The all new chassis had a wheelbase extended to 2350mm that, combined with wider front and rear track, enabled the designers to provide vastly more cabin space. Suspension was MacPherson strut at the front and Porsche's unique 'Weissach' multi-link rear, both attached via aluminium alloy subframes for improved rigidity. Coil springs, gas-charged dampers and anti-roll bars were fitted all round. Stopping was improved by way of Bosch ABS 5.3 managing enlarged cross-drilled and ventilated discs (318mm front / 299mm rear) with four-piston aluminium monobloc calipers. New 17-inch alloy wheels were fitted as standard, a number of alternative 18-inch designs being available on the options list. Porsche retained a traditional flat-six boxer engine for the 996, but although it shared many features with its predecessor, these 3.4-litre units employed water instead of air-cooling for the new light alloy cylinder head. Like the head, the block was light alloy too. Other details included dual overhead camshafts, four valve cylinder heads, VarioCam variable valve timing and Bosch Motronic M5.2 engine management.

By redesigning the bodywork, Porsche were able to develop a strong family identity with the Boxster launched a year earlier. Not only did the new 911 get Boxster-style lights, its more rounded front grille and flattened front wings made it virtually indistinguishable from head on. The side profile was instant 911 though, a traditional teardrop cabin giving it the same DNA as those very first 2-litre variants from 1964. As usual, an electronic rear wing automatically rose at speeds in excess of 50mph, lowering again when the car dipped below 5mph to lie unobtrusively on the engine cover. Perhaps where the 993 had most shown its age was in the cockpit. Not before time, Porsche finally embarked on a thorough revamp. They installed a new dash, instrument binnacle and centre console, a more substantial transmission tunnel plus redesigned seats and door trim. There was also a new three-spoke steering wheel. Leather trim and air conditioning were standard for all markets. Weighing in at 1390kg, the 996 was the fastest entry-level 911 yet, top speed rising to 171mph whilst 0-60 took just 5.2 seconds.

However, with a bewildering selection of derivatives planned, Porsche would build a 996 for every taste. March 1998 saw a Cabriolet introduced (with right-hand drive examples available that August). The new body style mimicked Porsche's 356 B Roadster thanks to a power hood that all but disappeared below a hard body-coloured panel to leave a pleasing lack of canvas. Coupe and Cabriolet were joined in July 1998 by a four-wheel drive version (right-hand drive cars coming late 1998), the Carrera 4 incorporating highly sophisticated anti-skid control by linking the ABS, ASR (traction control) and ABD (automatic brake differential) to create Porsche Stability Management (PSM). Governed electronically, PSM was programmed to recognise when the limits of adhesion had been passed by taking inputs from individual wheel speeds, acceleration and deceleration to act as a safety net that somewhow managed not to intrude on the essential 911 experience. Meanwhile, the four-wheel drive was derived from the viscous clutch system employed on the 993. Torque was split by between 5% and 40% depending upon conditions, driving characteristics and any loss of traction through the front wheels. Weighing in 55kg heavier than the Carrera, the Carrera 4 posted identical performance figures to its two-wheel drive sibling, sixty coming up in 5.2 seconds while top speed remained 171mph.