Porsche 968

Infobox Automobile


name=Porsche 968
manufacturer=Porsche
class=Sports car
production=1992–1995
predecessor=Porsche 944
successor= Porsche Boxster
body_style=2-door coupe
2-door convertible
engine=3.0 L I4
transmission=6-speed manual
4-speed tiptronic
wheelbase=94.5 in (2400 mm)
length=170.1 in (4321 mm)
width=68.3 in (1735 mm)
height=50.2 in (1275 mm)
weight=3086 lb (1431 kg)
fuel_economy=17 mpg (13.8 L/100 km)
26 mpg (9 L/100 km)The 968 was a Sports car sold by Porsche AG from 1992 to 1995, it took over the entry-level position in Porsche's lineup from the 944, with which it shared about 20% of its parts. Ultimately, the 968 became the final model in an evolving line started almost 20 years earlier with the introduction of the 924.

Information

Porsche's 944 model debuted for the 1982 model year, was updated as "944S" in 1986 and as "944S2" in 1989. Shortly after the start of production of the S2 variant, Porsche engineers began working on another set of significant upgrades for the model, as executives were planning a final "S3" variant of the 944. During the development phase, 80% of the 944's mechanical components were either significantly modified or completely replaced by the engineers, leaving so little of the outgoing S2 behind that Porsche management chose to introduce the variant as a new model, titling it 968. In addition to the numerous mechanical upgrades, the new model also received significantly evolved styling both inside and out, with a more modern, streamlined look and more standard luxury than on the 944. Production was moved from the Audi plant in Neckarsulm (where the 924 and 944 had been manufactured under contract to Porsche), to Porsche's own factory in Zuffenhausen.

The 968 was powered by an updated version of the 944's straight-4 engine, now displacing 3.0 L and producing 240 PS (236 hp/177 kW). Changes to the 968's powertrain also included the addition of Porsche's then-new VarioCam variable valve timing system, newly-optimized induction and exhaust systems, a dual-mass flywheel, and updated engine management electronics among other more minor revisions. The 968's engine was the second-largest 4-cylinder ever offered in a production car, and the most powerful naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine ever sold in a production automobile up to that time; it also had the 2nd highest specific output of any engine in production at the time, behind Honda's NSX. A new 6-speed manual transmission replaced the 944's old 5-speed, and Porsche's dual-mode Tiptronic automatic became an available option. Both the Variocam timing system and Tiptronic transmission were very recent developments for Porsche. The Tiptronic transmission had debuted for the first time ever only 3 years prior to the debut of the 968, on the 1989 Type 964 911. The Variocam timing system was first introduced on the 968 and would later become a feature of the Type 993 air cooled six cylinder engine.

The 968's styling was an evolution on that of the outgoing 944, itself styled evolutionarily from the earlier 924, but elements were borrowed from the more expensive 928 model in an attempt to create a "family resemblance" between models, and the swooping headlamp design, inspired by those of the 959, previewed similar units found later on the Type 993 911. Along with the new styling, the 968 featured numerous small equipment and detail upgrades, including a Fuba roof-mounted antenna, updated single lens tail lamps, "Cup" style 16" alloy wheels, a wider selection of interior and exterior colors, and a slightly updated "B" pillar and rear quarter window to accommodate adhesive installation to replace the older rubber gasket installation. Because some parts are interchangeable between the 968, 944 and 924, some enthusiasts purchase those parts from Porsche parts warehouses as "upgrades" for their older models.

Like the 944, the 968 was sold as both a coupe and a convertible. Much of the 968's chassis was carried over from the 944S2, which in itself shared many components with the 944 Turbo (internally numbered "951"). Borrowed components include the Brembo-sourced 4-piston brake calipers on all four wheels, aluminum semi-trailing arms and aluminum front A-arms, used in a Macpherson strut arrangement. The steel unibody structure was also very similar to that of the previous models. Porsche, maintained that 80% of the car was new.

968 Clubsport

From 1993 through 1995, Porsche offered a lighter-weight "Club Sport" version of the 968 designed for enthusiasts seeking increased track performance. Much of the 968's luxury-oriented equipment was removed or taken off the options list; less sound deadening material was used, electrical windows were replaced with crank-driven units, stereo and A/C systems were optional rather than standard, and the sunroof was not available. In addition, Porsche installed manually adjustable lightweight racing seats rather than the standard power-operated leather buckets, a revised suspension system optimized for track use, and larger wheels and tires. Club Sport models were only officially available in mainland Europe & Australia, although "grey market" cars found their way elsewhere.

A UK-only version called "968 Sport", was offered for 1994 and 1995, and was essentially a Club Sport model with electric windows and door locks, standard seats and uphostery, stereo system and sunroof. At £29,975, the 968 Sport was priced £5,500 lower than the standard 968, but had most of the latter's desirable "luxuries" and consequently outsold it by a large margin (306 of the 968 Sport models compared to 40 standard 968 coupés.)Peter Morgan, "Original Porsche 924/944/968", Bay View Books, 1998]

968 Turbo S

Porsche briefly produced a turbocharged 968 sold as "Turbo S", a fairly odd naming choice for Porsche which usually reserves the added "S" moniker for models that have been tuned for more power over a "lesser" counterpart, such as with the 911 Turbo which has infrequently been available in both "Turbo" and higher-performance "Turbo S" guise. Only 15 were produced in total and only for sale in mainland Europe. Tests conducted in 1993 produced a 0 to 60 miles-per-hour time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of approximately 180 miles-per-hour, performance comparable to the pre-2002 version of the much newer Type 996 911.

A race variant called 968 Turbo RS was built as well for competition in endurance and sports car racing, but only 4 were produced and race appearances were very limited.

Historical Significance

The 968 was Porsche's last new front-engined vehicle (of any type) before the introduction of the Cayenne SUV in 2003 and was the company's last front-engined sports car. Its discontinuation in 1995 coincided with that of the 928, Porsche's only other front-engined car at the time.

As of 2008, Porsche has not yet built another front-engined sports car, although a 4-door sports-touring sedan, called Panamera is due by 2010, and a successor to the 928, based on that sedan's architecture, is predicted to follow.

Porsche 968 Enthusiasts Sites

http://www.968forums.com 968 Forums - Where the Enthusiasts Meet
http://www.rennlist.com

References

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