The front end features the classic low, rounded look that lacks an upper grille but features three lower air intakes.   The headlights, which are bi-xenons, retain the classic round shape.   They sit upright in the front fenders, and they help to distinguish the 911 from the Boxster and Cayman.   A row of LED auxiliary lights is lined up beneath the headlights in place of fog lights.   In part because there is no engine up front, the hood sits lower than the rounded fenders.  

From the rear, curvy fenders and wheel arches extend from the side of the car like the haunches of a predatory animal, housing extra-wide rear wheels.   Carrera 4 models get even wider rear rubber, and their fenders are correspondingly 1.75 inches wider than their rear-drive siblings.   This staggered setup helps the 911's rear tires turn its horsepower into quicker acceleration and balances tire grip front and rear for high g-force turning.   All 911s have wheels at least 18 inches in diameter, and all are equipped with Z-rated tires, the highest speed rating available for street use.  

The current styling sacrifices some of the beauty of the 1999-2004 models in favor of more visual belligerence.   Yet very little at Porsche is done strictly for the sake of appearance.   The current 911 is slightly longer and taller than the previous-generation, pre-2005 version.   The track (the distance between the outside edges of the tires on each axle) and overall width have increased, and this wider stance improves the 911's lateral stability during quick, sharp directional changes.   Today's 911 makes liberal use of aluminum body parts to offset the weight of active suspension, curtain airbags and other upgrades, and the chassis is more rigid than that of pre-2005 models.  

The 997-generation Turbo has a wider rear track and a wider body than that of the 996-generation.   The 911 Turbo features a prominent rear wing that generates lots of downforce to help keep the rear tires glued to the pavement in high-speed sweeping turns, especially important in the rain.   A minimum of drag helps the Turbo achieve its top speed of 194 mph, though we have not personally verified this claim.   New features include titanium-coloured louvers in the side air intakes, a new mirror design, and the aforementioned LED daytime driving lights.  

Cabriolet models feature power soft tops that open in just 20 seconds.   They can be operated at up to 30 mph, a feature we love.   Safety is enhanced by strong steel tubes in the A-pillars, and supplemental safety bars behind the rear seats that automatically deploy in the event of a rollover.   The Cabriolets present a unique appearance.   Top up, they exhibit a profile similar to the coupes.   Top down, the rear end looks heavy, but you'll forgive that as soon as you get in, stomp on the gas and hear that powerful six-cylinder wailing to redline.  

Aerodynamics were an important consideration in the design of all 911 models.   The side mirrors are designed to direct air along the sides of the car toward the automatically deploying rear spoiler, sweeping the side windows clean in the process.   Air is largely kept from going underneath the car and carefully managed over the top and at the rear.   Lift is minimized to keep the 911 glued to the road.   The wheel arches are flared in a fashion that guides air around the tires (one of the biggest sources of drag on an automobile).   Brake spoilers guide more air toward the rotors and brake assemblies, reducing temperatures by nearly 10 percent, according to Porsche, which means more effective braking under extreme conditions.   The drag coefficient for the Carrera is 0.29 Cd.   Less air resistance means improved fuel economy and less wind noise.  

The GT3 is lowered by 1.2 inches.   The lower ride height could lead to some scrapping problems, so Porsche offers an on-board air compressor that lifts the front end 30 mm to clear obstacles, very handy around town.   The GT3 fascia is unique and subtly distinctive, with larger air intakes, and a thin strip with a mesh grille that sits above the front bumper.   The rear bumper features a three-piece mesh-filled horizontal strip that reflects the front, as well as two vertical vents, also with mesh, located outboard.   The rear end also features a tall fixed spoiler and two ram-air scoops on the decklid.   In true race car fashion, the GT3 uses center lock wheels with just one nut.  

The GT3 RS is even crazier, with a wider front and rear track and wider fenders to match.   The front features nine-inch wide wheels and the rear has 12-inch wheels with massive 325/30ZR19 rubber.   Underneath, the GT3 RS has a titanium exhaust system, and at the rear it features a race-inspired carbon fiber wing.   Unique paint also sets the GT3 RS apart.   It comes in Carrera White, Aqua Blue Metallic or Grey Black, each with either Guards Red or White Gold Metallic accent colors and graphics.