With the introduction of the Porsche 924, Porsche ushered in a new era of sportscars originating from Zuffenhausen: The designation “Transaxle” derives from the innovative and distinctive powertrain configuration consisting of a front-engine and rear-gearbox connected via a massive Transaxle shaft that all models share. This Transaxle setup led to a perfect (front-rear) weight-distribution that – together with state-of-the-art brakes and suspension, relatively low weight, powerful engines, advanced aerodynamics and very driver orienteered interior and controls – made the Transaxle models very fast and reliable cars at their time and allowing some of them still to compete with much more modern sportscars.
The Transaxle era started in 1976 and ended in 1995 and saw 3 main evolutions, the Porsche 924, the Porsche 944 and the 968, all of them featured in various street legal and racing versions.
The Transaxle models both helped Porsche to survive over the years and contributed to the renowned image of the German premium sportscar manufacturer. The innovative and efficient 924 (over 150,000 units produced) arrived in the nick of time when the 911 was criticized to be an outdated car, the Porsche 944 sold very well, featured a lot of technical innovations and initiated the legendary Porsche one-make racing series (944 turbo cup) and the 968 is often referred to as being the best car Porsche has ever built and one of the best handling cars all over the world.
Due to their longevity, high-quality and high performance, timeless design and last but not least also their upgrade potential the Transaxle models remain very popular among enthusiasts, many of them being driven actively on racetracks.
The successful history of Porsche Transaxle models will be continued in 2009 with the introduction of the 4 door premium sport coupé Panamera which may not be considered as a typical Transaxle model but will share many parallels in conception.
