Porsche 944
| Porsche 944 | |
|---|---|
1986 2.5 L 944 Turbo (951) US
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Porsche |
| Production | 1982–1991 |
| Assembly | Neckarsulm, Germany |
| Designer | Harm Lagaay (Porsche AG) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style |
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| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
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| Transmission | |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
| Length |
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| Width | 1,735 mm (68.3 in) |
| Height | 1,275 mm (50.2 in) |
| Curb weight |
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| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Porsche 924 |
| Successor | Porsche 968 |
The Porsche 944 is a sports car built by Porsche from 1982 to 1991. A front-engined, rear-wheel drive mid-level model based on the 924 platform, the 944 was available in coupé or cabriolet body styles, with either naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines
Intended to be produced into the 1990s, major revisions planned for a 944 "S3" model were eventually combined into the 968, which became its replacement. Over 163,000 944s were produced, making it the most successful car line in Porsche history until the introductions of the Boxster and 997 Carrera.
The Porsche 924 had originally been a project of VW-Porsche a joint Porsche/Volkswagen company created to develop and produce the 914 which was sold in Europe as both a Porsche and a Volkswagen. In 1972, a replacement for the Volkswagen version of the 914, code named EA-425 began development. The model was to be sold as an Audi as part of the VW-Audi-Porsche marketing arrangement. Porsche was to have its own version. At one point, VW head Rudolf Leidig, declared the EX-425 was going to be a VW exclusively, thus denying Porsche of a 914 replacement. Although testing had begun in the Spring of 1974, Volkswagen cancelled the EX-425 program because of significant financial losses due to declining sales and rising development costs for new vehicles, as well as the departure of Leidig. The recently released Volkswagen Scirocco was expected to fill the sports coupé market segment.
This led Porsche to market an entry level car to replace the Porsche 912E, which was a US-only stop-gap model for 1976, and their model of 914, which was discontinued in 1975. Porsche purchased the design and the finished development with a mechanical fuel injection system. The vehicle received positive reviews, but was criticized by Porsche enthusiasts for its Audi-sourced 2 L engine. In 1979, Porsche introduced a Turbocharged 924 to increase performance, but this model carried a high price. Rather than scrap the design, Porsche decided to develop the 924, as they had with generations of the 911; although model numbers would change, the 924 would provide the basis for its replacement.
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