| Year |
1986 -
1990 |
| Engine |
2850 cc
6 cylinder |
| Transmission |
6-speed,
manual AWD |
| Max
speed |
197 + mph |
| 0-60
mph |
3.6 seconds |
| Horsepower |
450 bhp
@ 6500 rpm |
| weight |
1451 kg
/ 3198 lbs |
Porsche began the development of the 959 in 1981. This new car
was to feature an all-wheel-drive transmission and compete in
Group B rally racing where the all wheel drive layout could
be tested and enhanced. The road legal version of the Porsche
959 was first revealed in 1985 at the Frankfurt Auto Show as
a1986 model. In total only around 250 Porsche 959's and the
race variant, the 961, were made. Porsche made a loss on every
single one they sold.
Powered by a twin turbocharged
2.8 litre flat 6 engine, the 959's body was constructed from
aluminium and Kevlar composite with a Nomex floor. This lightweight
yet incredibly strong chassis helped the Porsche 959 achive
its staggering performance, 197 + mph top speed, and 0-60 mph
in around 3.6 seconds.
Other technological highlights of the Porsche 959 included active
dampers, speed-activated aerodynamics, twin turbochargers setup
in a sequential format, and a ridiculously comlicated and effective
torque-splitting four-wheel drive system.
The car was so good, that despite being a supercar able to mix
it up with the best from Ferrari and Lamborghini, a Group B
rally version won the Paris Dakar rally in 1986. Try doing that
in an F40!
The engineering and aerodynamic technologys which the 959 helped
to develop throughout its racing career influenced and shaped
all Porsche models, but more specifically the legendary 911,
which might not be quite as good as it is today if it were not
for the 959.
Similar and related vehicles:
- Porsche 911 GT1
- Porsche Carrera GT
- Porsche 928 GTS
- Porsche 911 Carrera (993)
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