The Porsche 968

The culmination of the transaxle era was the Porsche 968, launched in 1991 as the result of 15 years of technical evolution. At its heart was a 240 hp 3 litre engine, whose 305 Nm made it the highest-torque aspirated four-cylinder engine in the world. The 968 had four-valve cylinder heads, counter-rotating balance shafts, digital Motronic engine control and a VarioCam system that controlled the valve timing. That plus a sporty yet comfortable suspension, high-performance brakes and very high overall quality level led to the 968 being called “the perfect sports car” in the trade press. For many sports car fans it was possibly just a little too perfect, and the 968 with its DM 89,900 base price never attained the emotional appeal of the 911. Perhaps that was why during its four-year production run from 1991 to mid-1995 only 11,245 cars left the Zuffenhausen Porsche plant.