Porsche 944

Until the mid-1970s, the concept of a product range did not exist at Porsche, as the 911, available in several versions, was the only model offered by the manufacturer. However, a first attempt at diversification was made in 1969 with the 914, without much commercial success. This small roadster was marketed under the name Volkswagen-Porsche as part of the VW-Porsche Vertriebgesellschaft GmbH, created in that very same year for the development of joint projects.

Entry level  

In 1971, the 928 project was initiated in order to change the brand's mono-product image. This model, launched in 1977, made it possible to offer a Grand Touring Coupé alongside the sporty 911. At that time, Porsche management was convinced of the idea of an entry-level model and in September 1975 the 924 was presented, designed as a "small" 928. But it was not a success and the 924, suffering from a second-rate Porsche image, was taken out of production in 1981. Stuttgart however remained convinced that there was a market for an entry-level car, and management promptly responded to this commercial setback by making a second attempt. The 944 was unveiled to the press at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1981. Although externally it had the same lines as its predecessor, it was a completely different model. Unlike the 924, this time the car was equipped with a genuine sports engine and settled for a 2-litre four-cylinder engine from Audi.

A V8 cut in half 

The lines of the 944 are the work of Latvian-born designer Anatole Lapine, who had headed the Porsche styling/design centre since 1969 and had previously designed the 928 and 924. Although the 944 is the direct spin-off of the 928, it differs from its predecessor in having more attractive and modern bodywork. In May 1982, the American magazine Road & Track was very complimentary: "It is full of temperament and smoothness; it steers remarkably well and yet reacts without any harshness. 

And it looks good too. That comment was important, as of all Porsche 944s produced between 1981 and 1991, almost a third were sold in the US. In the first year it was equipped with a 2,479 cc in-line four-cylinder engine that shared many mechanical elements with the 4.5 litre V8 developed by engineer Gerhard Kirchdorffer for the 928, so much so that there had been talk of a 928 V8 cut in half... Porsche's latest model is based on the construction of the previous 924 and 928, with the engine and clutch longitudinally in the front and the gearbox and differential in the rear, allowing for a very balanced weight distribution between the two axles (51/49%). The transmission is powered by the famous Transaxle system, which offers excellent traction and stability.

Arrival of the Turbo 

A second generation (phase 2) was introduced for model year 1985. The suspension and interior design were fundamentally revised, but above all, three engines were now available. Besides the classic 8-valve 2.5-litre engine of the 944 Luxury, there was also a 16-valve version with 190 hp (944 S) and a Turbo version with 220 hp. Three years later, a 2,681 cc four-cylinder engine producing 165 hp completed the engine range. The 944 Turbo (factory code 951) was upgraded aesthetically with new front and rear bumpers to improve aerodynamic support and an air intake between the headlights to cool the turbocharger. In 1988, the 2.5-litre Turbo version saw its power increased to 250 bhp thanks to the use of a larger turbo (type K26-70) and a more efficient exchanger. Finally, in 1989, the 944 S2 was made available as a cabriolet and was powered by a new M44/41 four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 2,990 cm3 and 211 bhp.