Porsche 959 - the most popular German racing car of the 80s

The Porsche 959 is a sports car,produced in the light of one of the most famous German companies. Interesting fact: the issue of one such car used to cost the concern twice as much as, in fact, the price of the car for which it was bought by people. Well, this is not the only interesting fact about this company, so the rest should also be told.

Interesting Facts

So, as was said above, the realthe cost of the Porsche 959 was supposed to be twice as much as the one it was installed on. You do not even need to be an expert to calculate: the release of this model of the company did not bring, in fact, any financial gain. However, despite this fact, the 959th model significantly refreshed the image of the concern. Porsche 959 was the car that won the victory in 24 hours of Le Mans, as well as in the rally "Paris - Dakar". Thus, he replenished the treasury of the achievements of the brand. And besides that, I won the love and recognition of thousands of people around the world. This car is the most perfect and technological car among all that came out in the eighties. Several publications have written about him. For example, in Sports Car International he was named the best sports car of the 80s, and in Auto, Moto und Sport they wrote that it was the best "Porsche" of all time. So it's not such an unassuming concept turned out.

Start of release

It is worth mentioning how this Porsche started to appear. The history of the brand is quite interesting, so this topic must be mentioned with attention.

So, for the first time this model appeared to the world in 1983year. It was then, in Frankfurt, this machine was presented. At that time, this concept was the prototype of a rally car group B. It was said that the model has no future. There were many disagreements, which concerned mainly technical features. And many critics did not even see the point in releasing such a car.

However, the project was approved. And two years later the serial Porsche 959 appeared to the world. And it was already a sensation.

Appearance

Review Porsche 959 should start with a description of itappearance. The image of the car was created by Luigi Colani. This is the same designer who then put his hand to the Corvette. In general, the machine turned out to be specific - to an amateur. But the fact that it attracts views is a fact. Many find in the appearance of the model a resemblance to the "Porsche 911". However, if you look closely, you can understand - this is not at all the case. Despite a rather large number of coincidences with the image, the 959 version turned out to be original. Such a body still no other car had.

The main task of the new model wastaking part in the rally. That's why designers focused on aerodynamics, creating a more streamlined body. Due to this, it was possible to deprive the model of sharp angles and other parts that protruded above the surface. In addition to the front bumper, decorated with a powerful air intake, the machine boasts a huge number of different small holes for ventilation. They are located on the sides and contribute to an additional cooling of the motor (especially this function saves when the car goes in extreme mode). Even the designers decided to add a large rear wing. All this made the design very functional. But nevertheless the car turned out to be "muscular". One of its kind, it hinted potential buyers for serious technical characteristics. Well, this is a separate topic.

Porsche 959: characteristics and power indicators

In this car "Porsche" is installed6-cylinder 3.5-liter engine, which the manufacturers have created in view of all the company's traditions. However, because of the concept (which was to create a racing model), I had to make some adjustments.

The power unit for the model was chosen withdefined FIA requirements. Still, the car was preparing to participate in group B, which was famous for its power and strength. It was necessary to make the motor not more than 4 liters in volume. Or 2.85 liters - using a turbo. The developers decided to choose the second option. The 6-cylinder engine they borrowed from the racing "Porsche".

The motor was operated by a 6-speedmechanics, which successfully combined with electronic coupling. The suspension also turned out to be decent - it allowed to adjust the clearance and could change the modes (it was sporty, intermediate and normal).

For the first time this car was announced for participation in the rally in1985, but unfortunately, no victories could be achieved. Engineers took this into account. And in 1986 they presented to the public an updated "Porsche" with a 600-horsepower engine and a double turbocharger. As a result, the Porsche team took first place.

Sales

Interestingly, in the US this model neverwas sold. The company simply did not want to represent it to the Americans. It was unprofitable. And in Europe there were enough potential buyers. By the way, it was planned to release 200 pieces (serially). The model was insanely expensive at that time - a little less than 300 thousand dollars. Then at a price many compared the "Porsche" with the famous Ferrari F40. It cost a little more expensive and was a direct competitor to the 959th Porsche.