My 1970 911 was pretty crude compared to the 996/997. My Boxster has the soul of the 914 and, in my opinion, the same DNA. Just as the 996 arrived with the genetic markers of the 901, which had the 356's genes. And the Speedster reference is on the mark to my way of thinking.
You want to really feel connected to the road or track? Drive an older Porsche and you will understand the meaning of bloodlines and
driving.
IMHO no other manufacturer can park his first car next to the latest and have a novice, non-car person see the lineage.
Okay maybe Morgan.