The 996 had little in common with its predecessor, with the first all new chassis platform since the original 911 and a new water-cooled engine. Technically, it was a major change, a complete break from the original car other than the overall layout.

Buyer or Seller Questions? Let’s Talk! 310-975-0272

The signature air-cooled flat-6 of the 911 was reaching the limits of its potential, as made evident by the 993. Stricter emissions regulations worldwide further forced Porsche to think of a replacement of the air-cooled unit. In order to improve manufacturing processes, Porsche took the aid of leading Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, whose consultants would assist in the overhaul of the Zuffenhausen manufacturing facility, introducing mass production techniques that would allow Porsche to carry out production processes more efficiently. Porsche had realised that in order to keep the 911 in production, it would need radical changes. This led to the development of the 996. The sharing of development between the new 911 and the entry level Boxster model allowed Porsche to save development costs. This move also resulted in interchangeable parts between the two models bringing down maintenance costs.

In 2000, power output on the base Carrera model had been increased to 224 kW (305 PS; 300 hp). However weight also increased to 1,370kg. 2001 marked the final year of production for the base Carrera 4 Coupé in narrow body format. In addition, engine capacity of the M96 engine was also increased to 3.6-litres across the range, yielding gains of 11 kW (15 PS; 15 hp) for the naturally aspirated models.

At Beverly Hills Car Club right now we have a splendid example of this Porsche revolution, 2002 Porsche 996 Carrera 4S Coupe 6-Speed featured with 58,014 miles on the odometer. Finished in its factory Seal Gray Metallic exterior over a grey interior, this Carrera 4S offers an understated appearance that reflects the design language of the early water-cooled 911 generation. The 996 Carrera 4S stands out within the 911 lineup with its wider Turbo-style bodywork, all-wheel-drive system, and naturally aspirated flat-six engine, making it one of the most desirable configurations of the 996 era.

Power comes from Porsche’s 3.6L rear-mounted naturally aspirated flat-six engine, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

The Carrera 4S features Porsche’s all-wheel-drive system, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, dual exhaust outlets, and rides on 18-inch 5-spoke “Turbo Twist” style wheels. The Turbo-inspired wide-body design, combined with the naturally aspirated engine, gives the Carrera 4S a unique place in Porsche history as a model that blends the appearance of the Turbo with the character of the standard Carrera.

Inside, the cabin maintains the driver-focused layout Porsche is known for, featuring a 3-spoke steering wheel, center console controls, and straightforward ergonomics. The grey interior is equipped with comfort features including air conditioning, power-adjustable front seats, power windows and mirrors, cruise control, glove box, center console storage, sunroof, and Bose audio system.

Carbon fiber and aluminum trim on the gear shift knob and handbrake lever add a tasteful sporting touch, while the Porsche-crested headrests further enhance the interior presentation.

The color code and options sticker remain under the hood, and paint meter readings are provided in the photo gallery for reference. This Porsche 996.2 Carrera 4S Coupe represents a well-optioned example of Porsche’s transition into the water-cooled 911 era, combining classic 911 styling with modern comfort and everyday drivability.

This Carrera 4S is mechanically sound.

Porsche 996’s design was new, developed by Pinky Lai under Porsche design chief Harm Lagaay from 1992 to 2006; it was the first 911 that was completely redesigned, and carried over little from its predecessor as Porsche wanted the design team to design a 911 for the next millennium. Featuring an all new body, interior, and the first water-cooled engine, the 996 replaced the 993 from which only the front suspension, rear multi-link suspension, and a 6-speed manual transmission were retained in revised form.

The 996 had a drag coefficient of Cd=0.30 resulting from hours spent in the wind tunnel. The 996 is 185 mm (7 in) longer and 40 mm (2 in) wider than its predecessor. It is also 45% stiffer courtesy of a chassis formed from high-strength steel. Additionally, it is 50 kg (110 lb) lighter despite having additional radiators and coolant.

Born and raised in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, Pinky Lai Lai moved to Rome in 1972, where he studied and received a BA in industrial design.

After seeing an opening for car designer at Ford of Germany, in 1978 Lai received a two-year full scholarship for master’s degree study on transportation design at the Royal College of Art in London.

After his graduation from RCA in 1980, Lai started working for the Fordwerke in Cologne, Germany, on the Sierra, Fiesta, Escort, and Scorpio projects.

In 1984 Pinky Lai joined BMW in 1984 as a senior designer. And in 1989 he was invited by the president of R&D of Porsche AG to join the design team Porsche Styling as studio chief.

Since then, Pinky Lai has worked on all the models from the Porsche factory, from the Boxster to the Cayman, including the revolutionary 996, the first major departure from Ferdinand Alexander ‘Butzi’ Porsche’s original design for the 911 in four decades.

-Alex Manos, Owner