Porsche 944

The Porsche 944 was a high performance sports car produced by German auto manufacturer Porsche. It was introduced in 1983 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.

Contents

1 History 2 Production 2.1 944 2.2 944 Turbo 2.3 944S 2.4 944S2 3 Awards 4 Reference 5 External link

History

The 944 was introduced in 1983 with a 2.5 L straight-4 engine that's 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 $8 for every engine using this system.

In mid-1985 the 944's underwent its first significant changes. The interior's ergonomics and air conditioning system was improved and the radio antenna also moved from a standard vertical position to being embedded in the windshield. The alternator was upgraded from a 90 amp alternator to a 115 amp alternator. Other changes included a change in oil sump capacity, new front and rear cast aluminum control arms and semi-trailing arms, a larger fuel tank, optional heated and powered seats, revised starter, and revisions in the mounting of the transaxle to reduce noise and vibration. The "cookie cutter" style wheels used in the early 944s were upgraded to the new "phone dial" style wheels.

In 1986 Porsche introduced the 944 Turbo, a higher-performance variant, known internally as the 951. This had a turbocharged version of the standard car's engine that produced 220 bhp (164 kW) at 6000 rpm. The Turbo also featured other revisions, such as improved aerodynamics, a strengthened gearbox, wider wheels and uprated suspension.

In 1987 a "Sport" version, the 944S, was introduced whilst ABS and anti-lock brakes were introduced as options on the base model. The 944S had a little more power thanks in part to the series' first sixteen valve engine, as well as other slight improvements. 1988 saw the introduction of the 944 Turbo S, with 250 bhp (186 kW) and a limited slip differential. Dual airbags also became standard in all 944 models.

In 1989 the 'S' was dropped from the 944 Turbo S, and all 944 Turbos featured the 'S' package as standard. The regular 944 displacement was increased to a 2.7 L engine. This was the only year for the 2.7 L, as this year saw the introduction of the 944S2 with a 3.0 L engine displacement which saw sales through 1992. The 944S2 had the same rounded nose and valence body of the Turbo model. The S2 was also available as a rare cabriolet, a first for the 944 line.

In early 1990, Porsche engineers began working on what they had intended to be the third evolution of the 944, the S3. Once invested into the development process, they realized that so many parts were being changed that their "evolution" had really amassed to an almost entriely new vehicle. Porsche quickly rethought their plans, and shifted development from a 944 S3 to a car that would replace the 944 entirely, dubbed 968. The 968 debuted in 1992 and was sold alongside the 928 through 1995, when both models were discontinued.

Production

944

A total of 113,070 944s were made between 1982 and 1989, with 56,921 being exported to the United States.

944 Turbo

A total of 25,107 944 Turbos were made, with 14,235 being exported to the United States.

944S

A total of 12,936 944S were made between 1987-1988, with 8,688 being exported to the United States.

944S2

A total of at least 6,439 944S2 were made between 1989-1991, with 1,929 being exported to the United States. An additional 5640 944S2 cabriolets were produced in these years, with 2,402 being exported to the United States.

Awards

The 944 was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list from 1983 through 1985, and the Turbo made the list for 1986.

Reference

• Wood, J (1997). Porsche: The Legend. Parragon. ISBN 0-75252-072-5.

External link

• The 944 FAQ (http://www.connact.com/~kgross/FAQ/944faq.html)de:Porsche 944

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