Paul Stephens Porsche 944

Porsche 944

The Porsche 944 was a high performance sports car produced by German auto manufacturer Porsche . It was introduced in 1982 to replace the Porsche 924 as their entry level model, although the two cars were sold in parallel for a number of years. Production ended in 1991 when it was replaced by the Porsche 968 . The 944 was a huge success for Porsche throughout the 1980s, and was available in several forms throughout its evolution: 944, 944S, 944 Turbo, and the 944S2.

The 944 was introduced in 1982 with a 2.5 L straight-4 engine whose design was based on one half of the Porsche 928's V8 engine. Compared to the 924, the 944 had updated bodywork and many improved parts such as its engine, brakes etc.

The 944's engine used the patented balance shaft technology developed by Mitsubishi (as used in the 2.6 L Astron engine) to minimise vibration. Porsche had to pay Mitsubishi a fee of £5 for every engine using this system.

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Porsche 944

944 - Wheelbase (mm): 2400 - Length/Width (mm): 4213/1735
Significant developments: Body based on the 924 Turbo, as was suspension, but used a 4-cylinder 2497cc engine. Brakes came from the 924 Carrera GT.
1985 : Major 944 overhaul including new dash, power steering becomes standard. RHD models have left-parking wipers. Transmission casing revised. Cast alloy lower wishbones and semi-trailing rear arms standard
1986 : Turbo launched with 2.5 litre engine, gas-filled shocks, anti-roll bars and 4-pot brakes. Power steering standard, redesigned interior.

1987 : LSD revised, ABS becomes option as do driver and passenger air bags for Europe. 944S 16v launched using gearbox and driveshafts from Turbo.
1988 : Turbo S SE offered with uprated engine, 7 and 9x16" alloys - 16,000 eventually built. 944's engine capacity increased to 2.7 litre by enlarged bore, new block. Celebration SE offered.
1989 : 944 gets ABS as standard but then discontinued at end of model year. Turbo gets Turbo S engine and new rear spoiler. S2 production begins in Jan 1989, Cabriolet in July.
1990 : S2 Cabrio launched (70kg heavier than Coupé).
199 1: Turbo Cabriolet launched, airbags standard on European Turbo models accompanied by minor engine tweaks.

2-door, 2+2 coupe. Another front engined four-cylinder coupe, though this time the 944 was a success, breaking all sales records and keeping Porsche afloat during the 1980s. 924 body and turbo suspension formed the basis, but 944 felt altogether better - more Porsche. Turbo models offer good combination of performance and ability, thought the last of the line16-valve S2 models are probably the better option. Cabriolet offered sleek looks with coupe's performance, though loss of rigidity takes shine of experience. The perfect introduction to Porsche ownership.