Hi Folks,

I am researching for my "first" after moving on from a 2002 ALMS Audi TT. I am leaning towards the 996: Targa 4S and C4S Cabs. I particularly like the styling of the 03 models with center brake light. Very nice. Apparently some 03's have it and some don't in pictures I've found on the web. I've seen one alledged 04 with it.

So is the center tail light indicative of the 03s? Is this a limited edition?

Thanks in advance,
Supercollider

 

Actually, it's probably just a red plastic strip, not really a brake light. You're advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Supercollider

 

2002 to 2005 Carrera 4S only have the red reflector strip. No narrow body 911's, turbos or GT2/3 have it.

 

The 996C4S (coupe and CAB) had the center reflector. They were 02-04 model years (and possibly an overlap 05 with the introduction of the 997 in MY05). It went away with the 997C4S MkI and is making it's comeback with the MkII. No other 996 models had the reflector. It's not a limited edition but rather just a feature of the 996C4S.

 

Some C2 owners have done aftermarket additions, a tack-on job. But, as Dell said, only the C4S models in the 996 line have that center strip as OEM.

 

Thanks, this helps me narrow my search finally. I was hunting and hoping the Targa 4S had the red strip as an option, but I may have to go with the C4S if I want this. I'm in love.

I'm sure many of you out there have strong reactions to that element. I won't be offended if you hate it, as everyone has a favorite. Curious to hear, what are your votes: the center tail strip of the C4S, or the targa style rear which has no strip?

Supercollider

 

The Targa is a narrow body car and didn't come in a "4S" like the 997 while the C4S is a wide body. Depends on what you want in a car and what moves you. Personally I wouldn't buy a car b/c it has a reflector stripe or doesn't.

The reflector strip is NOT an option, but rather a feature of a specific model (996C4S). There are some like Palting stated that have added the strip but IMHO it looks like crap when added after the fact.

 

Oh ok, thanks. That explains it. No 996 Targa 4S. On one hand, would've been sweet. There's no question that I prefer the wider stance. Especially why I was not comparatively sold on the look of a narrow Targa rear. Though sweet too in it's own right.

I spent hours searching dealer ads for that elusive 996 Targa 4S that never existed. Now I'm looking at purely 996 C4S models until I can graduate to a 997.

Supercollider

 

03-05 996 C4S Rocks!!
Beautiful car, but I'm a little biased.

 

What's wrong with my 02?

 

Pure C4S **** in the tread over on 6 speed.

 

It smells funny...

Seriously, prior to '03 they tend to have this wet dog smell to the interior.
IMO

Oh, that and the extra 20HP...

 

not so much a wet dog, but it sure is an "old porsche" smell

+1 for that observation

 

IMHO the 996 C4S rear view is one of the most beautiful look of the in the whole 911 world. I love the "clean" view without wings. I know that GT3 and GT2 have these wings for aerodynamic support, but I don't like them.

996 C4S with the red strip is simply "perfect"
The red strip in 997 Mk2 has a bad design. it's a fake compared to 996 C4S




You can go to the aftermarket to purchase a narrow body red reflectant strip:






I don't like it but you can go for it

 

I don't understand the extra 20 HP.... ???

All 996 C4S models have 320 HP (3.6 l)