By the time 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 the corporate strategy, a certain stagnation began in the development of the lineup, which led to a decline in sales. The 968 model was just a modernized version of the 1982 Porsche 944. But at the same time, a number of characteristics have seriously improved, primarily the engine.
General characteristics
The 968 model began to be produced at the Porsche factory in Stuttgart, and not at Audi factories in Neckarsulm, like its predecessor. This had a very positive effect on 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 mass of 1370 kg. Thanks to an improved engine, the 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
Released in 1991, the Porsche 968 has largely retained the design of the old 1976 Porsche 928. One of the main elements of the 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 decreased slightly, and the shapes became more rounded, which is easy to see by 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 taillights, a built-in bumper with two large air intakes and an improved spoiler.
The car also had a convertible version. Moreover, convertibles shipped to the United States did not have a rear child seat and were double, while the European ones retained the 2 + 2 formula.
Interior
The car interior continued the traditional corporate identity of the Porsche with a four-spoke steering wheel and an arrangement of a speedometer and a tachometer in the central part of the dashboard. The devices are covered with a long antiglare visor, which covers even the central airflow reflectors. The car has high-quality sports seats with developed lateral support.
In general, the car has become more luxurious than its predecessor. Present soundproofing, power windows and air conditioning. The interior is decorated 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. In the engine, the ignition system was changed and the electronics were seriously upgraded. He got a two-mass flywheel. An innovation was the use of the VarioCam system, which changed the opening time of the intake valves depending on the 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, the four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine produced 240 “horses”. This almost equals the power of a 250-horsepower 3.6-liter engine, which was equipped with the elder brother "911". While the engine "Porsche 911" had six cylinders. not four.
The Porsche 968 base was equipped with a six-speed "mechanics", a four-speed automatic transmission was also available. The drive was available exclusively rear. The car had a completely independent suspension, which ensured excellent handling.
Modifications
The Club Sport modification was the most common, which was distinguished by a reduced weight due to a reduction in the comfort of the cabin and a retuned suspension, coupled with larger wheels.
Porsche also released a small series of 13 turbocharged 968s. The Porsche 968 Turbo S accelerates to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 280 km / h.
In addition, an ultra-sports version of the Porsche 968 Turbo RS was released, designed specifically for Le Mans racing. The company's specialists managed to squeeze 337 “horses” out of the 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 was the final model in the line of descendants of the Porsche 928. For his time, he offered the optimal balance of price and quality, now it is gradually becoming a collector's car. This is especially true for turbocharged versions due to their small circulation.