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I like the nostalgia argument for the 3.2 Carrera and older models, but the 964 wasn’t very popular about 15-20 years ago. It was disliked like the 996 was.
But anyway, we have to build the nostalgia of today for tomorrow, and the 996 can do it. When it comes to complexity, I don’t feel like the 996 is much more complex than those older cars. My former 3.2 Carrera had all sorts of HVAC blowers, levers, controls, power windows, headlight washers and such. My 996 seems pretty simple except the cabriolet system. I didn’t think my 996 would age well, but everything on it works.
I don't know -- I do not miss my 3.2 Carrera at all compared to the 996. The more than 20 years older 3.2 Carrera was only 35 lbs lighter than a 996.1, and with 80 more hp and power steering, the 996 feels much lighter, much easier to toss around, and much faster. I do like the looks of the old (pre-996) dashboard, but it was hopelessly archaic and air conditioning on my 3.2 was marginal. Regardless of price, I'd rather have my current 996 over my 3.2.
996 interior is fantastically well made, and in leather it’s nicer than a Ferrari
WTH more do you want??
Well on 2nd thought my Cayenne is a frikkin Bentley inside, that just is what it is
Yes, the 996 interior is very good, if not a bit strange in its departure from the traditional 911 interior. But it has grown on me favorably and the 3-spoke steering wheel is excellent. The newer wheels look too much like something from a Japanese car design for my tastes.
What fascinates me most about the 996 is how it represents a bold new direction for the 911, both in terms of platform and design. The technical improvements are obvious, so let's focus on the design. Clearly, they embraced a design language that was hopeful and speculative, rather than anchored in the past. The headlights are the most obvious example, and they are actually quite clever when you consider how they integrate the turn signals and fog lamps, cleaning up the front end. Comparatively, the 997 returned to an old school setup more reminiscent of the 964/993, with a separate unit for the fog lamps and turn signals. There are unique elements in the body design as well - the 996 GT3 side skirts have an upward swoop as they extend rearwards, giving the car a poised look. In contrast, the 997 the side skirts are much more restrained and linear.
Other bold design features are the interior - the asymmetrical binnacle for the gauge cluster, the curved centre console, the sculptural arm rest in the door panel that integrates into a curved, pointed door handle (!!!). In comparison, the 997 interior almost seems like a step back, or a return to safety in the historical design language of 911s past.
I love every generation of the 911. Each has it's own charm and appeal. The 996 will continue to stand out as unique and soulful, and will draw in an ever growing crowd of fascinated Porscheophiles.
What fascinates me most about the 996 is how it represents a bold new direction for the 911, both in terms of platform and design. The technical improvements are obvious, so let's focus on the design. Clearly, they embraced a design language that was hopeful and speculative, rather than anchored in the past. The headlights are the most obvious example, and they are actually quite clever when you consider how they integrate the turn signals and fog lamps, cleaning up the front end. Comparatively, the 997 returned to an old school setup more reminiscent of the 964/993, with a separate unit for the fog lamps and turn signals. There are unique elements in the body design as well - the 996 GT3 side skirts have an upward swoop as they extend rearwards, giving the car a poised look. In contrast, the 997 the side skirts are much more restrained and linear.
Other bold design features are the interior - the asymmetrical binnacle for the gauge cluster, the curved centre console, the sculptural arm rest in the door panel that integrates into a curved, pointed door handle (!!!). In comparison, the 997 interior almost seems like a step back, or a return to safety in the historical design language of 911s past.
I love every generation of the 911. Each has it's own charm and appeal. The 996 will continue to stand out as unique and soulful, and will draw in an ever growing crowd of fascinated Porscheophiles.
It's a love it or hate it thing that seems to drive people to one side of the room or another.
It is almost like Harm Lagaay secretly fed his design team psychotropic drugs before they started the design. I think the majority of the market did not like the radical departure from the 993 and that is why the pendulum swung back the opposite way with the 997 and favored that style ever sense.
I bought my car more for what it was under the "skin" and intend it to be my last Porsche. I'm quite happy with that, but if I had deeper pockets I would be strongly tempted by the new 992 GT3. Still need to get beyond the radical changes in style, but the performance would probably make that an easier transition.
The singularly unique GT1 mono-housing headlamp wasn't as much about cleaning up the front end, as it was about creating a lifecycle modularity that would reduce all lighting system points of failure to a single wiring harness/connection. That coupled with the brilliant housing release tool that allows broken headlamp units to be swapped out in less than five seconds. Harm Lagaay designed the 996 headlights, drawing from a lifetime of personal motorsports involvement that continues to this day in retirement...
The GT1 headlights had nothing to do with "saving money" and everything to do with racing. But you'll never convince magazine editors or Beverly Hills Dentists. The "911 enthusiasts" all clamoured to get their 1957 VW Beetle headlights back. And after fielding six relentless years of complaints from US customers, in 2005 Porsche sold them exactly what they asked for
Originally Posted by dantonio
The headlights are the most obvious example, and they are actually quite clever when you consider how they integrate the turn signals and fog lamps, cleaning up the front end
You would expect this with the stock, bond, crypto markets being in a bear market. Crypto is down 60% plus, meme stocks are down in many cases 60-80% from their highs, and long term treasuries are down over 30%. Spending capital that once was is no longer for the time being, until the "Great Valuation Reset" of the capital markets is over. And it will end. Best guess suggests that the younger buyer that was looking to enter the 996 market may be put on hold for a bit until their portfolios stabilize.
However, weakening 996 prices will create attractive entry points into the 996 market. Long term buyers better get them while you can. Speculators should go to Las Vegas. At least you will get free drinks.
05-23-2022, 12:17 PM
