[Brucelee]

"The base 2002 Carreras - you can't really call a Porsche "base," but you know what I mean - has minor cosmetic changes that make them a little smoother looking and also help their aerodynamics. But Porsche isn't about model-year styling makeovers. Porsche is about engineering, and the big change for 2002 is an engine that is extended from 3.2 liters to 3.4, which gives it 320 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The major technical change is the adoption of Porsche's Variocam Plus variable valve timing-system, which achieves the ideal combination of increasing power while at the same time decreasing fuel consumption - it's a good trick if you can do it, and Porsche has."

This is what I was referring to. Before the 02 model, I don't really hear anything impressive from the normally aspirated 996s.