiv
The 2006 Model 997 Turbo delivered 480 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, a 60-horsepower increase over the second-generation 996 models. Porsche offered it only on the all-wheel-drive platform. Porsche Archiv
For the first time since the 1970s, Porsche offered a base 911 Carrera (with a 3.4-liter flat six) and a 3.8-liter Carrera S model, with corresponding differences in horsepower and trim. All-wheel-drive C4 and C4S models appeared for 2005. Porsche Archiv
This fully equipped Carrera S interior boasted not only the Porsche communication navigation system, but also the Sport Chrono Plus option, visible through the steering wheel on the dashboard. Porsche’s active stability management, PASM, also fitted to this model, was another 997 introduction. Porsche Archiv
The Z top system unfolded even at sensible speeds. The new design enabled drivers to raise or lower the roof while cruising as fast as 30 miles per hour. Porsche Archiv
Porsche introduced the 997 GT3 for 2006 model year with new tweaks to the 3.6-liter engine to develop 415 horsepower at 7,600 rpm. Weissach made the PASM system standard on GT3 models. Porsche Archiv
The facelift 997 introduced much more than LED lights. The engine utilized direct fuel injection (DFI) for improved performance and economy and the longawaited Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe PDK double clutch transmission arrived for the road. Porsche Archiv
Simple facts: 3.6-liter displacement with two turbos developed 620 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. The 2011 GT2 RS weighed 3,0921 pounds and Porsche claimed a top speed of 205 miles per hour, the fastest yet for a 911. Porsche Archiv
Porsche Exclusive created the Sport Classic, debuting it at Frankfurt in September 2009. Limited to 250 cars, it incorporated a twin-bulge roof and a ducktail spoiler reminiscent of the 1973 RS Carrera, and similar to the GTS, it offered 408 horsepower. Porsche Archiv
In upholding a 911 tradition missed only during 996 days, Porsche brought out a 997/2 Speedster, limited to 356 vehicles available in either Pure Blue or Carrara (like the marble) White. With the same 408 horsepower on tap as the GTS and the Sport Classic, the Speedster was linked only to the PDK transmission. Dave Engelman/Porsche Cars North America
