"Porsche 968" - the balance of old and new

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

By the time the production of the Porsche 968 was launched, Porsche was not in the best condition. In the second half of the 1980s, there were several rather chaotic changes in corporate strategy, a certain stagnation in the development of the model range began, which led to a decline in sales. The 968 model was only a modernized version of the 1982 Porsche 944. But at the same time, a number of characteristics have seriously improved, primarily for the engine.

General Features

968 the model began to be produced at the Porsche plant in Stuttgart, and not at the Audi plants in Neckarsulm, as its predecessor. This had a very positive effect on the build quality. Despite the close to the previous body, the technical characteristics of the "Porsche 968" have grown relative to its predecessor, thanks to the improvement of the engine. The length of the machine is 4320 mm with a weight of 1370 kg. Thanks to improved enginethe car accelerates to hundreds in 6.5 seconds. The maximum speed is 252 km / h. At the same time, the car is quite economical and consumes only 10.3 liters per 100 km when driving in a combined cycle.

Body

Introduced in 1991, the Porsche 968 retained much of the design of the old 1976 Porsche 928. One of the main elements of similarity was the specific headlights that fold back. In general, the body repeated the shape of the 944 model.

But the height of the car has decreased slightly, and the shape has become more rounded, which is easy to see when comparing the photo of the "Porsche 968" with the 944 model. Accordingly, the classic landing formula "2 + 2" remained. The main external differences include bolder rear lights, an integrated bumper with two large air intakes and an improved spoiler.

The car also had a convertible version. Moreover, convertibles supplied to the United States did not have a rear child seat and were two-seat, while European ones retained the "2 + 2" formula.

Interior

The interior of the car continued the traditional Porsche style with a four-spoke steering wheel and the location of the speedometer and tachometer in the central part of the dashboard. The devices are covered with a long anti-reflective visor, which covers even the central airflow reflectors. The car is distinguished by high-quality sports seats with advanced lateral support.

In general, the car has become more luxurious thanpredecessor. There are high-quality soundproofing, power windows and air conditioning. The interior is finished with high quality materials.

Engine and transmission

Despite the fact that the engine was only a modernized version of the former, it became the main highlight of the model. The ignition system was changed in the engine and the electronics were seriously modernized. He got a dual-mass flywheel. An innovation was the use of the VarioCam system, which changed the opening time of the intake valves depending on the level of engine speed. This made it possible to increase torque and reduce harmful emissions. The redesigned Porsche 968 engine can be called the company's most advanced engine at that time. With a working volume of 3 liters, a four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine produced 240 "horses". This is almost equal to the power of the 250-horsepower 3.6-liter engine that was equipped with the older brother "911". Despite the fact that the Porsche 911 engine had six cylinders. not four.

In the base "Porsche 968" was completed with a six-speed "mechanics", a four-speed automatic transmission was also available. The drive was available exclusively rear. The car had a fully independent suspension, which provided excellent handling.

Modifications

The most common was the "Club Sport" modification, which was distinguished by reduced weight due to the reduction in interior comfort and a reconfigured suspension, coupled with larger wheels.

Porsche also produced a small series of 13 turbocharged 968s. "Porsche 968 Turbo S" accelerated to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds and had a top speed of 280 km / h.

In addition, an ultra-sport version of the "Porsche 968 Turbo RS" was released, designed specifically for the Le Mans races. The company's specialists managed to squeeze 337 "horses" out of a three-liter engine, and the engine was deliberately limited, although it had a potential of up to 350 hp. The car was equipped with a special racing suspension and ABS. The maximum speed of this version reached 290 km/h.

"Porsche 968" became the final model in the line of descendants of "Porsche 928". For its time, it offered the best balance of price and quality, but now it is gradually becoming a collector's car. This is especially true for turbocharged versions due to their small circulation.