A Deep-Dive Into The Iconic Porsche 959
The legacy of the Porsche 911 series is marked by continuous innovation and improvement, beginning with the introduction of the original 911 in the 1960s. The early 911 models, starting with the 911 F model (1965-1973), featured small displacement engines that epitomised the sports car experience of their time. As Porsche expanded its technological prowess, the G model series (1974-1989) introduced larger engine capacities and the seminal move towards turbocharging with the 930 and 930 Targa. These models brought unprecedented performance enhancements, setting the stage for the revolutionary Porsche 959, which would incorporate water-cooling technology to a rear-engined platform for the first time (water-cooling was first added to their front-engined cars from the 924)—a significant shift that would influence future generations, starting from the 996 models.
Developed during the golden era of the Group B racing classification, the Porsche 959 represented the pinnacle of automotive innovation in the 1980s. Conceived as a homologation model to qualify Porsche for racing, the 959 incorporated a twin-turbocharged 2.8-litre flat-six engine. This power unit was a marvel of engineering, featuring an air-cooled block with water-cooled cylinder heads, which allowed it to produce an astonishing 450 horsepower. This setup was crucial for achieving higher power outputs while maintaining reliability under extreme conditions.
The Porsche 959 was one of the first production cars to feature an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, the Porsche-Steuer Kupplung (PSK), which could dynamically distribute power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions, enhancing the car's agility and stability. This technological advancement was complemented by a robust 6-speed manual transmission, making the 959 not only a technological leader but also a performance benchmark with a top speed of 317 km/h and an acceleration time from 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds.
Porsche didn't just innovate under the hood; the 959's body was made from a combination of advanced materials like aluminium, Nomex and Kevlar, reducing weight while increasing strength and contributed to the cars low 1450 Kg weight.
The car's aerodynamic design was equally advanced. The bodywork created great stability at high speeds with no aerodynamic lift, yet still retained a drag coefficient of 0.31CD.
One of the other significant innovations was the hydraulic suspension set-up in the 959. Featuring an adjustable suspension system with 3 stages of selectable damping, the 959 could also have its ride height manually switched between 12, 15 and 18 cm depending on the terrain. This gave it never before seen ground clearance on a supercar befitting its Group B rally ideology. This computer controlled system was yet another foresight into modern adaptive systems which are now par for the course in nearly any performance car.
Despite its high development costs and the financial losses incurred on each unit sold, the Porsche 959's production of only 292 units has made it a rare and highly sought-after collector's item. Its blend of advanced technology, groundbreaking performance, and rarity underpin its status as one of the most iconic and revolutionary cars ever made by Porsche.
The Porsche 959 remains a monumental achievement in the history of automotive engineering. Its influence extends beyond its limited production numbers, shaping the future of all sports cars with its innovative technologies and performance capabilities. For Porsche enthusiasts and automotive historians, the 959 is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a road car.
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