user 8430

I am curious why? Aerodynamic/cd reasons? Styling? Anyone have a hypothesis?

Scootin159

the 986 (Boxster) and 996 (newest 911) both have really dropped most of their styling heritage. Look at a 993 (or 964 or 930) compared to an original 911 (901), to the average non-motorhead they look almost the same (i.e. my mother wouldn't know the difference). Now compare that to a 996, looks like a whole different car. The Boxster fits in just because the 996 & Boxster are meant to look similar (which is the first inspiration I don't know).

End result, the new cars aren't meant to follow the styling cues of their grandparents, but more that of a modern car. My vote, styling.

Dlefko

i couldn't agree with you more

JoeyMac

I concur. Do you like the handle type better? I never have.

user 8430

I prefer the handle type myself.


Also apparently the "kathunk" sound when closing the door, was always a result of the latch being affixed to the outside of the door as opposed to the way it is installed in the new cars on the inside?

Luis de Prat

My guess is cost, aerodynamic and weight considerations, in that order... Both advised to Porsche by Japanese TQM consulting in the mid '90s.

iloveporsches

I like how people are confused the first time they go to open the door. They also always comment on how it's kinda cool and unique. I like it better.

Operator

weird
BMW said they would never go away from the outside handle design
that it was done that way for safety.. something like, after an accident - if the door was stuck - its easier to open with an outside-type handle. I guess you could open it from the outside if you were inside or something, but with the flush-handle type.. well.. its not as easy. Either way I see the new Z4 has flush handles .. I dont get it

SimonK

I think is the pressure Porsche is getting from the beauty of Renault Megane....he,he...

Randy_J

well, let's all be thankful that Chris Bangle of BMW 7 series, Z4 and now new 5 series did not design our cars!

Can you spell FUGLY!!! I had a '98 528i sport - a truly beautiful car, and cannot imagine what he was thinking in designing the new car - hit with a Fugly Stick!

AndyK

I sold my E36 328 because of an anoying clutch pedal, weak handling, and a horrible window system! When you opened the door to get into the car, you had to pull the (boring) flush handle. The frameless window would automatically retract half an inch, and then you could open the door. Way too complex! At least the E36's still had the push-button trunk lock/openers, like generations previous.

Now, every time I pull the little door trigger on the S2, I appreciate it more! And you are so right about the 993-996 herritage loss! The 993 had that door "click-thunk" sound when closing, just like my 89! The new 996's have the same door feel/sound as a Lexus!

schlag

If you want to see a cheesy door mechanism, check out the new RX-8.

Sure the suicide doors look great, but when one shuts a door with any
kind of force - the whole side of the car rattles and shudders.

I kid you not.

2+2

AndyK, the 996s also have that automatic window down 1/2 inch feature. It is neat to see it the first time but you do have to wonder how long complex systems can remain trouble free......

AndyK

Nothing worse than not having a frame around the window! Nothing to grab onto, except the fragile window itself...bad design!

SidViscous

And hard on the window mechanisim. My 80 Duster has the long door with unsuported window, little plastic bit is wasted and no way you can find one. But I've always liked the look of a long door with no window frame, don't know why.

But when you close the door you have to make sure it's all the way up or all the way down.