Editing Porsche 968

{{Short description|German sports car}}

{{Infobox automobile
|image=1994 Porsche 968.jpg
|name=Porsche 968
|manufacturer= [[Porsche AG]]
|class=[[Sports car]] ([[S-segment|S]])
|production=1991&ndash;1995
|assembly=Germany: [[Stuttgart]]
|predecessor=[[Porsche 944]]
|successor= [[Porsche 986|Porsche Boxster (986)]]
|body_style={{ubl
|2-door [[coupé]]
|2-door [[convertible]]
}}
|layout=[[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout]]
|engine={{ubl
|3.0&nbsp;L ''M44/12'' 16-valve [[Straight-four engine|I4]]
|3.0&nbsp;L 8-valve [[Turbocharger|turbo]] I4
}}
|transmission={{ubl
|6-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]
|4-speed ''[[Tiptronic]]'' [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
}}
|wheelbase= {{cvt|2400|mm|in|1}}
|length= {{convert|4320|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|width= {{convert|1735|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|height= {{convert|1275|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}
|weight= {{convert|1400|kg|abbr=on}}
| designer = [[Harm Lagaay]] ([[Porsche AG]])<ref name="MOT (18_91_S109)">''Mot'' Magazin, Issue Nr. 18 of 1991, p. 109.</ref>
}}

The '''Porsche 968''' is a [[sports car]] manufactured by German automobile manufacturer [[Porsche AG]] from 1991 until 1995.<ref name="MotorKlassik">{{cite web|url=http://www.motor-klassik.de/fahrberichte/porsche-968-im-fahrbericht-verkannte-groesse-mit-maechtig-viel-drehmoment-3965622.html|title=Porsche 968 im Fahrbericht – Verkannte Größe mit massigem Drehmoment|trans-title = Porsche 968 Test Drive - Misjudged size with massive torque | first = Michael | last = Schröder | website= motor-klassik |language=de|date=2012-03-19|access-date=2012-10-06}}</ref> It was the final evolution of a series of [[water-cooled]] [[front-engine]] [[rear wheel drive]] models that began almost 20 years earlier with the introduction of the [[Porsche 924|924]]. It was intended to take over the entry-level position in the company lineup from the [[Porsche 944|944]], which much of the vehicle was derived from.{{source?|date=May 2022}} The 968 was Porsche's last new front-engined vehicle until the introduction of the [[Porsche Cayenne]] in 2003.

== History ==
The [[Porsche 944]] debuted for the 1982 model year as an evolution of the [[Porsche 924|924]], was updated as the "944S" in 1987, and as the "944S2" in 1989. Porsche was in a significant financial crisis at the time, with less interest in its sports cars from customers, especially in the U.S. The virtually unchanged design of the 944, which was derived from the 924, was showing its age and sales of the model declined. Thus, Porsche decided to develop a new entry-level model.<ref name="MOT" (15_91_S22)">''Mot'' Magazin, Issue Nr. 15 of 1991, p. 22.</ref>

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. This new model had a design language in line with the models already in its lineup in order to reduce development costs. During the development phase, 80 percent of the 944's mechanical components were either significantly modified or completely replaced by the engineers, leaving so little of the outgoing S2 model intact that Porsche management chose to introduce the variant as a new model, dubbing it the 968.<ref name="MOT"<ref/>

In addition to the numerous mechanical upgrades, the new model also received styling changes, with a more modern, streamlined look, as well as many luxury amenities not present in its predecessor, the 944.<ref name="AMS (12_91_S61)">''Auto, Motor und Sport'' Magazine, Issue Nr. 12 of 1991, p. 61.</ref> To reduce production costs, manufacturing 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]].
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== Design ==
[[File:Porsche 968 1994 Convertible Cockpit FOSSP 7April2013 (14400342140).jpg|thumb|left|The interior of the 968 was mainly carried over from the 944 S2 with minor changes]]

The 968 was mainly a restyled evolution of the 944 with design links visible to its predecessor. Design work was done by [[Harm Lagaay]] who had designed the 924 and the 944 as well. The front of the car largely resembled the top-of-the line [[Porsche 928|928]], sharing its exposed pop-up headlamps and the integrated front bumper.<ref name="AMS (16_91_S24)">''Auto, Motor und Sport'' Magazine, issue Nr. 16 of 1991, p. 24.</ref> This frontal design would eventually appear on the [[Porsche 993|911 (993)]] two years later. 

The rear of the 968 was also redesigned, featuring fully coloured rounded taillamps. Special bulbs were used in the taillamps which either illuminated a small area in amber colour when the turn signals were activated or in white when the car was reversing. PORSCHE badging was fitted between the taillights just below the model type number. The rear apron was integrated into the smoothened rear bumper.<ref name="AMS (12_91_S61)"/>

While the exterior of the car was rounded and smoothed, the interior was largely unchanged and mostly shared with the preceding 944 S2 with the exception of switches and control knobs.<ref name="AMS (16_91_S24)"/> The 968 also featured numerous small equipment and detail upgrades from the 944, including a Fuba roof-mounted antenna, updated single lens tail lamps, "Cup" style 16-inch alloy wheels, a wider selection of interior and exterior colours, a slightly updated "B" pillar and rear quarter window to accommodate adhesive installation to replace the older rubber gasket installation.
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==Models==
===968===
[[File:Porsche 968 front 20071004.jpg|thumb|Porsche 968]]
[[File:1993 Porsche 968 Cabriolet, rear left.jpg|thumb|Porsche 968 cabriolet]]

Like its predecessor, the 968 was offered in coupé and convertible bodystyles.<ref>{{cite web |title=Model Versions |url=https://www.porsche.com/usa/accessoriesandservices/classic/models/968/ |publisher=Porsche |access-date=25 June 2024}}</ref> The 968 was powered by an updated version of the 944's [[straight-four engine]], now displacing 3.0&nbsp;L with a 104&nbsp;mm bore and an 88&nbsp;mm stroke and rated at {{convert|240|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,200 rpm and {{convert|305|Nm|lbft|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 4,100 rpm. Modifications to the engine include a higher 11.0:1 compression ratio, lighter crankshaft, crankcase and pistons along with revised intake valves and intake manifold. 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 system]]s, a dual-mass flywheel, and updated engine management electronics. The 968's engine was the fourth-largest four-cylinder engine ever offered in a production car at that time. A new 6-speed manual transmission replaced the 944's old 5-speed, and Porsche's dual-mode 4-speed [[Tiptronic]] [[automatic transmission|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 only 3 years prior to the debut of the 968, on the 1989 [[Porsche 964|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.<ref name="AMS (12_91_S62)">''Auto, Motor und Sport'' Magazine, Issue Nr. 12 of 1991, p. 62.</ref><ref name="AMS (16_91_S25)">''Auto, Motor und Sport'' Magazine, Issue Nr. 16 of 1991, p. 25.</ref><ref name = "Jürgen Barth (S174)">[[#JBGB|Barth and Büsing]], p. 174.</ref>

Much of the 968's chassis was carried over from the 944&nbsp;S2, which in itself shared many components with the 944 Turbo (internally numbered ''951'') due to lack of development funds at the time. Borrowed components include the [[Brembo]]-sourced four-piston brake calipers on all four wheels with ventilated brake rotors, ABS,  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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-feed-porsche/porsche-968-ph-buying-guide/34290|title=Porsche 968: PH Buying Guide|date=31 May 2016|work=PistonHeads|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/30/porsche-968-motorweek-retro-review-video/|title=The dream of the '90s is alive in Porsche 968 retro review|date=30 June 2015|first=Jonathon|last=Ramsey|publisher=Autoblog|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref><ref name = "Jürgen Barth (S169)">[[#JBGB|Barth and Büsing]], p. 169.</ref>

The 968 can attain a top speed of {{convert|252|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} when equipped with the manual transmission and has a 0&ndash;{{convert|100|kph|mph|0|abbr=on}} acceleration time of 6.5 seconds.<ref name="MOT (15_91_S20)">''Mot'' Magazin, Issue Nr. 15 of 1991, p. 20.</ref>

For the 1993 model year, the 968 received minor changes which included a pollen filter to increase the cleanliness of the air being channeled through the air conditioner and the introduction of special packages. The seat package included heated driver and front passenger seats, the sound package included an additional amplifier in the coupé and two additional speakers installed at the rear in the convertible while the suspension package included larger 17-inch wheels and an improved braking system with cross-drilled brake discs.<ref name = "Jürgen Barth (S175)">[[#JBGB|Barth and Büsing]], p. 175.</ref>

=== 968 CS (Club Sport) ===
{{multiple image
| align             = left
| direction         = horizontal
| width             = 200
| image1            = Porsche 968 Club Sport On The Beach.jpg
| image2            = Porsche 968 Club Sport Rear Quarter View.jpg
| footer            = Porsche 968 Club Sport
}}

From October 1992 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, power windows were replaced with crank-driven units, upgraded stereo systems, A/C and sunroof were still optional as on the standard coupé and Convertible models. In addition, Porsche installed manually adjustable lightweight [[Recaro]] racing seats rather than the standard power-operated leather buckets (also manufactured by Recaro), a revised suspension system optimised and lowered by 20&nbsp;mm for possible track use, 17-inch wheels (also slightly wider to accommodate wider tyres) rather than the 16-inch as found on the coupé and wider tyres, 225 front and 255 rear rather than 205 and 225 respectively. The four-spoke airbag steering wheel was replaced with a thicker-rimmed three-spoke sports 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/cars/modern-classics-porsche-968-cs|title=Modern Classics: Porsche 968 CS|date=10 November 2014|work=Classic Driver|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/flat-six-society/6280/factory-lightweight-porsche-968-clubsport-is-the-one-you-really-want|title=Factory Lightweight Porsche 968 Clubsport Is The One You Really Want|date=1 December 2016|first=Bradley|last=Brownell|publisher=The Drive|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref>

Model year 1993 Club Sport models were only available in Grand Prix White, black, Speed yellow, Guards red or Maritime blue exterior colours. Seat backs were colour-coded to the body. "Club Sport" decals were applied to UK market cars in either black, red or white but there was a 'delete' option.

For model year 1994, Riviera blue replaced Maritime Blue and a number of other colours and option packs were available including the option to add comfort rear seats with an electric boot release.

All Club Sports had black interiors with simpler door cards similar to the 944. 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&nbsp;CS is {{Convert|1320|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, ~{{Convert|100|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} lighter than the regular 968. Acceleration from a standstill to {{convert|97|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} takes 5.6 seconds and top speed is {{convert|260|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hemmings.com/blog/article/1992-1995-porsche-968/|title=1992-1995 Porsche 968|date=April 2010|first=David|last=LaChance|publisher=Hemmings Sports and Exotic|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref>

Out of a total of 1538 cars produced by Porsche, 1232 were registered as 968 CS. The remaining 306 cars were registered as "968 Sport" (see below).

A UK-only version called "968 Sport", was offered in 1994 and 1995, and was essentially a Club Sport model (it uses CS chassis numbers) with various model year 1994 option packs to create the P35 "CS UK Luxury Pack". This added an alarm, power windows / mirrors, electric release boot, central locking, sunroof and cloth ''comfort'' front and rear seats (the same front seats were a non cost option on the CS). With the added electrics the larger wiring loom was used. At £32,995, the 968 Sport was priced £4,500 lower than the standard 968, but had most of the latter's desirable "luxuries" and consequently outsold it by a large margin (306 of the 968 Sport models compared to 40 standard 968 coupés).<ref name=Morgan>[[#PM98|Morgan (1998)]]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://classicsworld.co.uk/news/road-test-1993-porsche-968-sport/|title=Road Test – 1993 Porsche 968 Sport|date=28 February 2018|work=Classics World|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref>

=== 968 Turbo S ===
In 1993, Porsche Motorsports at Weissach briefly produced a [[Turbocharger|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, three-piece speedline wheels and deeper front spoiler. The car had the suspension lowered by {{cvt|0.7|in|mm|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} and was {{cvt|45|lb|kg|0|abbr=on|order=flip}} lighter than the standard 968.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://carbuzz.com/news/rare-porsche-968-turbo-s-one-of-only-14-in-the-world|title=Rare Porsche 968 Turbo S One Of Only 14 In The World|date=15 March 2019|first=Martin|last=Bigg|publisher=Carbuzz|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref> The 968 Turbo S was powered by a 3.0&nbsp;L engine with an 8-valve SOHC cylinder head (from the 944 Turbo S) and 944S2 style engine block. Tests conducted in 1993 returned a 0 to {{convert|97|km/h|mph|0|abbr=on}} time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of {{convert|282|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}. The engine generated {{convert|309|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} at 5,600 rpm with a maximum torque of {{convert|500|Nm|lb.ft|0|abbr=on}} at 3,000 rpm.<ref name = "Christophorus (2_93)"> '' Christophorus '' Porsche Magazine, Issue No. 2 of 1993.</ref><ref name = "Jürgen Barth (S182)">[[#JBGB|Barth and Büsing]], p. 182. </ref><ref name = "Jürgen Barth (S179)">[[#JBGB|Barth and Büsing]], p. 179. </ref> Only 14 were produced in total and only for sale in mainland Europe.
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== Motorsport ==
=== 968 Turbo RS ===
[[File:Porsche 968 Turbo RS, Motorworld Böblingen 224.jpg|thumb|right|275px|Porsche 968 Turbo RS.]]
Between 1992 and 1994, Porsche Motorsports Research and Development built and provided a full "Race" version (stripped out 968 Turbo S) for Porsche's customer race teams. The 968 Turbo RS was available in two variations; a {{convert|342|PS|kW hp|abbr=on}} version using the K27 [[turbocharger]] from the Turbo S, which was built to the German ADAC GT specification (ballast added to bring the car up to the 1,350&nbsp;kg minimum weight limit), and an international spec version which used a [[Kühnle, Kopp & Kausch|KKK]] L41 turbocharger with the engine rated at {{convert|355|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and a reduced weight of 1,212&nbsp;kg (2672 lbs). The interior of the Turbo RS features a single racing bucket seat with six point harness along with a welded in roll cage required for it to be eligible. Other modifications included a modified 6-speed manual transmission having altered gear ratios and a racing clutch along with racing suspension. Only 4 were ever produced as privateer racing teams found the contemporary [[Porsche 964|911 Carrera RS 3.8]] race car to be of more interest.<ref name=" Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG – Homepage">{{cite web|url=http://www.porsche.com/germany/sportandevents/motorsport/history/racingcars/90ies/1993-968turbors/|title=1993 Porsche 968 Turbo RS|website=www.porsche.com/germany/|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref><ref name = "Jürgen Barth (S184)"> [[#JBGB|Barth and Büsing]], p. 184.</ref> These are the rarest 968s ever produced.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pistonheads.com/features/ph-features-heroes/porsche-968-turbo-rs-ph-heroes/34908|title=Porsche 968 Turbo RS: PH Heroes|date=10 September 2016|first=Dan|last=Trent|publisher=PistonHeads|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/flat-six-society/6748/one-of-four-porsche-968-turbo-rs-for-sale-in-england|title=One Of Four Porsche 968 Turbo RS For Sale In England|date=1 January 2017|first=Bradley|last=Brownell|publisher=The Drive|access-date=4 May 2019}}</ref>

In the ADAC GT Cup, the Joest team achieved fourth place in the Avus race in 1993 with the Turbo RS driven by Manuel Reuter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.racingsportscars.com/results/Avus-1993-05-09-3902.html|title=Rennergebnisse des ADAC GT Cup 1993|website=www.racingsportscars.com|language=de|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref> In the [[BPR Global GT Series|BPR]], the car was driven at the 4-hour race by Dijon in 1994 to sixth place which was its best result in the race series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classicscars.com/wspr/results/bpr/bpr1994.html|title=Rennergebnisse der BRP (Global Endurance GT Championship) 1994|language=de|website=www.classicscars.com|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref> The Seikel Motorsport team used a 968 Turbo RS at the 1994 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by John Nielsen, Thomas Bscher and Lindsay Owen-Jones. After 84 laps, the team had to end the race prematurely after an accident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classicscars.com/wspr/results/lemans/lemans1994.html|title=Le Mans-Rennergebnisse 1994|language=de|website=www.classicscars.com|access-date=2019-10-29}}</ref>
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== Production figures for all 968 variants ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;" width="600"
|+Production<ref>[http://968register.org/production-data/ 968 Register Production Data], sourced from Porsche 924/944/968, Peter Morgan</ref>
!rowspan=2| Model year
!colspan=3| Production
!rowspan=2| Notes
|-
!width=60| Total
!width=60| Non US/Canada
!width=60| US/Canada
|-
!1992
|5,353 ||*3,913 ||1,440 ||* 1 Red Turbo RS 
|-
!1993
|3,783 ||*2,701 ||1,082 ||* 1 Yellow & 1 Blue Turbo RS, 16 Turbo S
|-
!1994
|2,484 ||*965 ||1,519 ||* 1 Black Turbo RS,
|-
!1995
|1,156 ||532 ||624 ||
|-
!Total
| '''12,776''' ||'''8,111''' ||'''4,665'''
| align="left"|&nbsp;Of these, 4,389 were convertibles, of which 2,248 were exported to the US
|}

The 968 was Porsche's last front-engine vehicle of any type to enter production before the introduction of the [[Porsche Cayenne]] in 2003. Its discontinuation in 1995 due to poor sales coincided with that of the [[Porsche 928|928]], Porsche's only other front-engine car at the time. The 968 was also the last Porsche sold with a four-cylinder engine prior to the introduction of the [[Porsche Macan]] in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Porsche Parts Catalogue - Macan 2014|url=https://www.porsche.com/all/media/pdf/originalparts/en/KAT044_RDW_GB_Macan-1.pdf}}</ref>{{clear}}
== References ==
===Notes===
{{reflist}}
===Bibliography===
<!-- last updated May 2023 -->
{{refbegin}}
* {{Austen-Porsche-924-944-968}}
* {{citation | first1 = Jürgen | last1 = Barth | first2 = Gustav | last2 = Büsing | ref = JBGB | title = The big book of the Porsche types | volume = 2: Mid- and front-engined Porsches | publisher = David Bull Publishing | location = Phoenix, AZ | isbn = 9781893618930 }}
* {{Bongers-PDB}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Clarke |editor-first=R.M. |title=Porsche 968 Limited Edition |series=Road Test Series |date=1997 |publisher=Brooklands Books |location=Cobham, Surrey, UK |isbn=185520388X}}
* {{cite book |editor-last=Clarke |editor-first=R.M. |title=Porsche 968 Limited Edition Extra |series=Road Test Series |date=2002 |publisher=Brooklands Books |location=Cobham, Surrey, UK |isbn=1855205904 |editor-mask=6}}
* {{Cotton-Porsche-924-944-968}}
* {{Cranswick-Porsche-928-924-944-968}}
* {{cite book |last1=Edwards |first1=Nigel |title=Porsche 924 & 944: colour, data and detail on the four-cylinder front-engined cars including 968 |series=Classics in Colour, no. 1 |date=1992 |publisher=Windrow & Greene Automotive |location=London |isbn=1872004768}}
* {{Fuths-Porsche-924-944-968-928}}
* {{Ludvigsen-EwE-3}}
* {{Morgan-Porsche-924-944-968 | ref=PM98 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Morgan |first1=Peter |title=Porsche 944 and 968 (1981-1995) |series=Ultimate Buyers' Guide |date=2009 |publisher=PMM Books |location=Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK |isbn=9781906712075 |edition=2nd |author-mask=6}}
* {{cite book |last1=Pieper |first1=Frank |title=Porsche 968: Das Kompendium |trans-title=Porsche 968: The Compendium |date=2008 |publisher=Books on Demand |isbn=9783837018219 |language=de}}
* {{Pitt-Porsche-924-944-968}}
* {{Schrader-Porsche-924-944-968}}
* {{Smale-Porsche-924-928-944-968}}
* {{cite book |last1=Sparrow |first1=David |last2=Kessel |first2=Adrienne |title=Porsche 968 |ref = DSAK | series=Osprey Classic Marques series |date=1994 |publisher=Osprey Publishing |location=London |isbn=1855324377}}
* {{Vivian-Porsche-924-928-944-968}}
* {{Weber-PEoP}}
* {{Wood-PTL}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Porsche 968}}
*[http://www.968Forums.com 968Forums Resource website and forum in the US]
*[http://www.968.net 968.net, the Porsche 968 online community]
*[http://www.968uk.com 968uk.com Porsche 968 online resource and forum based in the UK]
* {{cite journal|journal=[[Car and Driver]]|issue=March 1992|author=Larry Griffin|pages=47&ndash;50|title=Road Test: Porsche 968}}

{{Porsche vehicles}}
{{Porsche early timeline}}

[[Category:Porsche vehicles|968]]
[[Category:Sports cars]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1991]]
[[Category:Cars discontinued in 1995]]