The Porsche 911 Series became Porsche's flagship line from the introduction of the classic 911 in 1963 up to the present. Even though it underwent numerous automotive developments, it maintained its distinctive and rear-engined design throughout its 47 years.

The Porsche 996 was the first in the 911 Series that did not carry over any significant body, underbody or mechanical component from its predecessor, the 993. It also featured the most significant number of styling changes since 1963 and more importantly, an all new water-cooled engined. There were no significant changes from 1998 until the 2002 model year and then was replaced in 2005, with the return of the circular headlights, by the Porsche 997.