New 944 model based on 924 but with modified body and a Porsche-built four-cylinder engine. More powerful and sophisticated 944 Turbo.
Although the body of the 944 was based on that of the 924, it had a much more distinctive shape. What’s more, the 944 was fitted with a 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engine developed by Porsche itself. This made the 944 a “real” Porsche in the eyes of customers. This transaxle model was also produced by Audi in Neckarsulm, Germany.
A front spoiler painted in the vehicle colour with square rubber buffers combined with significantly wider, slightly angular wings made the 944 distinct from the 924. The 2.5-litre engine initially delivered 163 PS and a catalytic converter version producing 150 PS was available from model year 1986. In model year 1988, the catalytic converter engine was tuned to use unleaded premium petrol, which increased performance to 160 PS. In the last model year (1989), the displacement was increased to 2.7 litres, with power output growing to 165 PS.
The 944 S (MY 1987–88)
The 944 S was identical to the 944 in terms of body design and equipment. This model did, however, see a four-valve engine used for the first time; the engine was capable of delivering up to 190 PS. A badge embossed with “16 Ventiler”, which went behind the side indicators, was also optionally available to showcase the engine.
Specifications
Years of production: 1982–1991
Power units:……….(2.5 L I4)(2.7 L I4)(3.0 L I4)
Transmission:……..3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual
Wheelbase:…………94.5 in (2,400 mm)
Length:……………..1986-88: 170.0 in (4,318 mm) — Turbo & S2: 168.8 in (4,288 mm) — 1989–91: 168.9 in (4,290 mm)
Width:……………….68.3 in (1,735 mm)
Height:………………50.2 in (1,275 mm)
Curb weight:……..86-88: 1180 kg (2778 lb) — 88-91: 1330 kg (2932 lb)
Porsche 944 Turbo
In January 1985, the top model of the 944 series was launched: the 944 Turbo. This model had an aerodynamically improved front end with integrated fog lights and main beam. The Black rubber buffers of the 944 were removed. A vehicle-coloured rear diffuser was attached below the rear bumper. The 2.5-litre turbocharged engine delivered 220 PS and in the model year 1988, the Turbo S version produced up to 250 PS thanks to the larger turbocharger.
In model year 1989, the 944 Turbo was fitted with the engine from the Turbo S model, and from model year 1990 was given a Black bow-shaped rear wing.
In its last model year (1991), the 944 Turbo was also available as a Cabriolet.
The Porsche 944 S2 is a sports car with a top speed of 149 mph. It features ideal weight distribution thanks to the transaxle architecture – engine at the front, transmission at the rear. This results in optimum handling.
Among the various 944 models, the 944 S2 is a kind of inside tip and is worth seeking out for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is quite rare; between 1988 and 1991, less than 9,400 Coupés and 7,000 Cabriolets were built – spread over all continents. The late models with front airbags are particularly rare. Secondly, the 944 S2 is an absolute technical highlight because its 211 hp 3.0-liter engine made history as the four-cylinder engine for passenger cars with the largest displacement. 207 lb-ft of torque are available here at 4,100 rpm. The 3.0-liter four-valve naturally aspirated engine also offers better performance than the 2.5-liter twin-valve turbo engine, because the turbocharged engine needs a certain engine speed to overcome the turbo lag.
The 944 S2 (MY 1989–91)
In the model year 1989, the S2 model replaced the 944 S. This model had the bulkier bodyshell, the rear diffuser and (from model year 1991) the rear spoiler of the 944 Turbo. The 944 S2’s 3.0-litre four-valve engine delivered 211 PS and also brought the S successor close to the Turbo model in terms of performance. The 944 S2 was also available in a Cabriolet version from launch.
Porsche 944 S2 Technical specifications
Engine: Four-cylinder 16V inline engine, water-cooled
Displacement: 2,990 cm³
Mixture formation: Digital Motor Electronics, overrun fuel cutoff, idle speed control, K-Jetronic
Maximum power output: 211 hp at 5,800 rpm
Maximum torque: 207 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm (1990)
0–60 mph: 7.1 s
Top speed: 149 mph