I think the only reason many die-hard Porsche fans don't like the the looks of the 996 is because it is not as 'conservative' per se as past generations have been, and I've always thought the interior was simple, but functional. Porsche definitely took a step in the wrong direction when they started using mixing and matching 911 and Boxster parts, I mean seriously?

 

And yes the Panamera is hideous.

 

I still like the Panamera, esp. on 21" HRE P40s.

If the OP doesn't like Porsches, then don't create threads and troll on them.

Here are the graphical representations of my three favorite 911s of 993/997/964 variety:

993 - Aventurine Green, 17" Cup wheels - basic and beautiful


997 - GT3 - nothing more needs to be said


964 - RUF 964 R - this was on sale at Monterey last year...




Oh and this one isn't too bad either...

 

From certain aspects, yes, from this aspect, it is very beautiful.

 

For me, 964 is the best generation of all 911's. 996's headlights just don't seem to continue the tradition of previous versions. That's why I was so glad when 997 came out, because it makes this awesome legacy to go on.

 

I just finished a photoshop of what a 996 would look like if it had circular headlights. To set the 996 apart from the 997, I re-used the 996 headlights to make the new ones. Of course deleting that extending part from the headlights means adding an extra pair of lights to the bumper, as every 911 except for the 996 had. Here is my photoshop.



I personally like the normal headlights better for the 996.

I still think that the circular lights would have been a better evolution from the 993, because the 993's fenders used to encompass the 993 headlights, and this circular headlight for the 996 looks like it is partially encompassed but dropped down a bit. Very similar yet very different to the 993.

 

I like all Porsches apart from the Panastymera.

 

^Amazing p-shop skills as always, but those headlights just.......I don't know......they aren't right on that car. The whole 996 isn't right.

 

It looks to date the car.

Maybe if I rounded out the hood, and made it more like the 997 it'd look right?

 

when the 996 & 986 were released, I sure loved the new lights/looks and thought it was a relief away from the round lights. But when the 997 & 987 came out, I cannot look back !!!

Sorry guys, but the 996 & 986 look hideous to me right now!