Today we are introducing Porsche’s 944 Turbo Cup racer from 1987, part of a trio of iconic Porsches that we’re releasing together in Raceroom this month. When you think of a Porsche, most would immediately turn to the iconic 911, with its recognisable lineage that stretches back from the current 992 shape to the original model in 1964. But in the mid-1970s Porsche released a brace of models from the left-field: the 924 and its beefier cousin the 928. Water cooling? The engine at the front? Four seats? A coupé? Heresy, surely?
There was a precedent in going off-piste: specifically the targa-topped 914 that was launched at the turn of the ‘70s and saw success both on the road and on track – particularly in the USA – and also looked nothing like a ‘real’ Porsche. But it performed like one, felt like one – and sold more than the 911 ever did. This same approach was taken with the 924, with the same result: a less raw experience, but a Porsche experience nonetheless. An evolution of the 924, the 944 roared into view in 1982 and sold even more units – it was actually the highest selling Porsche model until the introduction of the Boxster.
Free of the restrictions of the 911 platform (glorious and unique though it is), the 944 delivered a stable, quick GT platform for the road and track that was more accessible, practical – and cheaper. The turbocharged variant came online in 1986, the basis for the 1987 Cup model you’ll be driving.
Setting the precedent for Porsche’s future Carrera Cup models, the 944 Cup was a lightly modified production car, gaining race suspension and brakes, a roll-cage, magnesium wheels and ABS while throwing out all the unnecessary road-going comforts to shed almost 300kg of dead weight.
The 1987 model was up-gunned from the previous year, a new KKK turbocharger boosting power to 246hp from the original 217hp version, and the axles were widened for a more stable stance. The platform was always well-balanced, delivering an almost perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
Ironically, the 944’s ‘aero’ produces almost no net downforce, so the car can be a bit light at high speed – which is something to watch out for. The tyres are also fairly skinny and the car is softly sprung, so at lower speed mechanical grip isn't massive. Balancing against these traits, the car is very progressive and communicate with what’s going on, allowing drivers to really get the feel of what’s happening beneath them.
All in all, this is a racing car that delivers proper fun and driving pleasure while being a sensible challenge, and in the context of its one-make series will really allow you to gauge your performance. We’ve recreated 22 classic liveries from the period, which deliver a touch of retro style: our art team have done a great job bringing them to life. The car will also play well in multi-class races using cars from around the same era: throw yourself in at the deep-end with some fearsome Group Cs to deal with (in terms of being lapped!), or put yourself up against some of our IMSA GTO or Touring Classics as opposition.
Next up we’ll be previewing the two modern machines that are included in our Porsche Pack release, due later in July: the 992-shape 911 GT3 Cup and GT3 R.