Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Since the 944 had an open-top version, a 968 convertible was not unexpected, but it wasn't introduced at the same time with the coupe. It came a year later, in 1992.
The 944 convertible was built as a more affordable Porsche sports-car. It also was the beginning of water-cooled, front-engine cars for the German car-maker. To achieve a good balance, the gearbox was mounted in the back. The same concept was adopted for the 1991 Porsche 968.
From the outside, the most striking part of the car was the headlights system. Those were tilted back on the hood and were risen when they were needed. The long hood and raked A-pillars made the car looks like a GT. The straight beltline from the side gave the car an exclusive look. After all, it was a premium car and it had to look great regardless if the top was up or down.
Like its predecessor, the 944, it featured two seats in the back, fitted for very small children. That was a step forward when compared to the room in the back of a 911. Despite being a convertible, it featured a pair of seats in the back, but with the same, almost impossible, legroom. The canvas-top was stored behind them, taking some room from the trunk, which was not impressively big, but rather small. It could get two medium-sized duffle bags. For anything more, use the rear bench.
The technical platform featured a combination of McPherson struts in the front and semi-trailing arms in the rear. Under the hood, there was an inline-four engine with a 3.0-liter displacement. It was mounted way back, to help the car reach a balanced weight distribution. The VarioCam variable valve timing allowed a better specific power. The six-speed manual was the only option available.
ENGINE SPECS - 3.0L 6MT (240 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2990 cm3 |
Power: | 177 KW @ 6200 RPM 240 HP @ 6200 RPM 237 BHP @ 6200 RPM |
Torque: | 225 lb-ft @ 4100 RPM 305 Nm @ 4100 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 158 mph (254 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 6-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 225/50 ZR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 170.1 in (4321 mm) |
Width: | 68.3 in (1735 mm) |
Height: | 50.2 in (1275 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.2/57.1 in (1,478/1,450 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 94.5 in (2400 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4.9 in (124 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.8 cuFT (249 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.34 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3082 lbs (1398 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 3748 lbs (1700 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
Combined: | 22.8 mpg US (10.3 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 145.1 g/km |