I used to work with Shawn in 2015 and 2016 at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, GA. He is a genuine person that loves helping people improve and he's great at what he does. I was happy to see him get the opportunity to leave Atlanta and move out to LA to be the Assistant Chief Instructor at the LA facility when it was built. Shawn brought me out to help coach when it first opened and it's an awesome facility.
I have a 2005 997. Recently, I talked a friend into going for a ride because he wasn't a 911 fan. "They're just boring looking." After I got him in the car, he wouldn't shut up about the sound. "This sounds incredible. OMG, that sound!" :) He's now looking at getting one.
I loved my 996 RS - collected it from the factory in Nov 2003, epic trip. The engine freed up with miles - first dyno day 381HP - second one 6K miles and a frantic trip down to Le Mans 418HP - same dyno, other cars that were there on the first day still were putting down the same on the second. Should never have sold it.....
Imagine one day 996 being the water cooled 911 to have, 991 is too heavy, 992 too techy (and heavy) and 997 is a bit bigger than 996 (though it has much better interior)
In every MF review of a 996 he's in LOVE with the car... but when asked about the 996 in general he always says he doesn't like it. Matt, Listen to yourself (behind the wheel)!!!!!!!!!
Love this video Matt! As a 996 owner, I think even the base C2 has a lot of the same driving characteristics as you describe, but just toned down a bit.
Just bought a 996 GT3 and am absolutely blown away. At the moment it's too much car for me, but I'm sure with time (on track) I'll adjust. The experience is amazingly unique, it is mind blowingly fun.
I saw Cammisa had commented on his Insta that the 911R and the 4.0 GT3 were the ones he thought were most special, but I totally agree, this 996 is the one, engine note wise. Sounds absolutely amazing!
Up here in my small city in BC a local has a silver 996 GT3, duct tape on the euro buckets, track marks on the bumpers, extra fuel Jerry cans in the back. A pure track rat. Just love it.
"It ran 7:43 at the ring" Bare in mind this is with tires that were from the era as well. With modern tires of equivalent spec that should come down at the least 10-15 seconds, which is still really impressive.
That Porsche is wicked, also I just bought 2 slick gaiters and got a third for free plus $5 off with the coupon code. You the man Matt! Much appreciated
I remember driving dads GT3 on 2009 and it was a wild ride. You could not keep the rear from sliding. Last week on new P-zeros, the grip was endless and tje rear stay put. You can actually drive it hard without fear of dying.
Someone in my middle class suburban neighborhood dailies his. I see it at the grocery store, filthy as can be on a regular basis. I knew the car was special being a GT series Porsche but didn't realize just how much. Calgary, AB, Canada is where I'm at.
It’s an amazing experience to drive or be a passenger in them. I had a go in one recently and I absolutely loved it, the engine noise is amazing as well
I know I'll never own one of these RS's or even a standard 996 GT3 (look at the price trends), but for me the 996 generation as a whole is just the perfect blend of old and modern Porsche. Hopefully I'm able to buy one in a few years to complement the Giulia. But yeah these 996 GT3s are my hero cars, nothing else comes close for me.
I'd be curious to see what it would run on the ring with modern rubber. If it had Cup 2s like a current RS. Road car tire tech has advanced soooo much in those 17 years.
Oh yeah, this GT3 series is going to be awesome!! Matt is one fortunate guy! I am going to the Porsche center in February and do the GT3 experience Matt did for my bday. Can't wait!
I love the smoking tire and everything but as for the add at the beginning I HIGHLY recommend Blackstrap gaiters. It's marino wool which is like the best new thing in clothing because it never smells and is super comfy. Back to the video, there was a white and blue 996 at a range rover dealer while I was in highschool and man I drooled over that car every time I passed it.
Two comments: very nice smooth driving style Matt and; you have a real talent to be able drive and provide clear and coherent analysis at the same time . 👏
I think most people overlook the difficulty in properly driving a super-rare car, on camera, and conducting a raw monologue that’s of any value to those afar. Matt deserved that opportunity, and will likely call that a ‘good’ birthday.
All in all, this is easily a top 5 one take. Fun fact about this certain generation of gt3 is that this model only came in white and the only option you had for color is for the wheels and decals. Also the thumbnail might be the best showcase of how a 996 should look. Cheers.
I know you said in a podcast that some of the cars were to fast for the porache track, but damn. You guys got me nervous going fast in that tight track
Porsche developt the RS because they needed different parts (suspensions for example) for the racecars but the rules said you have to build a certain amount of cars to homologate them
Basically anything w a mezger engine is collectible. This one's more desirable than the 997 to me based on the simplicity of the interior ergonomics, outward vision, seating position, steering wheel and shifter. Crucially these are lighter than the 997 as well and have a narrower canoe stance with a less severe tire stagger which allowed them to behave like scalpels unlike the 997 which you'll notice how many more curbs he hit compared to the 996. Plus the gutteral exhaust from the non-direct injected flat six lends credence to the argument that port-injected engines are also the best sounding ie.....LFA, Scuderia over the speciale, c6 zr1 over c7(all day long), gt350 over the 2018 gt I could go on.....
The 996 production finished roughly a year or two before the final year of the Carrera GT. Probably the 997 was just debuting when the last Carrera GTs were coming out of the factory.
"these are valuable museum cars"
Almost hits a cone
Nah he hit it
@@HoratioHoodoo What? You have to brush up on your visual perception... ;)
I used to work with Shawn in 2015 and 2016 at the Porsche Experience Center in Atlanta, GA. He is a genuine person that loves helping people improve and he's great at what he does. I was happy to see him get the opportunity to leave Atlanta and move out to LA to be the Assistant Chief Instructor at the LA facility when it was built. Shawn brought me out to help coach when it first opened and it's an awesome facility.
cool story bro
@@Eggsplanepls lmao😂
Thank you for the Tyler life history lesson. Thank you.
I love my 996, it’s a little blend of old school and new school Porsche
Me too, a 996 Carrera Cabriolet
true, they are very underappreciated because people dont understand these cars.
996 is the only porsche ive ever driven or worked on. No regrets
can never forget the sound of the NA metzger engines. Fking phenominal.
I have a 2005 997. Recently, I talked a friend into going for a ride because he wasn't a 911 fan. "They're just boring looking." After I got him in the car, he wouldn't shut up about the sound. "This sounds incredible. OMG, that sound!" :) He's now looking at getting one.
@@black350Z Yep. There's 'boring applicance', but can any appliance REALLY by called 'boring', when screaming around at triple-digit speeds? ;)
I loved my 996 RS - collected it from the factory in Nov 2003, epic trip. The engine freed up with miles - first dyno day 381HP - second one 6K miles and a frantic trip down to Le Mans 418HP - same dyno, other cars that were there on the first day still were putting down the same on the second. Should never have sold it.....
The 996 stlye is really starting to grow on me. I like its smaller size. Makes it more toss-able
Imagine one day 996 being the water cooled 911 to have, 991 is too heavy, 992 too techy (and heavy) and 997 is a bit bigger than 996 (though it has much better interior)
I love mine
I think its looks are aging incredibly well
That engine sings!
I just noticed, 1M subscribers, congrats Matt!
Congratulations 👏 on 1 million
I’ve driven most of the modern 911 iterations but never any GT cars, can’t wait to experience one for myself one day!
Start with the gt4 cause it’s basically the pinnacle of perfection. I was blown away by it.
@@bignateliving4056 if I have a choice I’ll definitely try and drive that one first.
996 gt2 and 997 gt2 rs and gt3 rs. Rest won't be as raw
Non-GT are great driver's cars while striking a good compromise for everyday usability. But the GT cars are leagues above in driving experience
Drove a 997.1 GT3 and it was simply awesome. Fantastic weekend and track warrior car.
In every MF review of a 996 he's in LOVE with the car... but when asked about the 996 in general he always says he doesn't like it. Matt, Listen to yourself (behind the wheel)!!!!!!!!!
That's how he stops himself from buying one, classic move
8:18 spot-on representation of the 911’s handling characteristics. Great review.
Love this video Matt! As a 996 owner, I think even the base C2 has a lot of the same driving characteristics as you describe, but just toned down a bit.
Top-notch commentary while making the lap look smooth; pro level presenting
this is my favorite! so glad you got to review this for us!
You're one lucky guy making this series! GT3's aren't the fastest cars around but so special to drive!
JerainJezza because they are non turbos.
But they are some of the only cars that can do laps and laps of track abuse, right off the showroom floor.
@@astronmr20 my insurance carrier wouldn’t like that.
My 996 GT2 is a ridiculous ride and my favorite track toy in my collection. I love my turbo boost pinning my ears back
Farrah always amazes me how he can drive like that at 7-8/10ths and still be able to calmly have a conversation while doing so.
Can we appreciate the fact that Matt can continue talking about this car while in a lead/follow lap. And not babying it.
The fact that it’s a manual makes me smile 👍
Mezger engined anything is very special. Great video!
Just bought a 996 GT3 and am absolutely blown away. At the moment it's too much car for me, but I'm sure with time (on track) I'll adjust. The experience is amazingly unique, it is mind blowingly fun.
Got mine delivered over the weekend...
Great car it’s still a raw light GT3 experience
Nurburgring time is very similar to a C5 Corvette Z06 of the same era...sub 8 minutes was considered remarkable at the time.
Put modern tires on and it'll cut another big chunk of time off
I saw Cammisa had commented on his Insta that the 911R and the 4.0 GT3 were the ones he thought were most special, but I totally agree, this 996 is the one, engine note wise. Sounds absolutely amazing!
The GT3 and Turbo is my favorite 996
I like the narrow body
And GT2
@@MoskusMoskiferus1611 oh yes ofc how could I forget??
Up here in my small city in BC a local has a silver 996 GT3, duct tape on the euro buckets, track marks on the bumpers, extra fuel Jerry cans in the back. A pure track rat. Just love it.
Matt, wth??? I cand belive how well you articulated your run without a stutter!!! GREAT VID!!!
The standard 996 GT3 is also special to me.
I love the GT3 but my special 996 will always be the GT2.
Happy belated Birthday!!
Matt, grats with 1M subs!!! Congratulations!
The 996.1 GT3 Clubsport is also special
"It ran 7:43 at the ring"
Bare in mind this is with tires that were from the era as well. With modern tires of equivalent spec that should come down at the least 10-15 seconds, which is still really impressive.
That Porsche is wicked, also I just bought 2 slick gaiters and got a third for free plus $5 off with the coupon code. You the man Matt! Much appreciated
Happy birthday Matt! 🎂🎊🎉🎁🎈
This car would've made for a very good "just the sound" video.
I remember driving dads GT3 on 2009 and it was a wild ride. You could not keep the rear from sliding. Last week on new P-zeros, the grip was endless and tje rear stay put. You can actually drive it hard without fear of dying.
Someone in my middle class suburban neighborhood dailies his. I see it at the grocery store, filthy as can be on a regular basis. I knew the car was special being a GT series Porsche but didn't realize just how much. Calgary, AB, Canada is where I'm at.
damn he must have quite the spine and balls to daily one of these
Dont think people realize how difficult that is to do. To talk perfectly and explain the vehicle while on track at speed. Wonderful video
It’s an amazing experience to drive or be a passenger in them. I had a go in one recently and I absolutely loved it, the engine noise is amazing as well
I know I'll never own one of these RS's or even a standard 996 GT3 (look at the price trends), but for me the 996 generation as a whole is just the perfect blend of old and modern Porsche. Hopefully I'm able to buy one in a few years to complement the Giulia. But yeah these 996 GT3s are my hero cars, nothing else comes close for me.
My favorite 911 is the 996.2 and as the years go by its safer to say. Im also one of the few people who like narrow body 911’s more.
Some of my favourite ever cars. Must have been quite the day. Can’t wait for the others.
I'd be curious to see what it would run on the ring with modern rubber. If it had Cup 2s like a current RS. Road car tire tech has advanced soooo much in those 17 years.
Oh my. Long time Porsche lover, hope to be a GT3 owner of some vintage one day. Literally drooling watching this
Just drive a 996 GT3 Cup car for the first time and it was amazing.
So cool of Porsche to let you drive these cars and film these videos. Also shows their trust and confidence in you. Nice job!
Happy late birthday Matt!! Always love your words on the cars you test
Oh yeah, this GT3 series is going to be awesome!! Matt is one fortunate guy! I am going to the Porsche center in February and do the GT3 experience Matt did for my bday. Can't wait!
Happy birthday! And what classic RS to celebrate with. Awesome
I am so jealous that Matt got to drive all my absolute dream cars in one day... so cool. Nice vid.
I love the smoking tire and everything but as for the add at the beginning I HIGHLY recommend Blackstrap gaiters. It's marino wool which is like the best new thing in clothing because it never smells and is super comfy. Back to the video, there was a white and blue 996 at a range rover dealer while I was in highschool and man I drooled over that car every time I passed it.
Two comments: very nice smooth driving style Matt and; you have a real talent to be able drive and provide clear and coherent analysis at the same time . 👏
Congrats on 1 million man and happy belated!
Dare I say, this is a good looking 996
The only criticism of these cars is the headlights. And I can get over that VERY quickly.
for me its the interiors
I think most people overlook the difficulty in properly driving a super-rare car, on camera, and conducting a raw monologue that’s of any value to those afar. Matt deserved that opportunity, and will likely call that a ‘good’ birthday.
The evolution of these vehicles is fascinating. Always ahead of their time but somehow always advancing.
I was going to wait for all five videos, can’t do it. Great series Matt.
✌🏻
Happy Birthday Champ and I hope you enjoyed it. Peace and Love from East Harlem NYC...
Fantastic thing the 996gt3RS. Won’t be as fast as the subsequent models, but quite probably the most rewarding to drive.
What an amazing thing to get to do on your birthday! That car absolutely sings!
Great video Matt!! Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Emelia sent me congrats on a mil
This makes me want a 996.
That open lower dash is so much better than the mess all other 996s have.
Love this car! Can’t wait!
Driving these 5 icons in one day at someone else's expense, life doesn't get much better folks
masterful driving very very smooth
Makes sense; drive a 996 GT3 a long time ago; was so underwhelmed that I kept the 930!
My favorite gt3 especially in this spec👍
Great review and great looking car.
The sing of that flax 6 never gets old.
Congrats on 1mil subscribers
What a hell of a day! I am very jealous at the same time also appreciative for the video.
Congratulations!
Congrats on 1m!!!
Cannot wait to see and watch the gen 1 GT2rs
All in all, this is easily a top 5 one take. Fun fact about this certain generation of gt3 is that this model only came in white and the only option you had for color is for the wheels and decals. Also the thumbnail might be the best showcase of how a 996 should look. Cheers.
I know you said in a podcast that some of the cars were to fast for the porache track, but damn. You guys got me nervous going fast in that tight track
Andreas is such a legend!
Those neck gaiter's are awesome. Just ordered it a couple days ago. Couldn't use your link because Canada but thankfully they have a vendor here
Thank you for the awesome content, can’t wait for the next vids
997 4.0RS & 2RS are holy grail for me
What a birthday gift! Would love to have a NA Mezger engined car
The 996 gt2 is also crazy
It would be interesting to set new Nurburgring lap times on modern tires. I bet you’d see some real improvements:)
The engine sounded great, especially on downshifts 👌!
Happy birthday big fella
happy birthday Matt! happy 1M subs!
Cool to know one of my heroes has the same birthday as me!
10/10 vid, congrats on 1 mil
One of my favorite things
forget the car for a minute, man that track looks fun
Especially on a motorbike
My dream car
Porsche developt the RS because they needed different parts (suspensions for example) for the racecars but the rules said you have to build a certain amount of cars to homologate them
Basically anything w a mezger engine is collectible. This one's more desirable than the 997 to me based on the simplicity of the interior ergonomics, outward vision, seating position, steering wheel and shifter. Crucially these are lighter than the 997 as well and have a narrower canoe stance with a less severe tire stagger which allowed them to behave like scalpels unlike the 997 which you'll notice how many more curbs he hit compared to the 996. Plus the gutteral exhaust from the non-direct injected flat six lends credence to the argument that port-injected engines are also the best sounding ie.....LFA, Scuderia over the speciale, c6 zr1 over c7(all day long), gt350 over the 2018 gt I could go on.....
3:15 Thought the Carrera GT was the last road-going Porsche without TC or stability control?
The 996 production finished roughly a year or two before the final year of the Carrera GT.
Probably the 997 was just debuting when the last Carrera GTs were coming out of the factory.
@@constantinehassiotis So you're saying he's right...
@@plaxic Yup 😂 I don’t think Matt had the CGT in mind when he mentioned that.
Unless he meant one of the last. (Or the last 911 without TC...)
cgt has traction control
Phenomenal car! What a way to spend ur b'day!
Can’t wait to own my first Porsche.
Pretty much put good coilovers, sway bars, tires, and alignment and you've got a runner 996.
I’ve seen a few 996 gt3 RS but I’ve never seen a blue decal one in person