996

Purists claimed the 1997 996-generation 911 series signalled the end of an era when it introduced liquid cooling and unprecedented levels of comfort, refinement and driver friendliness to Australia.

Yet it went on to become the most popular 911 ever. And this is despite criticisms of there being “too much” 986 Boxster in the 911 – a necessity since Porsche at the time of developing both cars was facing serious money issues.

The 996 first appeared in two-door Carrera coupe guise in early 1988, with the 911 Cabriolet going on sale in July of that year.

Introduced with a 221kW/350Nm 3.4-litre flat six-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the 996 911 was facelifted in August 2001, when it came with a 235kW/370Nm 3.6.

At the same time, a new wide-bodied C4S replaced the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 in the local Porsche line-up, while the 996 GT3 was facelifted in September 2003, the 911 Turbo was added in December 2000 and the 911 Turbo Cabriolet in November 2003.