Market Segment:
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, grand tourer sports car. Positioned as the successor to the highly successful Porsche 944, offering a blend of performance and luxury.
Key Competitors:
Corvette C4, Nissan 300ZX Z32, Toyota Supra Mk4, Mazda RX-7 FD, Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4.
Transaxle Layout:
Unique transaxle design for optimal weight distribution and handling characteristics.
Variable Valve Timing:
VarioCam variable valve timing system for improved performance and efficiency.
Club Sport Variant:
The 968 CS is a track-focused variant, featuring weight reduction, stiffer suspension, and a more aggressive aerodynamic package.
Design Evolution:
Evolved from the 944, featuring a more modern aesthetic with integrated bumpers and a distinctive 'face-lift' with clear headlights.
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive technical specifications for the 1992-1993 Porsche 968 and specifically the 1993 Porsche 968 CS (Club Sport) model.
Page Count:
Estimated 200-300 pages (typical for a technical specification manual).
Manual Type:
Technical Specifications Manual / Data Book.
Format:
Likely a digital format (PDF) given the description, or potentially a professional print-on-demand service.
Engine Systems:
Engine architecture, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, ignition system, emission control.
Transmission Systems:
Gearbox specifications (type, ratios), clutch system, drive shafts, differential.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front and rear types, geometry), steering system, brake system (disc sizes, ABS specifications), wheel and tire specifications.
Electrical Systems:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) functions, sensor specifications, wiring harness layouts (overview), lighting, instrumentation.
Body And Aerodynamics:
Body panel construction, aerodynamic elements (especially for CS), interior trim specifications.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Technical data for diagnosis, common issues based on specification parameters, error code interpretations (if applicable to spec sheet).
Maintenance Procedures:
Specific torque values for key components, fluid capacities, lubricant specifications, critical adjustment parameters.
Performance Tuning Data:
Engine power curves, torque figures, drag coefficients, weight distribution, ideal operating parameters.
Depth Level:
Highly detailed technical data, suitable for engineers, performance tuners, and experienced mechanics. Focuses on quantitative specifications rather than step-by-step repair guides.
Digital Format:
PDF (Searchable, Printable)
Print Quality:
High-resolution images and diagrams (if included), clear text rendering.
Binding Type:
N/A (for digital format) / Professional perfect binding (for print).
Paper Type:
N/A (for digital format) / High-quality, durable paper (for print).
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-4
Engine Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2990 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
104 mm x 88 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder, VarioCam
Horsepower:
236 hp (176 kW) @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft (305 Nm) @ 4500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M2.10 fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Cooling System Type:
Water-cooled, thermostatically controlled
Lubrication System:
Dry sump lubrication (for 968 CS, standard wet sump for regular 968)
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed manual transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
Tiptronic automatic transmission (4-speed)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Final Drive Ratio:
3.778:1 (Manual), 3.437:1 (Tiptronic)
NHTSA Ratings:
Not officially rated by NHTSA in modern terms.
ABS:
Standard Bosch ABS II (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Automatic Slip Regulation)
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some markets.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage and crumple zones inherent in Porsche's design philosophy.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years (critical for this engine).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-50 (e.g., Mobil 1, Castrol Edge) adhering to Porsche A40 specification (or equivalent older spec).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 liters (8.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90.
Coolant Type:
Glysantin G05 or equivalent (blue/green ethylene glycol based coolant).
Transaxle Mounts:
Wear and tear on transaxle mounts can lead to shifting issues and vibration.
Power Window Regulators:
Common failure point for the era, often requiring replacement of the regulator mechanism.
Fuel Lines:
Degradation of fuel lines due to age and material breakdown, especially near the fuel accumulator and injection system.
Air Flow Meter Cup:
The plastic flap in the air flow meter can become brittle and break, affecting engine performance and idle.
Headlight Actuators:
Failure of the pop-up headlight actuators (motors, gears) is common.
Brand Legacy:
Porsche's long history of producing driver-focused, high-performance sports cars with engineering excellence.
Predecessor:
Porsche 944 (S, S2, Turbo variants).
Development Basis:
Developed from the 944 platform, with significant updates to engine, chassis, and styling.
Introduction Year:
1991 (as successor to 944 S2).
Production Period:
1991-1995
Production Volume 968:
Approximately 19,770 units worldwide.
Production Volume 968 Cs:
Approximately 1,538 units worldwide.
Manufacturing Location:
Neckarsulm, Germany (formerly Audi plant).
Automotive Press Reviews:
Generally praised for its handling, balance, and engineering, though sometimes criticized for being less charismatic than earlier 911 models.
Performance Benchmarks:
Praised for its chassis tuning and the effectiveness of its transaxle layout in providing neutral handling characteristics.
