The Porsche 944 with rear engine
09/01/2016
Perhaps this sports car would have changed everything? The traditional Porsche drivers always had reservations about the transaxle vehicles with four (but also eight) cylinders. For them, they were not real Porsches.
In 1981/1982, however, a 944 with a rear-mounted engine was created at Porsche's development center. Yes, that's right, the engine was positioned behind the rear axle, just like the good old 911, and in addition to the rear wheels, the front wheels were also driven.
An in-line four-cylinder engine, originally developed as an underfloor engine on behalf of VW, was used for the drive. However, the 105 hp from 1588 cc seems a little weak, considering the curb weight of 1250 kg for the 4x4 Porsche.
The test vehicle was then tested in Algeria in 1982, but the project was abandoned in favor of the later Porsche 959.
Now it can be seen up close in the Porsche Museum as part of the Transaxle exhibition.
