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Porsche 959: Porsche’s Group B Rally Racing Answer

Porsche 959: Porsche’s Group B Rally Racing Answer

Red Porsche 959 in showroom

First introduced in 1986 the Porsche 959 has become an iconic sports car and a technological marvel of its time. Porsche used incorporated cutting-edge technology and advanced engineering to create one of the most legendary sports cars in history. Way ahead of its time and setting new standards for high-performance automobiles, the Porsche 959 is a testament to the passion and dedication of Porsche’s engineers and designers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the Porsche 959 and explore how it became one of the most sought-after sports cars in the world.

Porsche 959 deconstructed in garage
Restoration efforts on the Porsche 959 sitting on a car lift
Source: Porsche

The development of the Porsche 959 began in the early 1980s, when Porsche decided to create a new high-performance car that could compete in the Group B rally racing category. The Group B rally racing category was known for its fast and dangerous races that featured some of the most advanced and powerful cars of the time. Porsche wanted to create a car that could not only compete in this category but also showcase its technological prowess and engineering excellence.

blue Porsche 959 on snow
Porsche 959 on snow
Restored Porsche 959 from the 1986 Paris-Dakar Rally Race
Source: Porsche

Porsche’s engineers started working on the 959 in 1981, and the project was led by Helmuth Bott, the head of Porsche’s research and development department. The team started by creating a prototype, which was based on the 911 platform but incorporated many new and innovative features. The prototype had a new four-wheel-drive system, advanced suspension, and a powerful twin-turbocharged engine that could produce up to 450 horsepower.

The Porsche 959 was officially unveiled at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show, and it quickly became the talk of the town. The car’s advanced features and stunning performance capabilities captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and racing fans around the world.

steering wheel of a Porsche 959
engine closeup for a Porsche 959
red Porsche 959 in display room
Source: Porsche

After the success of the prototype, Porsche decided to start the production of the 959. However, the process was not easy, and it took several years for Porsche to finalize the car’s design and engineering. The production of the 959 was limited to just 292 units, which made it one of the most exclusive and expensive cars of its time.

aerial view of a white Porsche 959

One of the main reasons why the production of the 959 was so limited was the complexity of its engineering. The car’s advanced features and technology required a high level of precision and attention to detail, which made the production process slow and expensive.

White Porsche 959 in showroom
Engine closeup Porsche 959
Source: Porsche

The Porsche 959 was powered by a 2.85-liter flat-six engine that was equipped with twin-turbochargers. The engine could produce up to 450 horsepower and had a top speed of 195 mph. The car also had an advanced all-wheel-drive system, which allowed it to handle corners and curves with ease. The suspension system was also state-of-the-art, and it featured an adjustable ride height and damping system that could be customized to suit the driver’s preferences.

Silver Porsche on track
A German classic — the 959’s iconic hold on the automotive world
Source: Porsche

The Porsche 959’s history is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to engineering excellence and technological innovation. The car’s advanced features, such as its four-wheel-drive system, powerful twin-turbocharged engine, and lightweight construction, set new standards for high-performance automobiles. The production of the 959 was limited, but its impact on the automotive industry was significant. The car’s success in rally racing and its groundbreaking design inspired other car manufacturers to push the boundaries of what was possible in terms of performance and design. The Porsche 959 remains one of the most sought-after sports cars in the world and a true icon of automotive engineering.

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