Porsche 911 996 Turbo Sport Seats - A Closer Look

Introduction to the Porsche 911 996 Turbo

The Porsche 911 996 Turbo marked a major turning point for the iconic 911 sports car. Launched in 2000, the 996 Turbo was the first 911 Turbo model to feature a water-cooled engine, bringing the 911 into the modern era after sticking with air-cooling since its inception in 1963. The 996 Turbo also featured a completely redesigned chassis, new aerodynamic bodywork, and a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system.

Styling and Exterior

The 996 Turbo retained the classic 911 silhouette, but featured smoother, more rounded lines compared to previous generations. New headlights, taillights, and integrated bumpers gave it a more modern look. Wider rear fenders accommodated the larger wheel/tire package. Distinctive styling cues included the "GT2-inspired" rear wing and twin-pipe exhaust tips.

Engine and Performance

Power came from a new 3.6L twin-turbo flat-6 putting out 420hp, allowing 0-60mph in under 4 seconds and a top speed of 189mph. This was the most powerful 911 Turbo yet, made possible by water cooling allowing higher outputs. The engine was mated to a 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Porsche's permanent AWD system gave incredible grip and handling.

Interior and Features

The 996 Turbo interior blended sport and luxury, with supportive leather sport seats, aluminum trim, and premium materials. Standard features included automatic climate control, power seats, sunroof, and an upgraded sound system. Options included Porsche's cutting-edge PCM infotainment system and Bluetooth phone connectivity, rare for the era.

The 996 Turbo's Sport Seats

One of the 996 Turbo's signature features were the sculpted sport bucket seats. They provided ample lateral support while cornering thanks to pronounced bolsters cushions. Fore/aft adjustment allowed drivers of various sizes to fine tune pedal and steering wheel position. The bottom cushions tilted forward for easier access when folding the seatbacks.

Leather Upholstery

Porsche offered several leather upholstery options to customize the cabin's look and feel. Standard on the Turbo were power Sport seats wrapped in soft, supple leather. Available colors included classic Black, rich Chestnut Brown, or Graphite Grey. The optional Carbon leather package added striking color accents.

Comfort for Long Trips

Despite their aggressive contouring, the 996 Turbo's seats remained comfortable for long distance touring. An extendable thigh support cushion adjusted leg room. Multi-way power controls dialed in lumbar support. And the seat backs reclined for increased cruising comfort while maintaining lateral support.

Racing Inspired Design

Drawing on Porsche's motorsports DNA, the 996 Turbo seats evoked the look of racing buckets. Sculpted side bolsters gripped occupants firmly in place during hard cornering. Pronounced shoulder supports and deep cushions provided security. The styling perfectly matched the car's performance capabilities.

The 996 Turbo Legacy

The 996 Turbo ushered in a new technologically advanced era for the 911, while retaining the raw performance and driving experience it was renowned for. With its cutting edge engine, chassis, and AWD system, matched to daily drivability, the 996 Turbo redefined the 911 Turbo model line. It paved the way for even more powerful and technically sophisticated successors in the 21st century.

In the eyes of many Porsche purists, the 996 Turbo stands out as one of the most significant and exciting 911 Turbos ever. Its seats are considered an integral part of the driving experience offered by this landmark sports car.

FAQs

What type of seats did the 996 Turbo have?

The 996 Turbo was equipped with sculpted leather sport bucket seats featuring pronounced side bolsters and shoulder supports.

Were the 996 Turbo seats power adjustable?

Yes, the 996 Turbo seats had multi-way power adjustments for the backrest, height, and lumbar support.

How comfortable were the seats for long trips?

Despite their aggressive bolstering, the seats were designed for long distance comfort with an extendable thigh support and reclining backrest.

What leather upholstery options were available?

Porsche offered the seats in Black, Chestnut Brown, or Graphite Grey leather. Carbon leather accents were also optional.

Were rear seats an option on the 996 Turbo?

No, the 996 Turbo was strictly a two-seat sports car. No rear seating was available from the factory.