Porsche 944’s History and Its Evolutionary Journey as the successor to the 914

Porsche 944’s History and Its Evolutionary Journey as the successor to the 914

944 S & 944 S2

944S

grey porsche 944ss next to building
Porsche 944 S
Source: Alexandre Prévot via Flickr
silver porsche 944 s next to graffiti wall
Source: Alexandre Prévot via Flickr

The 944 S, introduced in 1987, featured a high-performance naturally aspirated 2.5 L engine with 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp). It boasted four-valves-per-cylinder heads and DOHC, derived from the 928 S4. The 944 S had improved camshaft drive, magnesium intake tract/passages, and revised exhaust system. It achieved impressive performance with a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 232 km/h (144 mph). The 944 S also received handling upgrades, including progressive springs, larger anti-roll bars, and revised transmission. Optional features included dual airbags, limited-slip differential, and ABS. The production of the 944 S lasted from 1987 to 1988, followed by the introduction of the ‘S2’ version in 1989.

944 S2

restored blue porsche 944 s2 in a dock
A restored Porsche 944 S2 model.
Source: Porsche Newsroom

The 944 S2 was introduced in 1989 and featured a powerful 3.0 L naturally aspirated engine with 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp). It had a unique rounded nose and rear valance similar to the Turbo model. The performance figures were impressive, with an acceleration time of 0-97 km/h in 6.0 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds) and a top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph) for manual transmission models. Optional features included dual airbags, limited-slip differential, and ABS.

Porsche 944 S2 engine
Underneath a Porsche 944 S2’s hood.
Source: Porsche Newsroom

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