[naparsei]

The 996 seems like a natural evoluation to me, the GT2s are sweet and CLEARLY 911s. In 40 years, these cars could have changed MUCH, MUCH more - look at, well, EVERY OTHER CAR FROM 1964! Multiple generations with NO trace of their history (although if GM release a Split Window C6, people would mail checks today for that 2" strip of fiberglass!). You can still see the 911 in the 997 design (hell, you can still see the 356 in that design - let's go back half a CENTURY).

The first 911/901 buyers were not buying the classic, timeless 911 design, they were buying a great sports car (one most of you love 35 years later with a passion). The car looked good then, but it wasn't a legend - but the performance was there, the Porsche mystique and reputation were there.

If the 997 drives like a truck or a Lexus, I'll be among the first to criticize. I, too, would love a return to the type of performance that less weight can provide, but I have no doubt the car will drive and perform like a true Porsche. I loved my 356, my short hood 911, my long hood 911, and my Boxster. They do have a HUGE legacy up to, but who else would you want designing new Porsches? I'm more impressed by a forward looking company that designs the GT3RS (embodying the ideal and concepts of the original in a thoroughly modern way) than a backward looking, sales starved Ford redoing a car this is 30 years old.