The Porsche 959 is a car that defied conventions and redefined what a supercar could be. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the 959 was not just a showcase of Porsche’s engineering prowess but a technological marvel that was years ahead of its time. Designed to dominate Group B rally racing and later adapted for the road, the 959 introduced innovations that would influence the automotive industry for decades. Despite its limited production and high cost, the 959 remains a legend, a car that was truly too advanced for its era.
The Birth of a Legend: Porsche’s Answer to Group B
The Porsche 959 was born out of the company’s desire to compete in Group B rally racing, a category known for its no-holds-barred approach to performance and technology. Porsche aimed to create a car that could outperform rivals like the Ferrari 288 GTO and the Audi Quattro. However, by the time the 959 was ready, Group B was canceled due to safety concerns. Despite this setback, Porsche decided to bring the 959 to the public, creating a road-legal version that would cement its place in automotive history.
Groundbreaking Technology: A Masterclass in Innovation
The Porsche 959 was a rolling showcase of cutting-edge technology, featuring advancements that were unheard of in the 1980s. Here are some of the key innovations that made the 959 so revolutionary:
- All-Wheel Drive System: The 959 was one of the first production cars to feature an advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Known as Porsche-Steuer Kupplung (PSK), this system could vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles, ensuring optimal traction in all conditions. This technology laid the foundation for modern AWD systems used in high-performance cars today.
- Twin-Turbocharged Engine: At the heart of the 959 was a 2.8-liter flat-six engine equipped with twin sequential turbochargers. This setup produced 450 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 959 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 197 mph. The sequential turbo system minimized turbo lag, providing smooth and relentless power delivery.
- Lightweight Construction: The 959 featured a lightweight body made from aluminum and Kevlar, a material more commonly associated with aerospace engineering. This innovative use of materials helped keep the car’s weight down while maintaining structural rigidity.
- Adjustable Suspension: The 959 introduced an adjustable suspension system that allowed drivers to raise or lower the ride height depending on road conditions. This feature was particularly useful for navigating rough terrain, a nod to the car’s rally origins.
- Aerodynamic Design: The 959’s sleek, aerodynamic body was designed to minimize drag and maximize downforce. Features like an integrated rear wing and underbody diffuser helped the car achieve exceptional stability at high speeds.
The Road-Legal Supercar: A Limited Production Masterpiece
While the 959 was initially conceived as a rally car, Porsche decided to produce a road-legal version to meet homologation requirements. Only 337 units were built between 1986 and 1989, making the 959 one of the rarest and most exclusive supercars of its time. The road-going version retained most of the rally car’s advanced technology, offering buyers a taste of motorsport engineering in a street-legal package.
The 959 was also one of the most expensive cars of its era, with a price tag of around 225,000inthe1980s(equivalenttoover500,000 today). Its high cost and limited production made it a status symbol, owned by celebrities and collectors like Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld.
A Legacy of Influence: Paving the Way for Future Supercars
The Porsche 959’s impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. Its innovations set new standards for performance and technology, influencing the design of future supercars and high-performance vehicles. Here are some ways the 959 left its mark:
- All-Wheel Drive: The 959’s AWD system inspired Porsche to develop similar technology for its future models, including the iconic 911 Carrera 4.
- Turbocharging: The sequential turbocharging system used in the 959 became a benchmark for turbocharged engines, demonstrating how to balance power and responsiveness.
- Lightweight Materials: The use of advanced materials like Kevlar and aluminum paved the way for lightweight construction techniques in modern sports cars.
- Adaptive Suspension: The 959’s adjustable suspension system influenced the development of adaptive and air suspension systems used in today’s high-performance vehicles.
Driving Experience: A Technological Marvel on Wheels
Driving the Porsche 959 was an experience like no other. The car’s advanced technology made it incredibly capable, whether on the road or the track. The twin-turbocharged engine delivered explosive acceleration, while the AWD system provided unmatched grip and stability. The adjustable suspension allowed the 959 to handle everything from smooth highways to rough backroads with ease.
Despite its performance capabilities, the 959 was surprisingly comfortable and refined for a supercar of its era. The interior featured luxurious materials and ergonomic design, offering a level of sophistication that matched its technological brilliance.
Collector’s Item: A Timeless Classic
Today, the Porsche 959 is one of the most coveted collector cars in the world. Its rarity, historical significance, and groundbreaking technology have made it a favorite among enthusiasts and investors. Well-preserved examples can fetch millions of dollars at auctions, a testament to the 959’s enduring appeal.
The Porsche 959 was a car that was truly ahead of its time. It combined groundbreaking technology, unparalleled performance, and exquisite design to create a supercar that redefined the automotive landscape. While it was too advanced and too expensive to achieve widespread success in its era, the 959’s legacy lives on in the cars it inspired and the enthusiasts who continue to celebrate its brilliance. The 959 is more than just a supercar; it is a testament to Porsche’s commitment to innovation and excellence, a machine that will forever be remembered as a pioneer of its time. Whether on the road or in a collector’s garage, the Porsche 959 remains a timeless icon, a symbol of what happens when engineering meets imagination.
