The most hated Porsche 911 - The 1999 - 2005 996. Or the most undervalued Porsche 911? скачать в хорошем качестве

The most hated Porsche 911 - The 1999 - 2005 996. Or the most undervalued Porsche 911?

Is the Porsche 996 the most hated 911 of all time? In this episode, we take a deep look at one of the most controversial models in Porsche history — the 996-generation 911. Launched in 1999, the 996 broke from decades of tradition and sparked intense debate among purists, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. So what made the 996 so divisive? 🔹 The "Fried Egg" Headlights Perhaps the most iconic reason for the backlash — the redesigned headlights, borrowed from the 986 Boxster, ditched the classic round 911 look. The integrated indicator and headlight design earned the unflattering nickname "fried egg" and immediately drew criticism for straying too far from Porsche’s heritage. 🔹 Water-Cooled Engine For the first time ever, Porsche abandoned its legendary air-cooled flat-six engine. The 996 introduced a water-cooled powerplant, a move that left many long-time fans feeling betrayed. While more efficient and compliant with modern emissions, the new engine changed the character and sound of the 911 — a major point of contention. 🔹 Radical Design Changes The 996 rode on an entirely new chassis with a longer wheelbase, wider body, and sleeker, more modern proportions. It looked different, drove differently, and to some — felt less like a true 911. But not everything about the 996 deserves the hate. ✅ Performance Leap The 996 brought real performance gains. It was faster, more refined, and far more capable on the road and track than the outgoing 993. The 996 Turbo and GT3 models especially are now recognised as modern classics. ✅ Affordability The biggest upside? Price. The 996 remains the most affordable way to get into a true Porsche 911. With prices well below the 993 and every generation that followed, it's the gateway drug for a new wave of Porsche fans. ✅ Driver-Focused Feel Lighter than later generations, with minimal electronic interference and a raw mechanical feel, the 996 is quietly earning respect among driving purists who value simplicity and balance over luxury tech. Whether you love it, hate it, or are just curious — the 996 is a crucial part of the 911 story. 🛠️ Watch now as we break down what Porsche changed, why people got so mad, and why this “ugly duckling” may just be the smartest buy in the 911 market today. 👇 Let us know in the comments — is the 996 underrated or unforgivable? A big thank you to Dave Van Epps from Sonderwerks for generously sharing your time and expertise! Sonderwerks is your go-to destination for all things Porsche. From engine and transmission work to upholstery, paint, and body restoration, they have specialists for every aspect of your vehicle—all under one roof. Whether you're after a custom interior, performance enhancements, or a full restoration, Sonderwerks has you covered. https://www.sonderwerks.com/   / sonderwerks     / sonderwerks   Image Credits By Alexander-93 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index... By Matti Blume - Own work, CC BY-SA, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index... By Daniel J. Leivick - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index... By Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England - Porsche 928S4 (1990), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index... By The Car Spy - Flickr: 1987 Porsche 928 S4, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...