2005 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Road Test

Classic Shape and Quality Interior Improve Venerable Sports Car

Why does Porsche still build its retro-styled 911 while rivals regularly come to market featuring new shapes, sizes and

The new 2005 model (997) takes the 911 back a number of years to when circular headlamps were thought sacrosanct. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

drivetrains? Because its customers demand that the classic shape remains, and voice their opinions with their wallets. Making this point crystal clear, when Porsche launched its modernized 911 (996) in 1998 as a 1999 model, those faithful to its more classically penned predecessor, the 993, didn't immediately accept its Boxster-like headlamps, slab-sided flanks and more refined ride. The new 2005 model (997) goes a long way to rectify this problem, and in so doing takes the 911 back a number of years to when circular headlamps were thought sacrosanct.

And I can't help but agree with the Porschephiles that snubbed the 996. The new model looks more like the original 911, and despite my having a penchant for contemporary design, is more appealing to my tastes.

As important in this class, Porsche has upgraded the car's interior to premium levels... finally. It always offered a decent

Porsche has upgraded the 911's interior to premium levels... finally. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

assortment of upscale features, but the base 911 used to have as much tactile appeal as a low-rent economy car. The cheesy plastic surfaces that covered the dash and console made it necessary to buck up thousands for an all-leather interior, but switchgear was still below par. The 2005 911 is top-tier in every way, even better put together than the already impressive Cayenne. Plastics are high-grade, fit and finish top-rate and controls among the best in its class. Being that I'm a stickler for tactile quality, I now have no reservations about buying a 911; other than a sizable lack of funds to do so that is.