Porsche 968
| Porsche 968 | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
Porsche Karmann (1992-1994) |
| Production | 1992–1995 |
| Assembly | Stuttgart, Germany |
| Designer | Harm Lagaay (Porsche AG) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 2-door convertible |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0 L 16V I4 3.0 L Turbo 8V I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 4-speed tiptronic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
| Length | 4,320 mm (170.1 in) |
| Width | 1,735 mm (68.3 in) |
| Height | 1,275 mm (50.2 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,400 kg (3,100 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Porsche 944 |
| Successor |
Porsche Boxster Porsche Cayman |
The Porsche 968 is a sports car made by Porsche AG from 1992 to 1995. It was the final evolution of a line of water-cooled front-engined rear wheel drive models begun almost 20 years earlier with the 924, taking over the entry-level position in the company lineup from the 944 with which it shared about 20% of its parts. The 968 was Porsche's last new front-engined vehicle before the introduction of the Cayenne SUV in 2003.
Porsche's 944 model debuted for the 1982 model year, was updated as "944S" in 1987 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, calling it the 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.
Like the 944, the 968 was sold as both a coupe and a convertible. The 968's basic styling was an evolution on that of the outgoing 944, itself based on the earlier 924. In an attempt to create a "family resemblance" between models and associate it with the luxury 928 gran turismo, elements were borrowed from its upscale sibling. Others included a swooping headlamp design inspired by the 959 later incorporated in the Type 993 911.
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