The 924, available from model year 1976, was developed by Porsche on behalf of Volkswagen as the successor to the 914 and was ultimately produced in-house. The new entry-level model was built by Audi in Neckarsulm, Germany.
The bodyshell of the 924 was designed with good aerodynamics in mind. This was due in particular to the flat bonnet and the pop-up headlights. From model year 1983, a Black rear spoiler further improved the drag coefficient (cd value).
Porsche broke new ground when it came to powering the 924: For the first time, a water-cooled front-mounted engine with in-line cylinders was used. The 125-PS engine was taken from the Audi 100 and modified accordingly by Porsche. The drive was transmitted via a transaxle construction.
It wasn’t until the 924 S, produced from model year 1986, that the 924 series received an engine built by Porsche itself: the 2.5-litre four-cylinder in-line engine from the 944.
The Porsche 924 S, which was first available from model year 1986, was a significant technical upgrade for the 924 series. Many components of this model came from the 944. In addition to the engine, these included the brake system, chassis components and parts of the interior. The standard aluminium wheels, with their “telephone dial” design, also brought the 924 S closer to the 944.
The 2.5-litre engine of the 924 S was identical to that of the 944 and initially delivered 150 PS, which increased to 160 PS from model year 1988.
Specifications
Porsche 924
Year of production: 1974–1988
Power unit: four-cylinder inline
Capacity: 1984 cc
Output: 125 bhp (92 kW)
Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
Responding to the energy crisis in the mid-70s, VW decided to cancel a joint sports car project planned with Porsche. As a result Porsche created the 924 as its own entry-level model leading into the range. Right from the start, the first model was characterised by its large glass tailgate as a striking design feature. The 924 with its water-cooled front-mounted engine and transaxle configuration entered production at the Audi Plant in Neckarsulm in 1974.
Porsche 924 Turbo
Launched in model year 1979, the 924 Turbo closed the performance gap between the 924 and the 911 SC.
The bodyshell of the 924 Turbo was based on that of the 924. At the front, a number of air intakes differentiated it from the basic model:
- Vertical air slots in the front apron for air supply to the brakes and the oil cooler
- Four air intakes between the headlights and a NACA air intake on the right-hand side of the bonnet to ventilate the engine compartment
A Black rear spoiler was also mounted on the rear lid of the 924 Turbo. The aluminium wheels, with the multi spoke design, were fastened with five wheel nuts instead of four (as was the case with the basic 924).
The 924 Turbo’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line engine initially produced 170 PS. In model year 1981, the engine’s efficiency was improved and the power was increased to 177 PS.
1981 Porsche 924 Carrera GTR race car which only 17 examples made