1986 Porsche 944 Turbo – SOLD 🏁

About This Car

“First launched in 1982, and based on a successful Le Mans prototype, the Porsche 944 was the third Porsche model to feature a front-mounted engine and rear-axle transmission (which became known as a transaxle set-up). Following a production run of ten years, it has become a much-loved classic with a legion of dedicated fans, attracted by its striking contours and racing heritage. In September 1981, the Porsche 944 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Its design was overseen by head designer Anatole Lapine, with the exterior design influenced by a wide-bodied 924 Carrera GT prototype from 1979. Not all the prototype’s design features made it to the 924 Carrera, but they were all included on the 944, most notably its striking contours, widened rear wings and an aggressive nose. The 944 Turbo entered production in 1985, making a significant difference to the standard performance of the 944. The new turbocharged engine generated 220PS, resulting in the 0-100km/h time being reduced to 5.9 seconds, a three-second improvement. With its pop-up headlights, exciting curves, hatchback design and spirited performance, the 944 Turbo is now a highly attractive entry into classic Porsche ownership”.

For the 1986 model year, Porsche introduced the 944 Turbo, known internally as the 951. The Turbo had a turbocharged and intercooled version of the standard 944’s engine that generated 220 PS (162 kW) at 6,000 rpm. In 1987, Car and Driver tested the 944 Turbo and achieved a 0–97 km/h (0–60 mph) time of 5.9 seconds. The Turbo was the first Porsche production car utilizing a ceramic port liner to retain exhaust gas temperature along with new forged pistons and was also the first vehicle to produce an identical power output with or without a catalytic converter.

The Turbo also featured several other changes, such as improved aerodynamics, notably an integrated front bumper. This featured the widest turn signals (indicators) fitted to any production car, a strengthened gearbox with a different final drive ratio, standard external oil coolers for both the engine and transmission, standard 16-inch wheels (optional forged Fuchs wheels), and slightly stiffer suspension (progressive springs) to handle the extra weight. The Turbo also had headers, a crossover pipe, and a downpipe made of Inconel. The Turbo’s front and rear brakes were borrowed from the 911, with Brembo 4-piston fixed calipers and 12-inch discs. Engine component revisions, more than thirty in all, were made to the 951 to compensate for increased internal loads and heat.