Market Position:
The Porsche 968 was positioned as Porsche's front-engined, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer, bridging the gap between the 944 and the 911 series. It represented a significant evolution with its advanced transaxle layout and potent engine.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with other premium sports coupes and grand tourers of the era, such as the Chevrolet Corvette C4, Nissan 300ZX Z32, Toyota Supra Mk IV, and Mazda RX-7 FD.
Key Features:
Tiptronic automatic transmission option, 3.0L 4-cylinder VarioCam engine, advanced transaxle drivetrain for balanced weight distribution, distinctive pop-up headlights, and sophisticated aerodynamics.
Coverage Areas:
Full vehicle service, repair, maintenance, and diagnostics
Page Count:
Comprehensive (Exact page count not specified, but described as very detailed and comprehensive for professional mechanics)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (Instant Download)
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Media Type:
No physical media (CD-ROM) required
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Lubrication, Engine Cooling, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Accelerator Control, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Propeller Shaft, Rear Final Drive, Front Axle, Rear Axle, Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Wheels & Tires, Brake System, Steering System, Body, Air Conditioner, Electrical System
Electrical System Detail:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for all electrical systems including lighting, ignition, fuel injection, instrumentation, power accessories, and HVAC controls.
Procedures Included:
Diagnostics, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Component Overhaul, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams, Assembly/Disassembly Procedures
Body Repair Procedures:
Detailed information on body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, seals, and body-related adjustments.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting charts and fault code explanations based on symptoms, invaluable for identifying and resolving issues.
Technical Depth:
Professional-level, detailed diagnostic and repair procedures, including in-depth schematics and component-level troubleshooting
Torque Specifications:
Includes detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners across all vehicle systems, ensuring correct assembly and preventing component damage.
Special Tools:
Lists and illustrates any specific Porsche or specialty tools required for certain repair or diagnostic procedures.
File Format:
Digital (likely PDF or similar e-book format for compatibility with specified OS)
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Operating Systems Compatibility:
Windows XP, Vista, 7, macOS, Linux
Engine Displacement:
3.0 L (2990 cc)
Engine Type:
Inline-4 (M44/43)
Engine Configuration:
Front-mounted, longitudinally positioned
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VarioCam variable valve timing
Horsepower:
236 hp (176 kW) @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
225 lb-ft (305 Nm) @ 4800 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic 2.10 (or similar, specific to market/year)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic
Engine Code:
M44/43 (for 3.0L 16-valve DOHC)
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed manual transaxle
Transmission Type Optional:
Tiptronic 4-speed automatic transaxle
Transmission Features:
Transaxle design combining engine and transmission (gearbox and differential) in a single unit at the rear axle for optimal weight distribution.
Length:
4430 mm (174.4 in)
Height:
1270 mm (50.0 in)
Wheelbase:
2500 mm (98.4 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1500 kg (3086-3307 lbs) depending on transmission and options
Weight Distribution:
Near 50/50 front/rear with transaxle design
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x130
Typical Tire Sizes:
Front: 205/55 ZR16, Rear: 225/50 ZR16 (standard options, manual will list all variants)
Safety Ratings:
While specific official crash test ratings from entities like NHTSA or Euro NCAP for this era are scarce or non-existent for many low-volume European sports cars, the 968 was built to rigorous Porsche safety standards of the time.
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), powerful disc brakes, well-balanced chassis
Passive Safety Features:
Reinforced safety cage, driver and passenger airbags (standard on later models/markets), crumple zones
Infotainment System:
Factory cassette radio with optional CD player, climate control (manual or automatic depending on trim/options).
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was a key technological feature for its time.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards, primarily analog systems.
Engine Technology Features:
VarioCam variable valve timing system, balancing shaft for inline-4 smoothness, lightweight alloy engine block and head.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 12,000 miles (20,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical. Typically every 48,000 miles (80,000 km) or 4 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. The manual will detail the correct procedure and torque specifications.
Engine Oil Specification:
Porsche A40 or approved equivalent (e.g., Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Syntec 5W-40). Manual will specify exact grade and capacity.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Gear oil meeting Porsche specifications (e.g., G 052 171 A2 or equivalent). Manual will specify type and quantity.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent. Manual will specify type and quantity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid. Manual will specify required type.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Manual will specify type and mixture ratio.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or Porsche approved hydraulic fluid. Manual will provide specific recommendation and capacity.
Air Conditioning Refrigerant:
R134a (post-1992 models, earlier models may have used R12). Manual will specify the correct refrigerant and charge capacity.
Known Issues:
Timing belt tensioner seal leaks, window regulator failures, fuel distributor diaphragm issues, ABS sensor failures, dashboard warning light illumination (various causes), exhaust manifold cracks, transaxle oil leaks.
Preventive Maintenance Focus:
Regular inspection and replacement of rubber components (hoses, belts, bushings), fluid changes, and diligent monitoring of the timing belt system are crucial.
Brand Heritage:
Porsche has a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and motorsport success dating back to the late 1940s.
Model Evolution:
The 968 is the final iteration of Porsche's front-engined, rear-wheel-drive transaxle sports car lineage, evolving from the 924 and 944. It featured significant mechanical and styling updates over its predecessors.
Production Years:
1991-1995
Manufacturing Location:
Stuttgart, Germany
Total Production Numbers:
Approximately 10,500 units worldwide
