Porsche 944
The Porsche 944 is an automobile that was released in 1983 as a replacement for the Porsche 924 sports car. The two cars were, however, sold in parallel for a number of years. 1991 was the last year of production. The ultimate successor was the Porsche 968. The 944 was a huge success for Porsche throughout the 1980s, and was available in several forms throughout its evolution: 944, 944S, 944 Turbo, and the 944S2.
History
1983-1985 (early)
The 944 is introduced in the United States with a 2.5L 4 cylinder engine that that had its design base by taking half of the Porsche 928 V8 engine. Compared to the Porsche 924, the 944 has updated bodywork and many improved parts such as engine, brakes etc.
1985.5 and later (late)
The interior of the car comes in one of two configurations; early and late. The early 944 interior lasted from the initial model year 1983 through 1985, known as the "early" interior. Mid model year 1985 Porsche came out with the 85.5 interior, which had many significant improvements in ergonomics and particularly the air conditioning system. It is therefore known as the "late" interior. The radio antenna also moved from a standard vertical position to being embedded in the windshield. Other changes include a change in oil sump capacity, new front and rear cast aluminum control arms and semi-trailing arms, larger fuel tank, optional heated and power seats, revised starter, and revisions in the mounting of the transaxle to reduce noise and vibration.
1986
Porsche introduced the 944 Turbo, internally known as the 951.
1987
ABS and anti-lock breaks are introduced as an option. Also introduced was the "Sport" option, the 944S, a beefed up version of the non-aspirated 944. The 944S had a little more horsepower thanks in part to the series' first sixteen valve engine, as well as other slight improvements.. The 944 continued to be sold along side the 944S, and the 944 Turbo.
1988
This year showed another evolution for the 944 Turbo, with the introduction of the 944 Turbo S, an optional added performance package for the 944 Turbo. Dual airbags also became standard in all 944 models.
1989
The 'S' was dropped from the 944 Turbo S, and all 944 Turbos featured the 'S' package as standaard. The regular 944 displacement was increased to a 2.8L engine. This was the only year for the 2.8L, as this year saw the introduction of the 944S2 with a 3.0L engine displacement which saw sales through 1992. The 944S2 had the same rounded nose and valence body of the Turbo model. The S2 was also available as a rare cabriolet, a first for the 944 line.
Production
944
A total of 113,070 944s were made between 1982 and 1989, with 56,921 being imported to the United States.
944 Turbo
A total of 25,107 944 Turbos were made, with 14,235 being imported to the United States.
944S
A total of 12,936 944S were made between 1987-1988, with 8,688 being imported to the United States.
944S2
A total of at least 6,439 944S2 were made between 1989-1991, with 1,929 being imported to the United States. An additional 5640 944S2 cabriolets were produced in these years, with 2,402 being imported to the United States.
