Automotive
Porsche aimed to broaden its lineup and in 1982 introduced the 944 model, featuring a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. By 1991, the aging 944 needed a modern successor, and Porsche responded with the 968.
The 924 and 944 models were designed as more affordable sports cars, marking Porsche’s shift to water-cooled, front-engine designs. To achieve optimal weight balance, the gearbox was positioned at the rear - a clever engineering solution that continued with the 1991 Porsche 968.
Visually, the 968’s most distinctive feature was its headlight system: pop-up headlights that tilted back into the hood when not in use. Its long hood and sharply raked A-pillars gave the car a sleek GT appearance, while the sloping rear covered a wide yet shallow trunk. The design elegantly combined elements from the 911, 944, and 928 models.
Like the 944, the 968 included two small rear seats, suitable mostly for young children - an improvement over the limited rear space of the 911. Folding down the rear seatbacks expanded the trunk space significantly.
Technically, the 968 used a suspension setup with McPherson struts up front and semi-trailing arms at the rear. Under the hood, it housed a 3.0-liter inline-four engine mounted well back for better weight distribution. The engine featured Porsche’s VarioCam variable valve timing for enhanced power and efficiency. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, with no alternative options offered.
