After successfully building several Mercedes and BMW project vehicles, we decided to turn our attention to a more upscale marque for our next project. For consideration, the car had to be one that we were familiar with, and one that had been a good application in terms of sales for us in the past, and Porsche was the only answer. After looking at various models of the current range, we decided on the ever-popular 996 model. In order to maximize the lip on the rear wheel for dramatic effect, we decided on a wide body version of the current face lifted 996 range. Since the turbo model was way out of our budget range, our only other wide body option was the new Carrera 4S model. This model combined the great looks, all-wheel drive chassis, and underpinnings of the more-expensive Turbo model with naturally-aspirated Carrera power. A pre-owned 7000 mile example was located at a local dealer, finished in Lapis Blue Metallic with a Graphite Grey interior, and we were underway.

To begin, we addressed the basics first - suspension and wheels. A TechArt coil-over suspension was used to lower the car, while HRE Performance Wheels was again called on to provide the rolling stock. Their 542R style offered a modern twist on a Porsche classic wheel design, with a true directional face and a reverse lip configuration, so it was the perfect choice for our project. Measuring 19x8.5 up front and a whopping 19x11.0 in the rear, the wheels were ordered in the optional brushed aluminum finish for an extra edge. Wanting to maximize the staggered configuration, while including clearance for aftermarket brakes, without having to modify the body, the polished wheel lips were chosen to be 2" up front and 3.5" out back. The wheels were mated to Yokohama AVS Sport tires specially-imported from Germany , 235/35/ZR19 for the front and 315/25/ZR19 for the rear. This gave the car a mean, aggressive look without being too overbearing. However, there was another stage yet to come.

To add some more flair to the car and to give it an even more aggressive look, we wanted to add an aero styling package to complement the wide stance of the vehicle. CEC provided its TechArt Type II package, which consists of a front bumper spoiler, a pair of side skirts, and a pair of rear side panels to mount to the OEM rear bumper. To complement this package, we also added a Type II rear wing, roof spoiler, and chrome exhaust tips to round out the body. Ron Harvey and the crew over at Midtown Auto Care expertly prepped, painted, and installed the package in a record one weeks' time, because the car was needed for a photo shoot the following Monday.

The final product was showcased on behalf of HRE Wheels at the SEMA Show 2003. The SEMA show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is the aftermarket automotive industry's trade show held annually in late September/early November at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and to be invited by a vendor is a great honor. Needless to say, we were thrilled by the invitation, and we would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at HRE for their efforts. We would also like to thank CEC for the TechArt goodies, Midtown Auto care for installation duties, Cargraphic USA for tire assistance, and TWCompetition for marketing assistance and support. Unfortunately, this project vehicle has already been dismantled and sold, so stay tuned for our next project!