| The 968 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). 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 systems, a dual-mass
flywheel, and updated engine management electronics among other
more minor revisions. The 968's engine was the second-largest
4-cylinder ever offered in a production car up to that time. A
new 6-speed manual transmission replaced the 944's old 5-speed,
and Porsche's dual-mode Tiptronic 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 ever only 3 years prior to the
debut of the 968, on the 1989 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.
1994 Porsche 968 cabriolet, top down and lights upThe 968's
styling was an evolution on that of the outgoing 944, itself
styled evolutionarily from the earlier 924, but elements were
borrowed from the more expensive 928 model in an attempt to
create a "family resemblance" between models, and
the swooping headlamp design, inspired by those of the 959,
previewed similar units found later on the Type 993 911. Along
with the new styling, the 968 featured numerous small equipment
and detail upgrades, including a Fuba roof-mounted antenna,
updated single lens tail lamps, "Cup" style 16"
alloy wheels, a wider selection of interior and exterior colors,
and a slightly updated "B" pillar and rear quarter
window to accommodate adhesive installation to replace the older
rubber gasket installation. Because some parts are interchangeable
between the 968, 944 and 924, some enthusiasts purchase those
parts from Porsche parts warehouses as "upgrades"
for their older models.
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). Borrowed components include the Brembo-sourced
4-piston brake calipers on all four wheels, aluminum 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.
Historical significance
The 968 was Porsche's last new front-engined vehicle (of any
type) before the introduction of the Cayenne SUV in 2003 and
was the company's last front-engined sports car until the Panamera.
Its discontinuation in 1995 coincided with that of the 928,
Porsche's only other front-engined car at the time.
As of 2009, Porsche has not yet built another front-engined
sports car, although a 4-door sports-touring sedan, called Panamera
began production in 2009, and a successor to the 928, based
on that sedan's architecture, is predicted to follow.
The 968 was also the last Porsche sold with a four-cylinder
engine.
Collector significance
Due to the low production numbers and the cars high performance;
968's have retained their value in the collectors market. Clean
low mileage cars will be rarer still and command sales prices
above the $20,000 mark even going on 15+ years after the last
example was produced.
This example is a well maintained, always garaged, non smoker's,
1 owner car, with only 119.000 km's from new, drivers has the
impression of a 30.000 km car.
Car has Dutch / European registration
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