Market Segment:
Luxury Sports Coupe / Grand Tourer
Competitors 1992:
Chevrolet Corvette C4, Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Toyota Supra (Mk3/Mk4), Mazda RX-7 (FC/FD), BMW 8 Series (E31), Lotus Esprit
Distinctive Features:
Transaxle layout (engine front, transmission rear), innovative VarioCam variable valve timing (first for Porsche), pop-up headlights, 3.0L inline-four engine, excellent weight distribution.
Intended Audience:
Porsche Dealership Technicians, Independent Porsche Specialists, Enthusiast DIY Mechanics
Engine:
Engine mechanical, cylinder head, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system (Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (G92.03), Clutch System, Transaxle Assembly
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, Half-shafts, Differential, Rear Axle Assembly
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (McPherson Struts), Rear Suspension (Trailing Arms), Power Steering System, Steering Column, Wheel Alignment
Brakes:
Brake System Hydraulic Components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Brake Discs, Calipers, Parking Brake
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Wipers, Horn, Fuses, Relays, Engine Control Unit (ECU), Instrument Cluster, Dashboard Controls
Body Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Chassis Components, Paint and Finish
Climate Control:
Air Conditioning System, Heating System, Ventilation
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspections
Disassembly Assembly:
Complete component removal and reinstallation for all major systems
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for component repair and rebuilding (e.g., engine, transmission, steering rack)
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Symptom-based diagnostic guides, electrical circuit diagrams, error code interpretation
Adjustments Settings:
Idle speed adjustment, ignition timing, clutch adjustment, headlight aiming
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, resistance readings, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Expert Level: Covers complete vehicle overhaul, from minor adjustments to major component rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-Four Cylinder
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2990 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
104.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam variable valve timing
Horsepower:
237 hp (177 kW) @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft (305 Nm) @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M2.10 Fuel Injection and Ignition Control (Sequential Fuel Injection)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Oil Type:
Refer to manual for specific Porsche A40 or equivalent specification (typically synthetic 0W-40 or 5W-40)
Coolant Type:
Porsche specified G48 coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transaxle (G92.03)
Transmission Type Optional:
Tiptronic Automatic (4-speed) - Introduced later in production, check specific models
Gear Ratios Manual:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 3.917/2.143/1.407/1.103/0.917/0.727, R: 3.500)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific Porsche transmission fluid specification (e.g., Pentosin, Mobil ATF LT 71141 for Tiptronic, specific GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil for manual)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
Length:
4430 mm (174.4 in)
Height:
1270 mm (50.0 in)
Wheelbase:
2495 mm (98.2 in)
Front Track:
1472 mm (57.9 in)
Rear Track:
1448 mm (57.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1470 kg (3241 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle VIN plate
Trunk Volume Rear:
Small storage compartment behind rear seats, plus underfloor storage
Front Storage:
Frunk (Front Trunk) capacity: approximately 125 Liters
NHTSA Rating:
N/A (Vehicle predates standardized crash testing protocols as we know them today)
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Power-assisted brakes
Passive Safety Features:
3-Point Seat Belts with Pretensioners, Crumple Zones, Reinforced Safety Cage, Driver and Passenger Airbags (Optional on some models, standard later)
Audio System:
Factory-fitted Porsche CR-210 (or similar Blaupunkt/Becker) radio with cassette player, optional CD player.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Analog era, no Bluetooth or USB)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or annually, whichever comes first (refer to manual for precise recommendation).
Major Service Intervals:
Timing belt replacement typically every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) - CRITICAL. Refer to manual.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Common Wear Items:
Timing belt tensioner, fuel pump, coolant hoses (age-related degradation), window regulators, transaxle mounts, ignition coil failure, ABS sensor issues.
Structural Considerations:
Age-related rubber component deterioration (bushings, seals), potential for minor coolant leaks if not maintained.
Porsche Heritage:
Founded in 1931, Porsche is renowned for its pioneering sports car engineering, racing success, and iconic designs like the 356 and 911.
968 Lineage:
Successor to the 944, built on the 924 platform. Represents the final evolution of the front-engine, rear-drive transaxle Porsche sports car series. Featured a significant redesign over the 944 S2, particularly the front end with its integrated turn signals and flip-up headlights.
Production Years:
1991-1995
Manufacturing Location:
Neckarsulm, Germany (formerly Audi NSU plant)
Production Volume:
Total production around 18,000 units globally.
