996 C2 3.4L 1997-08/01

The 996 Carrera 2, introduced in 1997, marked a significant departure for the esteemed 911 lineage, ushering in two major changes: the adoption of a water-cooled flat-6 engine, replacing the beloved air-cooled engine that had been a staple of the 911 for 34 years, and a comprehensive redesign of the body shell.

The styling of the 996 borrowed its front end from Porsche's mid-engined Boxster and Pinky Lai's design work on the exterior garnered international acclaim, earning several design awards between 1997 and 2003.

With a coefficient of drag of 0.30, the Carrera variant boasted impressive aerodynamics. Featuring an engine displacement of 3.4 liters, the power output was rated at 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp), showcasing innovations such as an "integrated dry sump" design and variable valve timing.