A Porsche is Born
January 7, 1998 -- For 1999, the Porsche 911 receives its first total redesign in the car's 34-year history. At a glance, the 1999 911 seems little more than a mild evolution of its predecessor. The car's long hood, sloping rear window, and upright stance render this totally redesigned vehicle immediately recognizable to any nine-year-old child with an interest in autos.
Looks, however, can be deceiving. The 1999 911 shares less with its predecessor than it does with the much different looking Boxster roadster that was introduced last year. Take the engine, for instance. The 3.4-liter flat-six engine that now resides behind the rear axle of the 911 makes the 1999 model the first ever 911 to feature a water-cooled engine; similar to the one introduced on the Boxster last year.
Despite the general similarities in exterior shape, the new 911 looks fairly different when placed next to its predecessor. The new car is consistently larger than the car it replaces; the 1999 model's longer wheelbase, wider track, and taller roof are immediately apparent. Also gone from the new model are the standup windshield and near-vertical headlamps that were such distinguishing characteristics of the previous 911. The new model's swept headlamps and windscreen are definite indications that this car has spent some time in an engineer's wind tunnel.
Porsche fans need not worry about the changes, though; the heart of this car is certainly in the right place-behind the rear wheels. Derided by some for the squirrelly handling characteristics that it can produce, the 911's heavy tail is a cause for celebration among Porsche aficionados who cite the 911's outstanding acceleration abilities and exceptionally short braking distances as benefits of this unconventional engine configuration.
Porsche sales climbed through the roof last year with the introduction of the Boxster. Porsche executives expect sales to continue to climb through the end of the century on the strength of the new 911. Fred Schwab, CEO of Porsche North America, indicated that all 911 models slated for US sale have already been filled with dealer orders.
January 7, 1998 -- For 1999, the Porsche 911 receives its first total redesign in the car's 34-year history. At a glance, the 1999 911 seems little more than a mild evolution of its predecessor. The car's long hood, sloping rear window, and upright stance render this totally redesigned vehicle immediately recognizable to any nine-year-old child with an interest in autos.
Looks, however, can be deceiving. The 1999 911 shares less with its predecessor than it does with the much different looking Boxster roadster that was introduced last year. Take the engine, for instance. The 3.4-liter flat-six engine that now resides behind the rear axle of the 911 makes the 1999 model the first ever 911 to feature a water-cooled engine; similar to the one introduced on the Boxster last year.
Despite the general similarities in exterior shape, the new 911 looks fairly different when placed next to its predecessor. The new car is consistently larger than the car it replaces; the 1999 model's longer wheelbase, wider track, and taller roof are immediately apparent. Also gone from the new model are the standup windshield and near-vertical headlamps that were such distinguishing characteristics of the previous 911. The new model's swept headlamps and windscreen are definite indications that this car has spent some time in an engineer's wind tunnel.
Porsche fans need not worry about the changes, though; the heart of this car is certainly in the right place-behind the rear wheels. Derided by some for the squirrelly handling characteristics that it can produce, the 911's heavy tail is a cause for celebration among Porsche aficionados who cite the 911's outstanding acceleration abilities and exceptionally short braking distances as benefits of this unconventional engine configuration.
Porsche sales climbed through the roof last year with the introduction of the Boxster. Porsche executives expect sales to continue to climb through the end of the century on the strength of the new 911. Fred Schwab, CEO of Porsche North America, indicated that all 911 models slated for US sale have already been filled with dealer orders.
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