The Porsche 968 is a luxury sports car that was 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. The 968 became the final
model in an evolving line, starting almost 20 years earlier with the
introduction of the Porsche 924. Introduction
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, to Porsche's own factory in Zuffenhausen.
The 968 was powered by an updated version of the 944's straight-four
engine, now displacing 3.0 L with 104 mm bore, 88 mm stroke and producing 240 PS.
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 four-cylinder ever offered in a production car up to that
time. 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 944 S2, which in itself shared many
components with the 944 Turbo. Borrowed components include the Brembo-sourced
four-piston brake calipers on all four wheels, aluminium 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, upgraded stereo systems, A/C and sunroof were still
optional as on the standard Coupe and Convertible models. In addition, Porsche
installed manually adjustable lightweight Recaro racing seats rather
than the standard power-operated leather buckets, a revised suspension system
optimized and lowered by 20 mm for possible track use, 17-inch wheels
rather than the 16-inch as found on the Coupe and wider tires, 225 front and 255
rears rather than 205 and 225 respectively. The four-spoke airbag
steering wheel was replaced with a thicker-rimmed three-spoke steering
wheel with no airbag, heated washer jets were replaced with non heated, vanity
covers in the engine bay were deleted, as was the rear wiper. The Club Sport
has no rear seats, unlike the 2+2 Coupé. Club Sports were only available in Grand
Prix White, black, Speed yellow, Guards red, Riviera blue or Maritime blue. Seat
backs were colour-coded to the body. Club Sport decals were standard in
either black, red or white but there was a 'delete' option. All Club Sports had
black interiors with the 944 S2 door cards. Due to the reduction in the
number of electrical items the wiring loom was reduced in complexity which
saved weight and also the battery was replaced with a smaller one, again
reducing weight. With the no frills approach meaning less weight, as well as
the optimising of the suspension, Porsche could focus media attention on
the Club Sport variants fast road and track abilities. This helped to slightly
bolster the flagging sales figures in the mid-1990s. The Club Sport variant
achieved a 'Performance Car Of The Year' award in 1993 from Performance Car
magazine in the UK. Club Sport models were only officially available in the
UK, Europe, Japan & Australia, although "grey market" cars found their way
elsewhere. The declared weight of the 968 CS is 1320 kg, ~100 kg lighter than
the regular 968. Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h is 6.3 seconds
and a top speed is 260 km/h. A UK-only version called "968 Sport",
was offered in 1994 and 1995, and was essentially a Club Sport model with
electric windows, electric release boot, central locking, cloth comfort seats.
With the added electrics the larger wiring loom was used. The Sport Variant
also got back the two rear seats, again in the cloth material specific to the
Sport. 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. A 968 CS driven by Peter Fitzgerald and
Brett Peters won the 1993 Sandown 6 Hour race in the Australian competition debut
of the model. 968 Turbo S
In 1993, Porsche Motorsports at Weissach briefly produced a turbocharged 968
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. The 968 Turbo S shared the same body and
interior as the Club Sport and visually can be identified by the NACA bonnet
hood scoops, adjustable rear wing and deeper front spoiler. Powered by a large
8 valve SOHC cylinder head with 3.0 Liter 944S2 style engine block. Tests
conducted in 1993 produced a 0 to 60 mph of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 282
km/h, performance comparable to the much newer Type 996 911. It generated 305 bhp
at 5600 rpm with a maximum torque of 500 N·m at 3000rpm. Only 16 were produced in
total and only for sale in mainland Europe.
968 Turbo RS Between 1992 and 1994, Porsche
Motorsports Research and Development built and provided a full "Race" version
for Porsche's customer race teams. The 968 Turbo RS was available in two
variations; a 337 bhp version using the K27 turbocharger from the Turbo S, which
was built to the German ADAC GT specification, and an international spec
version which used a KKK L41 turbocharger producing 350 bhp and was
reduced to 1212 kg in weight. Only 4 were ever produced ; 1 Guards Red, 1
Speed Yellow, 1 Black and 1 White. These are the rarest 968s ever produced.
Historical significance The 968 was Porsche's last new
front-engined vehicle before the introduction of the Cayenne SUV. Its
discontinuation in 1995 coincided with that of the 928, Porsche's only other
front-engined car at the time. In 2010, Porsche released the Panamera a
front-engined, 4-door sports-touring sedan. A successor to the 928, based on
that sedan's architecture, is predicted to follow.
The 968 was also the last Porsche sold with a four-cylinder engine.
Collectability While lacking the wider ranging appeal
of the 911, the 968 has nonetheless carved out its own niche in the hearts
of enthusiasts. This is likely due to the 968's unique combination of speed
and practicality, and low production numbers. Clean, low mileage examples
have become extremely scarce and expensive by 2013. In April 2012, when
the Gooding & Company bidding ended and the auctioneer's hammer finally fell,
the only 1 Red 968 Turbo RS 350 hp machine had fetched a hefty $346,000
price. References
External links 968Forums Resource website and forum in
the US 968.net, the Porsche 968 online
community 968uk.com Porsche 968 online resource
and forum based in the UK Larry Griffin. "Road Test: Porsche 968".
Car and Driver: 47–50.