A Turning Point in the 911 Legacy
The 996 generation became a turning point in the 911 lineup, introducing water-cooled engines, a completely new platform, and polarizing “fried egg” headlights. Porsche quickly returned to the traditional round headlights with the 997 model, but twenty years later, an independent designer boldly asks the forbidden question: what if these headlights actually deserved a second chance?
Designer’s Experiment
The project was developed by Simas Design Studio, which published a series of renders on Instagram. The designer described it as a “quick personal experiment” to explore how the characteristic shape of the 996 headlights could combine with the latest version of the 911.
Integration of Retro Elements
The basis for this imaginary restyling was the 996.2 GTS, introduced in 2024. Instead of simply attaching retro headlights, which could spoil the minimalist lines of the German coupe, the designer carefully integrated the new-old shape. Next to the rounded headlights are now additional ventilation openings that form frames mimicking the 996 style, while emphasizing the natural hood lines. They harmoniously combine with the redesigned LED graphics, which retain a slightly tinted shade from the production car.
Body Changes
Interestingly, the only body modification appears to be the cutouts on the front fenders. The rest of the panels remain untouched, although Simas added a set of “Turbo Look II” wheels as another nod to the original 996.2 Turbo.
Reaction and Possibilities
The final result looks convincing enough to be mistaken for something that could drive straight out of Stuttgart. Some 992 owners even expressed opinions on Instagram about whether the new headlight frames could be 3D printed and sold as a DIY installation kit.
Historical Context
Although Simas’s proposal was well received, the reaction to the original design was less forgiving. The first 996, introduced in 1997, was the most radical evolution of the 911 since its birth, even sharing front-end design with the base 986 Boxster. The heavily criticized “fried egg” headlights were quickly softened for the 996.2 Turbo in 2000, and then gradually applied across the entire lineup. More than twenty years later, it’s hard to deny how well this restyling has maintained its relevance, especially on Turbo, GT2, and GT3 models.
View this post on Instagram. Post by Simas Design Studio (@simas.art)
Given that design trends are cyclical, it cannot be ruled out that Porsche will return to that once controversial look. After all, how many times can you perfect the same recipe without making small deviations? This experiment shows how past decisions, once perceived as mistaken, can find new life in a modern context, especially when implemented with modern technologies and materials in mind. Such projects often become a catalyst for official manufacturers, forcing them to rethink their own heritage and experiment with unexpected directions.