Porsche 959
Porsche
Photo: M 93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Porsche 959: The Technological Tour de Force
The 959 was Porsche's groundbreaking 1980s supercar, packed with advanced all-wheel drive and twin-turbo technology that redefined what a road car could do.
Built to homologate a Group B rally car, the 959 emerged in the mid-1980s as one of the most technologically advanced cars in the world. Its twin-turbocharged flat-six produced around 444 horsepower, and a sophisticated computer-controlled all-wheel-drive system could vary torque distribution in real time, technology far ahead of its rivals.
The 959 could exceed 195 mph, making it among the fastest production cars of its day, while also proving its toughness by winning the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally. Features like adjustable ride height, run-flat tires with pressure monitoring, and hollow-spoke magnesium wheels showcased Porsche's engineering ambition.
Only about 337 were built, and the 959 was so expensive to produce that Porsche reportedly sold each at a loss. It directly influenced the all-wheel-drive 911 Turbo models that followed and remains one of the most revered and significant supercars ever made.
Frequently asked questions about Porsche 959
Why is the Porsche 959 important?
The 959 introduced advanced twin-turbo and computer-controlled all-wheel-drive technology that was far ahead of its 1980s rivals.
How fast was the 959?
The 959 could exceed 195 mph, making it among the fastest production cars in the world when it launched.
Did the 959 win the Dakar Rally?
Yes, a 959 won the demanding Paris-Dakar Rally, proving its all-wheel-drive system in extreme conditions.
How many 959s were built?
Only about 337 Porsche 959s were built, and the car was so advanced it reportedly sold at a loss.
Did the 959 influence later Porsches?
Yes, its all-wheel-drive technology directly influenced the 911 Turbo models that followed.
Other Porsche models
Submit Your Whip