Porsche 944

The 944 is a sports car built by Porsche from 1982 to 1991. It replaced the 924 as Porsche's entry level model, although 924 production continued through 1988. The 944 was intended to last into the 1990s, but major revisions planned for a 944S3 model were eventually rolled into the 968 instead, which replaced the 944. The 944 was a successful model and was available as both a coupe and cabriolet in naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms.

History and model overview

The earlier Porsche 924 had originally been an Audi project, designed under contract for the VW/Audi company by Porsche. When VW/Audi abandoned the project, Porsche purchased the design as the replacement for the 912E and 914. The vehicle drove and handled exceptionally well and received positive reviews, but was criticized for the Audi-sourced 2litre engine; Porsche introduced a Turbocharged 924 to increase performance, but the price was considered high for the time, which hampered sales. Rather than scrap the design , Porsche decided to develop the 924, as they had with generations of the 911; although model numbers would change, the 924 would provide the basis for its replacement.