Porsche 968
The 968 actually started development as a 944 "S3", set to replace the "S2" variant that Porsche had introduced in 1989 . However, so many of the 944's components were modified or replaced entirely during development stages that Porsche chose to introduce the variant as a new model, hence the 968 nameplate. It 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 ). The 968's engine was the second-largest 4-cylinder ever offered in a production car, the most powerful and naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine ever sold in a production automobile and with a specific output of 80 hp (60 kW) per litre, it had the second highest specific output (power per litre) of any street-legal, naturally-aspirated automobile ever sold (the Acura ( Honda ) NSX held the top honors at the time). This high specific output was partly due to Porsche's VarioCam camshaft phasing device, introduced on this model.
Porsche 968
| 968 - Wheelbase (mm): 2400 - Length/Width (mm): 4320/1735 Significant developments: 3.0 litre 4-cylinder S2-derived engine, S2 suspension, 4-pot fixed calipers, ABS and 7 and 8 x 16" alloys. 1993 : Lower spec and stripped down Club Sport launched with 7 x 17" alloys (colour-coding optional), no driver's airbag and all 'unnecessary' equipment (electric windows, sunroof etc) removed. Turbo S launched with 8v Turbo head and 305bhp. Similar spec to CS. 1994 : 968 Sport introduced with same chassis tweaks as bare-to-the-bone Club Sport but with a number of creature comforts (and weight) reinstated. Standard 968 dropped from line-up, Sport and Club Sport continue for further 12 months.
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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 ). The steel unibody structure was also very similar to the previous models. Porsche, however, maintained that the 968 was more than 80% new in total, which merited it having a new nameplate rather than being a 944 S3 as had been planned.
A street-legal race variant, dubbed Club Sport , appeared later on with a stripped-out interior including racing seats, revised suspension and larger wheels and tyres, but was offered only in Europe. A UK-only version called 968 Sport , a Club Sport model with some "comfort" features added back in, was produced in 1994 and 1995. Porsche briefly produced a turbocharged version called Turbo S —15 were produced in total, and again the car was only sold in Europe. The 968 Turbo S was capable (in 1993) of 0–60 mph in 4.7 s and top speeds approaching 180 mph (290 km/h). A race variant called 968 Turbo RS was added as well; only 4 were produced.
The 968 was Porsche's last new front-engined vehicle before the introduction of the Cayenne SUV in 2003. It was sold alongside the 928 GTS through 1995 when both models were dropped. As of 2006, Porsche has not yet built another front-engined sports car.
968: 1992 - 1994
2-door, 2+2 coupe. Porsche's last attempt at a front-engined coupe resulted in its best effort to date. What the 944 derived 3.0 litre four-cylinder engine lacked character, its chassis - especially in Club Sport spec - soon made up for. Regular car not as sharp as bare to the bone Club Sport or semi-stripped Sport, but all offer one of the best front engined/rear drive experiences. Convertible lacks dynamics and looks a little frumpy, while limited edition Turbo S offer 911 levels of performance. Comparitivley cheap to buy and run, 968 is one the safest Porsche ownership experiences. A Track day favourite with novices and old hands alike.
