Wikicars - User contributions [en]

Ferrari Mondial

2007-03-08T22:03:47Z

SuperPorscheMan:

Ferrari Mondial

2007-03-08T22:02:25Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border=0 align=right
|-
|{{Infobox Automobile
|name=Ferrari Mondial
|image=[[Image:Ferrari Mondial 8 RB.jpg|250px|Mondial 8]]
|manufacturer=[[Ferrari]]
|class=[[MR layout|mid-engined]] 2+2
|production=[[1980]]–[[1992]] 3,284 produced
|related=[[Ferrari 308 GTB|308 GTB/GTS]] [[Ferrari 308 GTB|328 GTB/GTS]] [[Ferrari 348|348]]
|body_style=[[Coupe]] [[Cabriolet]]
|predecessor=[[Ferrari GT4|208/308 GT4]]
}}
|-
|{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Mondial 8
|production=[[1980]]–[[1984]]
|engine=3.0 L [[V8]] 3.0 L [[multivalve|4v]] [[V8]] ''Quattrovalvole''
}}
|-
|{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Mondial 3.2
|image=[[Image:Ferrari Mondial t.jpg|250px|Mondial 3.2 cabriolet]]
|production=[[1985]]–[[1988]]
|engine=3.2 L [[V8]]
}}
|-
|{{Infobox Automobile generation
|name=Mondial t
|image=[[Image:Mondial_t_1.jpg|250px|Mondial t cabriolet]]
|production=[[1989]]–[[1993]]
|engine=3.4 L [[V8]]
}}
|}
The '''[[Ferrari]] Mondial''' is a 2+2 [[coupe]] [[automobile]] produced from [[1980]] through [[1993]]. It replaced the angular [[Ferrari GT4|208/308 GT4]] "Dino". The "Mondial" name came from Ferrari's history — the famed [[Ferrari 500 Mondial|500 Mondial]] race car of the early 1950s. Although the Mondial was styled by [[Pininfarina]] rather than [[Bertone]], it shared much of its predecessor's boxiness and is often criticized as a lesser model for the [[marque]]. It was sold as a large coupe and, eventually, [[cabriolet]]. The Mondial was produced in fairly high numbers for Ferrari, with more than 6,800 produced in its 12-year run, and is today one of the most affordable Ferrari models.

==Mondial 8==

The Mondial was introduced as the '''Mondial 8''' in [[1980]]. It was the first Ferrari to depart from the company's familiar 3-digit naming scheme, and was fairly mild-performing (for a Ferrari). It used a [[MR layout|mid/rear-mounted]] [[V8]], shared with the [[Ferrari 308|308]], mounted [[transverse engine|transverse]]ly. The engine was originally used in the [[1974]] [[Ferrari GT4|''Dino'' 308 GT4]]. The chassis was also based on the 308 GT4, but with a 100 mm longer wheelbase at 2650 mm. The suspension was [[double wishbone]]s all around.

The Mondial 8 is considered one of the marque's most reliable, inexpensive to maintain, and even practical cars due to its 214 hp (160 kW), proven drivetrain, and four seats.

==Mondial Quattrovalvole==

The first Mondial engine, although a [[DOHC]] design, used just two valves per cylinder. The [[1982]] '''Quattrovalvole''' introduced a new [[multivalve|4-valve]] head. Again, the engine was shared with the contemporary [[Ferrari 308|308 GTB]], and produced a more respectable 240 hp (179 kW).

==Mondial Cabriolet==

A new '''[[Cabriolet]]''' bodystyle was added for [[1983]] . Although the styling was very similar to the coupe version, the Cabriolet's top gave the car a lower look similar to the contemporary [[Ferrari Testarossa|Testarossa]].

==3.2 Mondial==

Like the new [[Ferrari 308#328 GTB|328 GTB]], the Mondial's engine grew in both bore and stroke to 3.2 L (3185 cc) for [[1985]]. Output was now 270 hp (201 kW), and the car's weight distribution was changed enough for the car to classify as a true mid-engine design. Styling was refreshed with painted bumpers and new wheels.

==Mondial t==

The final Mondial evolution was [[1989]]'s '''Mondial t'''. It was a substantially changed model, "spearhead of a new generation of V8 Ferraris", according to ''[[Road & Track]]'' magazine. The "t" called attention to the car's new engine/transmission layout: though the previously-transverse engine was now mounted [[longitudinal engine|longitudinal]]ly, the gearbox remained transverse, forming a "t". This configuration was used by Ferrari's [[Formula 1]] cars of the [[1980s]], and would be the standard for the marque's future mid-engined V8 cars, beginning with the [[Ferrari 348|348]], introduced later in the year.

That transverse gearbox was a dual-clutch design with beveled gears driving the axles on the earlier models, a single clutch and auto-manual gearbox (termed Valeo - the clutch was actuated automatically without a clutch pedal) were added later. The engine was up to 3.4 L (3405 cc) and 300 hp (224 kW).

The Mondial's chassis would underpin a new generation of 2-seat Ferraris, right up to the [[Ferrari 360|360]], but the 2+2 Mondial would end production just four years later in [[1993]]. The company has not produced a mid-engined 2+2 car since, in fact front-engined V12 [[Ferrari 456|456]] and the current [[Ferrari 612 Scaglietti|612 Scaglietti]], are the company's only 4-seat vehicle offerings.

The Mondial was home to other Ferrari firsts: It used power brakes for the first time, and had a 3-position electronically controlled [[suspension (vehicle)|suspension]]. It also had standard [[antilock brakes]], though other Ferraris had this feature as well.

==References==

* {{cite book | author=Buckley, Martin & Rees, Chris| title=World Encyclopedia of Cars | location=London | publisher=Anness Publishing | year=1998 | id=ISBN 1-84038-083-7 }}
* {{cite web | title=The Ferrari Pages | work=Cars From Italy | url=http://www.carsfromitaly.net/ferrari/index.html | accessdate=November 17 | accessyear=2004}}

{{Ferrari vehicles}}

[[Category:Ferrari vehicles|Mondial]]
[[Category:Mid-engined vehicles]]
[[Category:Sports cars]]
[[Category:MR layout vehicles]]

[[de:Ferrari Mondial]]
[[hu:Ferrari Mondial]]
[[nl:Ferrari Mondial]]
[[pt:Ferrari Mondial]]

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-03-08T20:46:17Z

SuperPorscheMan:

File:Porsche 944 turbo.jpg

2007-03-08T20:45:47Z

SuperPorscheMan:

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-03-08T20:44:25Z

SuperPorscheMan:

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-03-08T20:42:18Z

SuperPorscheMan:

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-03-08T20:40:05Z

SuperPorscheMan:

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-02-13T22:24:04Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border="1" style="width: 20em; font-size: 95%; text-align: left;border-color:#000000;float:right;"
! colspan="2" style="font-size: larger; text-align: center; background-color: #ccccff;" | ''Profile''

|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Join Date
| '''13 February 2007'''
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Location
| Southern California, USA
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Gender
| Male
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Favorite Car(s)
| '''[[Porsche 944]]''' '''[[Porsche 911]]''' '''[[Porsche Cayman]]''' '''[[Porsche 356]]''' '''[[Aston Martin DB5]]''' '''[[MINI Cooper]]''' '''[[Pontiac Firebird]]''' '''[[Ferrari 288 GTO]]'''
|}
Hey there,

I’m an admin content contributor here at Wikicars and hope that you are enjoying your time here with us. We hope to be able to provide you with a place where you can explore the world of cars and share you passion for all things automotive.

If I'm not editting WikiCars, I'm either studying, sleeping, or taking hairpin turns with the roof off in my Porsche.

If you have any questions or comments, please send me a message on my talk page and I’ll be glad to see what I can do.

- SuperPorscheMan

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-02-13T22:23:56Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border="1" style="width: 20em; font-size: 95%; text-align: left;border-color:#000000;float:right;"
! colspan="2" style="font-size: larger; text-align: center; background-color: #ccccff;" | ''Profile''

|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Join Date
| '''13 February 2007'''
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Location
| Southern California, USA
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Gender
| Male
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Favorite Car(s)
| '''[[Porsche 944]]''' '''[[Porsche 911]]''' '''[[Porsche Cayman]]''' '''[[Porsche 356]]''' '''[[Aston Martin DB5]]''' '''[[MINI Cooper]]''' '''[[Pontiac Firebird]]''' '''[[Ferrari 228 GTO]]'''
|}
Hey there,

I’m an admin content contributor here at Wikicars and hope that you are enjoying your time here with us. We hope to be able to provide you with a place where you can explore the world of cars and share you passion for all things automotive.

If I'm not editting WikiCars, I'm either studying, sleeping, or taking hairpin turns with the roof off in my Porsche.

If you have any questions or comments, please send me a message on my talk page and I’ll be glad to see what I can do.

- SuperPorscheMan

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-02-13T22:23:15Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border="1" style="width: 20em; font-size: 95%; text-align: left;border-color:#000000;float:right;"
! colspan="2" style="font-size: larger; text-align: center; background-color: #ccccff;" | ''Profile''

|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Join Date
| '''13 February 2007'''
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Location
| Southern California, USA
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Gender
| Male
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Favorite Car(s)
| '''[[Porsche 944]]''' '''[[Porsche 911]]''' '''[[Porsche Cayman]]''' '''[[Porsche 356]]''' '''[[Aston Martin DB5]]''' '''[[MINI Cooper]]''' '''[[Pontiac Firebird]]''' '''[[Ferrari 348 GTS]]'''
|}
Hey there,

I’m an admin content contributor here at Wikicars and hope that you are enjoying your time here with us. We hope to be able to provide you with a place where you can explore the world of cars and share you passion for all things automotive.

If I'm not editting WikiCars, I'm either studying, sleeping, or taking hairpin turns with the roof off in my Porsche.

If you have any questions or comments, please send me a message on my talk page and I’ll be glad to see what I can do.

- SuperPorscheMan

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-02-13T22:22:08Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border="1" style="width: 20em; font-size: 95%; text-align: left;border-color:#000000;float:right;"
! colspan="2" style="font-size: larger; text-align: center; background-color: #ccccff;" | ''Profile''

|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Join Date
| '''13 February 2007'''
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Location
| Southern California, USA
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Gender
| Male
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Favorite Car(s)
| '''[[Porsche 944]]''' '''[[Porsche 911]]''' '''[[Porsche Cayman]]''' '''[[Porsche 356]]''' '''[[Aston Martin DB5]]''' '''[[MINI Cooper]]''' '''[[Pontiac TransAm]]''' '''[[Pontiac TransAm]]'''
|}
Hey there,

I’m an admin content contributor here at Wikicars and hope that you are enjoying your time here with us. We hope to be able to provide you with a place where you can explore the world of cars and share you passion for all things automotive.

If I'm not editting WikiCars, I'm either studying, sleeping, or taking hairpin turns with the roof off in my Porsche.

If you have any questions or comments, please send me a message on my talk page and I’ll be glad to see what I can do.

- SuperPorscheMan

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-02-13T22:16:46Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border="1" style="width: 20em; font-size: 95%; text-align: left;border-color:#000000;float:right;"
! colspan="2" style="font-size: larger; text-align: center; background-color: #ccccff;" | ''Profile''

|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Join Date
| '''19 September 2006'''
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Location
| California, USA
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Gender
| Male
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Favorite Car(s)
| '''[[Porsche 944]]''' '''[[Porsche 911]]''' '''[[Porsche Cayman]]''' '''[[Porsche 356]]''' '''[[Aston Martin DB5]]''' '''[[MINI Cooper]]'''
|}
Hey there,

I’m an admin content contributor here at Wikicars and hope that you are enjoying your time here with us. We hope to be able to provide you with a place where you can explore the world of cars and share you passion for all things automotive.

If I'm not editting WikiCars, I'm either studying, sleeping, or taking hairpin turns with the roof off in my Porsche.

If you have any questions or comments, please send me a message on my talk page and I’ll be glad to see what I can do.

- SuperPorscheMan

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-02-13T22:15:12Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border="1" style="width: 20em; font-size: 95%; text-align: left;border-color:#000000;float:right;"
! colspan="2" style="font-size: larger; text-align: center; background-color: #ccccff;" | ''Profile''

|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Join Date
| '''19 September 2006'''
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Location
| California, USA
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Gender
| Male
|-
! style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Favorite Car(s)
| '''[[Ford GT]]''' '''[[Lotus Exige]]''' '''[[Nissan Skyline]]''' '''[[Maserati MC12]]''' '''[[Aston Martin Vanquish]]''' '''[[McLaren F1]]'''
|}
Hey there,

I’m an admin content contributor here at Wikicars and hope that you are enjoying your time here with us. We hope to be able to provide you with a place where you can explore the world of cars and share you passion for all things automotive.

If I'm not editting WikiCars, I'm either studying, sleeping, or taking hairpin turns with the roof off in my Porsche.

If you have any questions or comments, please send me a message on my talk page and I’ll be glad to see what I can do.

- SuperPorscheMan

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-02-13T22:14:00Z

SuperPorscheMan:

Hey there,

I’m an admin content contributor here at Wikicars and hope that you are enjoying your time here with us. We hope to be able to provide you with a place where you can explore the world of cars and share you passion for all things automotive.

If I'm not editting WikiCars, I'm either studying, sleeping, or taking hairpin turns with the roof off in my Porsche.

If you have any questions or comments, please send me a message on my talk page and I’ll be glad to see what I can do.

- SuperPorscheMan

User:SuperPorscheMan

2007-02-13T22:11:51Z

SuperPorscheMan:

My name is Patrick and I'm an undergraduate student working as an Online Content Editor for WikiCars here in beautiful Southern California. If I'm not editting WikiCars, I'm either studying, sleeping, or taking hairpin turns with the roof off in my Porsche.

Porsche 968

2007-02-13T22:05:49Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Porsche 968.jpg|250px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Porsche 968'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Porsche]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Porsche 968 Lux Porsche 968 Clubsport
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1992-1995
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Sports Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| Coupe or Cabriolet
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 4320 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 1735 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 1275 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 2400 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 1370 KG (Lux Coupe)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-speed Manual Tiptronic Sequential
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0 litre 4-cylinder
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 240 BHP (Lux)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| Mazda RX-7 Mercedes SL
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}
The [[Porsche]] company was in dire straits at the beginning of the 1990s and global recession had hit the market for sportscars hard. Gone were the yuppies that had kept Porsche afloat in the 1980s. The model range was stagnant and dated, and proving unconvincing to consumers. CEOs and board members were often at conflict. The racing projects, the part of the company that was termed representative of the whole company, showed how much Porsche was from the mark - the Indycar projects ended unconvincingly, and the Arrows F1 project was dire - the only highlight was a spectacular car-splitting crash at Monaco.

The decision was taken to update the most successful model of the range - the [[Porsche 944|944]] - which in truth had needed replacing in 1988. The new car, to be called the '''968''', was to use many 944 S2 parts, due to restrictions on the company's bank account. The result was unveiled in August 1991.

==83% New==

Porsche engineers claimed the 968 was '83 % new' over the outgoing 944, a statistic in itself which proves how desparate it was for success with the model. Over the 944 S2, the 968 benefitted from new front wings, lights, front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper - but it lifted the power plant, albeit with new variable valve timing' and drivetrain straight from the previous model. The specifications were very similar, with colour charts changing only in name, but at least a fresh alloy wheel design complimented the contemporary exterior - the 'Cup One' style single alloys became the base of Porsche's current range of alloy wheels.

Despite all this promise, press reaction, and subsequent public reaction, was underwhelming. 'Lacks flair' was the succinct comment from a reviewer.

To try to generate some interest in the model, Porsche released the Cabriolet version, which generated a slight shift in interest, due to its better looks, but still failed to sell in anywhere near the volume of its predecessor. An automatic option was offered, in the promising shape of 'Tiptronic', but this was not the answer. Funds still prevented the replacement of the range, and so Porsche set about tweaking the standard coupe, and in December 1992, the Club Sport was announced. Things were looking up for the model, after a very slow start.

==Models==

===The Club Sport===

Rushed out to try to generate some sales from the traditional enthusiast Porsche buyer, the 968 Club Sport was released to a sceptical media in December 1992. Costing nearly 20% less than a standard 968, the Club Sport harked back to the days of the proper Porsche - the RS. Trim levels were very basic, and was only offered in five exterior colours (Black, Maritime Blue, Guards Red, White and Speed Yellow) with the single interior option - black cloth. As standard, bucket Recaro seats were specified, with colour-coordinated back rests, along with a bold 'Club Sport' decal running the length of the sills and colour-coorinated alloy wheels. The decal and wheel colour could be customer deleted - this was the recession, after all. Rear seats were deleted, as were the standard springs (replaced with stiffer examples), heated windows, rear wiper, electric mirror adjustment, electric boot release and the standard battery and alternator.

Porsche claimed a saving of 50kg over the 968 - but in markets such as the UK, the weight loss was a massive 100kg, due to the standard 'Lux' pack which added weight to the Club Sport's standard sibling. Very few options were offered to 968 Club Sport buyers, but one stood out - the M030 pack, comprising of stiffer springs, stiffer shock absorbers, thicker anti-roll bars, larger drilled brake discs and a Torsen differential.

The press gushed over the car, with British magazine 'Autocar' branding it 'Car of the Year' and 'Best Handling Car' in 1993. The 968 Club Sport generated the interest Porsche wanted, but it was never going to solve the sales problem. However, in the Porsche 968 Club Sport, they had created a gem.

===The Turbo S===

Much like the 944 Turbo S and the [[Porsche 924|924]] Carrera GT before it, the 968 Turbo S represented the pinnacle of the range. The car was built to homologate the use of the 968 in various classes of motorsport, including Le Mans, European, Middle Eastern and American GT championships. [[image:Porsche_968_Turbo.jpg|thumb]]

The interesting fact is that Porsche never built a 'non-S' 968 Turbo. The reason for this was that the previous generations of front-engined Turbo cars had not sold as well as expected - and Porsche could not spend their valuable funds on a vehicle that would not represent a profit on the market. However, mounting pressures from racing customers demanded a new car to replace the ageing 944 Turbo Cup cars and IMSA racers - hence, the 968 Turbo S was hastily scrabbled together.

The Turbo S was destined for the race track from its inception, and like the 924 Carrera GTR, could only be purchased directly from Porsche's motorsport division in Weissach. The car was road legal, and at least two examples were in road use. The car used a Club Sport as a basis, but new features included split-rim alloys, an adjustable rear wing, further stripped interior with rollcage and fire extinguisher, bucket seats, and of course, the turbocharged 3.0 litre four-cylinder engine. The engine developed 305BHP and a massive 500NM of torque, supplying the car with sub-4 second 0-62 kmh times and a top speed of 175 mph.

Of course, the car was a sales flop, but proved that in times of hard cash Porsche still had the ability to produce drool-inducing automobiles.

===The Sport===

The Sport was a UK-only edition, that was introduced in 1994 and stayed on the price lists until the 968's end. The Sport was a Club Sport with some equipment returned to the cabin - sound deadening, air conditioning, comfort-spec seats, proper stereo - as well as a relaxing of the colour options - the Club Sport colour package was available along with the standard catalogue.

The Sport was one of the best selling models in the UK, and ensured, that after shaky beginnings, the 968 finished its short life on a high.

The 968 gave way to the [[Porsche Boxster|Boxster]] in 1996, with a few cars in all markets finding homes in late 1996.

===Summary===

*1992-1995 - Porsche 968 Coupe
*1993-1995 - Porsche 968 Cabriolet
*1993-1995 - Porsche 968 Club Sport
*1993-1995 - Porsche 968 Turbo S Coupe [[image:Porsche_968_Cabriolet.jpg|thumb]]
*1994-1995 - Porsche 968 Sport

{{Porsche}}

Porsche 968

2007-02-13T22:05:22Z

SuperPorscheMan:

{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Porsche 968.jpg|250px]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Porsche 968'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Porsche]]
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| aka
| Porsche 968 Lux Porsche 968 Clubsport
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1992-1995
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Sports Luxury
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| Coupe or Cabriolet
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 4320 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 1735 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top;
| Height
| 1275 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 2400 mm
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 1370 KG (Lux Coupe)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmission
| 6-speed Manual Tiptronic Sequential
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engine
| 3.0 litre 4-cylinder
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 240 BHP (Lux)
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| Mazda RX-7 Mercedes SL
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Designer
|
|}
The [[Porsche]] company was in dire straits at the beginning of the 1990s. Global recession had hit the market for sportscars hard. Gone were the yuppies that had kept Porsche afloat in the 1980s. The model range was stagnant and dated, and proving unconvincing to consumers. CEOs and board members were often at conflict. The racing projects, the part of the company that was termed representative of the whole company, showed how much Porsche was from the mark - the Indycar projects ended unconvincingly, and the Arrows F1 project was dire - the only highlight was a spectacular car-splitting crash at Monaco.

The decision was taken to update the most successful model of the range - the [[Porsche 944|944]] - which in truth had needed replacing in 1988. The new car, to be called the '''968''', was to use many 944 S2 parts, due to restrictions on the company's bank account. The result was unveiled in August 1991.

==83% New==

Porsche engineers claimed the 968 was '83 % new' over the outgoing 944, a statistic in itself which proves how desparate it was for success with the model. Over the 944 S2, the 968 benefitted from new front wings, lights, front bumper, side skirts and rear bumper - but it lifted the power plant, albeit with new variable valve timing' and drivetrain straight from the previous model. The specifications were very similar, with colour charts changing only in name, but at least a fresh alloy wheel design complimented the contemporary exterior - the 'Cup One' style single alloys became the base of Porsche's current range of alloy wheels.

Despite all this promise, press reaction, and subsequent public reaction, was underwhelming. 'Lacks flair' was the succinct comment from a reviewer.

To try to generate some interest in the model, Porsche released the Cabriolet version, which generated a slight shift in interest, due to its better looks, but still failed to sell in anywhere near the volume of its predecessor. An automatic option was offered, in the promising shape of 'Tiptronic', but this was not the answer. Funds still prevented the replacement of the range, and so Porsche set about tweaking the standard coupe, and in December 1992, the Club Sport was announced. Things were looking up for the model, after a very slow start.

==Models==

===The Club Sport===

Rushed out to try to generate some sales from the traditional enthusiast Porsche buyer, the 968 Club Sport was released to a sceptical media in December 1992. Costing nearly 20% less than a standard 968, the Club Sport harked back to the days of the proper Porsche - the RS. Trim levels were very basic, and was only offered in five exterior colours (Black, Maritime Blue, Guards Red, White and Speed Yellow) with the single interior option - black cloth. As standard, bucket Recaro seats were specified, with colour-coordinated back rests, along with a bold 'Club Sport' decal running the length of the sills and colour-coorinated alloy wheels. The decal and wheel colour could be customer deleted - this was the recession, after all. Rear seats were deleted, as were the standard springs (replaced with stiffer examples), heated windows, rear wiper, electric mirror adjustment, electric boot release and the standard battery and alternator.

Porsche claimed a saving of 50kg over the 968 - but in markets such as the UK, the weight loss was a massive 100kg, due to the standard 'Lux' pack which added weight to the Club Sport's standard sibling. Very few options were offered to 968 Club Sport buyers, but one stood out - the M030 pack, comprising of stiffer springs, stiffer shock absorbers, thicker anti-roll bars, larger drilled brake discs and a Torsen differential.

The press gushed over the car, with British magazine 'Autocar' branding it 'Car of the Year' and 'Best Handling Car' in 1993. The 968 Club Sport generated the interest Porsche wanted, but it was never going to solve the sales problem. However, in the Porsche 968 Club Sport, they had created a gem.

===The Turbo S===

Much like the 944 Turbo S and the [[Porsche 924|924]] Carrera GT before it, the 968 Turbo S represented the pinnacle of the range. The car was built to homologate the use of the 968 in various classes of motorsport, including Le Mans, European, Middle Eastern and American GT championships. [[image:Porsche_968_Turbo.jpg|thumb]]

The interesting fact is that Porsche never built a 'non-S' 968 Turbo. The reason for this was that the previous generations of front-engined Turbo cars had not sold as well as expected - and Porsche could not spend their valuable funds on a vehicle that would not represent a profit on the market. However, mounting pressures from racing customers demanded a new car to replace the ageing 944 Turbo Cup cars and IMSA racers - hence, the 968 Turbo S was hastily scrabbled together.

The Turbo S was destined for the race track from its inception, and like the 924 Carrera GTR, could only be purchased directly from Porsche's motorsport division in Weissach. The car was road legal, and at least two examples were in road use. The car used a Club Sport as a basis, but new features included split-rim alloys, an adjustable rear wing, further stripped interior with rollcage and fire extinguisher, bucket seats, and of course, the turbocharged 3.0 litre four-cylinder engine. The engine developed 305BHP and a massive 500NM of torque, supplying the car with sub-4 second 0-62 kmh times and a top speed of 175 mph.

Of course, the car was a sales flop, but proved that in times of hard cash Porsche still had the ability to produce drool-inducing automobiles.

===The Sport===

The Sport was a UK-only edition, that was introduced in 1994 and stayed on the price lists until the 968's end. The Sport was a Club Sport with some equipment returned to the cabin - sound deadening, air conditioning, comfort-spec seats, proper stereo - as well as a relaxing of the colour options - the Club Sport colour package was available along with the standard catalogue.

The Sport was one of the best selling models in the UK, and ensured, that after shaky beginnings, the 968 finished its short life on a high.

The 968 gave way to the [[Porsche Boxster|Boxster]] in 1996, with a few cars in all markets finding homes in late 1996.

===Summary===

*1992-1995 - Porsche 968 Coupe
*1993-1995 - Porsche 968 Cabriolet
*1993-1995 - Porsche 968 Club Sport
*1993-1995 - Porsche 968 Turbo S Coupe [[image:Porsche_968_Cabriolet.jpg|thumb]]
*1994-1995 - Porsche 968 Sport

{{Porsche}}