FAST

FACTS

The Porsche 968 replaced the 944, a car that the 968 is largely based on. The 968 is the last front-engined sports car Porsche ever produced, sporting an updated engine from the 944 S2 (non-turbo) pushing 236 hp
The 968 features the first naturally aspirated engine to produce 75 lb-ft of torque per liter. While three liters sounds excessive for a 4 cyl, the block employed a weight-optimized crankshaft, forged steel connecting rods, lightweight pistons, and counter-rotating balance shafts (allowing the 968 to forgo a harmonic balancer, which is a heavy part). Compression ratio is a steep 11.0:1
This is the first production car to employ Porsche’s VarioCam technology, which plays a major role in the high torque output. The system varies the timing of the intake valves by altering the timing chain tension between the intake and exhaust cams, creating an effect similar to that of increasing cam overlap. Below 1500 RPM, the cam is advanced to reduce hydrocarbons. From 1500 to 5500 RPM, the camshaft retards to produce maximum mid-range torque. Above 5,500 RPM, the cam is advanced for maximum power. VarioCam can alter cam timing by as much as 15 degrees
Like the 944, the transmission is located in the rear of the car (transaxle) resulting in a 50/50 weight distribution

Key Model Year Changes:

Introduced in the U.S for the 1992 model year. Early 1992 cars (pre Nov 1991) have unique differences
The following year (1993) is the first year of R134a air conditioning (CFC free), replacing R12
The majority of the changes didn’t occur for the 968 until the 1994 model year, and they were minor. The following are 1994 MY changes:
LSD switches from a clutch type to a Torsen type
Connecting rods are slightly thicker for added strength
Coolant hardpipes are now hoses
Pollen filters added
New security wheel lug nut with special lug nut wrench
Models without A/C (such as the Clubsport) are no longer equipped with a second electric cooling fan
The turn signal cancelling hardware is improved
Electric windows no longer function once the key is removed from the ignition. Windows only work with the key in position 1
First year of the Clubsport, produced from 1993 to 1995. Only 1,923 models were produced worldwide (none for the U.S)
For 1995 – very few changes occurred as this was the final year of the 968 – only 285 coupes were produced this year (excluding Club Sport models) – by far the lowest production year for the 968