IT'S been more than 40 years since Porsche gave the automotive world one of its most enduring sports car icons, the 911. Purists claimed the current, 996-generation signalled the end of an era when it introduced liquid cooling and unprecedented levels of comfort, refinement and driver friendliness to Australia in early 1998. But it went on to become the most popular 911 ever. Almost seven years later, 911 evolves yet again with the retro-styled 997-series 911, which launches in two variants for the first time - including a 3.8-litre Carrera S - and features significant upgrades in performance, handling, braking, equipment and (again) comfort. Unfortunately, much of it remains optional.