In early 1990, Porsche engineers began working on what they had intended to be the third evolution of the 944, the S3. Once invested into the development process, Porsche realized that so many parts were being changed that they had produced an almost entirely new vehicle. Porsche consequently shifted development from the 944 S3 to the car that would replace the 944 entirely, the 968. The 944’s final year of production was 1991; in 1992 the 968 debuted. The 968 was sold alongside the 928 through 1995, when both models were discontinued.
Production was moved from the VW-Audi plant in Neckarsulm (where the 924 and 944 had been manufactured under contract to Porsche), to Porsche's own factory in Zuffenhausen.
The new model was powered by an updated version of the 944’s straight 4 engine, now displacing 3.0 litre and producing 236bhp. Changes to the 968’s power train also included the VarioCam variable valve timing system, newly optimized induction and exhaust systems, a dual-mass flywheel, and updated engine management unit (ECU). The 968’s engine was the second largest 4 cylinder ever offered in a production car, and the most powerful naturally aspirated 4 cylinder engine ever sold in a production automobile up to that time. A new six speed manual transmission was offered, as well as a dual mode Tiptronic automatic.
The 968’s styling somewhat resembled the 928 although it looks considerably more like a blend of the Type 993 911, which did not appear until the end of the 968’s production and a 944 S2. Like the 944, the 968 was sold as both a coupe and a convertible. Much of the 968’s chassis was carried over from the 944 S2, which in itself shared many components with the 944 Turbo. Borrowed components include the Brembo sourced 4 piston brake callipers on all four wheels, aluminium semi-trailing arms and aluminium front A-arms, used in a Macpherson strut arrangement. The steel uni-body structure was also very similar to the previous models. Porsche, however, maintained that 80% of the 968 was new over the 944 S2.
The 968 was Porsche’s last new front engine vehicle before the introduction of the Cayenne 4x4 SUV in 2003. The 968 sold alongside the 928 GTS through 1995 when both models were dropped. As of 2006, Porsche has not yet built another front engine sports car.
