Porsche 924

Porsche 924 S

The Porsche 924 is a sports car, the Porsche AG from 1976 to 1988 produced.

Originally designed as a successor to the VW - Porsche 914 for Volkswagen, Porsche brought the car as a separate entry model below the 911 model on the market. The 924 was the first car from Porsche with a water-cooled front engine and the transaxle drive system and was compared with the previously built models with air-cooled engines expression of a new corporate philosophy.

In addition to production vehicles in 1980 and 1981, specifically the vehicle variants Carrera GTP and Carrera GTR developed for motorsport, which were used in World Sportscar Championship races such as the 24 - hour race at Le Mans and reached there in the class scoring podiums and victories.

The 924 was often not regarded as a full Porsche sports cars because of its originating from the Volkswagen Group parts, such as the 2- liter engine. Only since the 2010s years the model receives as vintage and classic cars more recognition.

• 2.1 924 ( 1976-1985 )
• 2.2 924 S ( 1986-1988 )
• 2.3 924 Turbo Type 931 ( 1979-1982 )
• 924 2.4 Carrera GT Type 937 (1981 )

• 3.1 924 World Cup model (1977 )
• 3.2 924 Limited Edition (1978 - U.S. only)
• 3.3 924 79 Sebring (1980 - U.S. only)
• 3.4 924 Le Mans ( 1980)
• 3.5 924 Porsche 50 years (1981 )
• 3.6 924 Weissach (1981 - U.S. only)
• 924 3.7 Turbo ( 1984 - Italy only)
• 3.8 S 924 exclusive model ( 1988)
• 924 3.9 S Special Edition ( 1988 - U.S. only)

• 4.1 combination
• 4.2 Open versions
• 4.3 Police vehicle

• 5.1 924 Carrera GTP Type 939 (1980 )
• 5.2 924 Carrera GTR Type 939 (1981 )
• 5.3 924 Carrera GTS Type 937 (1981 )
• 5.4 The results 1980-1984

General

1970 led the Volkswagen and Porsche for the distribution of the sales company founded 914 in Ludwigsburg to develop a successor model. The sports car should be produced cost from as many large-scale parts of the VW / Audi program. The aim was to take the new car to the official sales program from Audi.

With a budget of DM 150 million Porsche designed under the name EA 425 a new vehicle. Before the work was completed, in 1975 the new VW CEO Toni Schmücker stopped the development project. Because Volkswagen was at this time by the oil crisis of 1973/74 in economic difficulties. Schmücker not decided the future sports car for Audi that are essential to the introduced in 1974, VW Scirocco is a sports car in the model range of the VW Group was already included.

Porsche bought mid-1975 returned the rights to the design to market the car on its own. Previously agreed Porsche with Volkswagen to move the production of the car in the soon to be closing Audi / NSU factory in Neckarsulm. In return, Porsche was awarded the VW parts for the sports car on favorable terms. This decision was profitable for both parties: Volkswagen was able to run a site, Porsche did avoid the expansion of its production, as the own production capacity should be fully utilized by the planned Porsche 928.

Design

Designed by Harm Lagaay design of the 924 was fundamentally different from the previous Porsche models 356, 911 and 914 Because of the front -mounted engine, had the 924er for a Porsche completely new lines.

The engine was in a long, forward steeply sloping front with pop-up headlights, which opened only when the low beam or high beam. When switched off the headlights were not visible and formed with the hood a smooth surface. The front bumper with spoiler contained the turn signals and driving lights. Due to the smooth surfaces of the body to a low drag coefficient of 0.34 was reached.

The vehicle was a 2 2- seater coupe and had typical two doors. The rear trough-shaped seats were separated by a high drive tunnel and suitable only for relatively small people. Despite many changes in the interior switches and door handles revealed the close relationship to the original Volkswagen design. A Porsche works spokesman said in 1975: "We have, especially on the equipment, a lot of changes - as VW the car would have been poor. "

The vehicle had up to 370 liters a sports car for large trunk, which was below the strongly curved rear window, which was the boot lid simultaneously.

The Porsche 924 took up various style elements of other vehicles. The rear window had similarity with that of the Jensen Interceptor produced since 1966 and the rear side windows were similar to those of the Honda Civic of 1972. Formed the other hand, the 924, the basis for further developments such as the vehicle of the Porsche 944 and the Porsche 968 later

Technology

Introduced in the 924 transaxle design was indeed rare at this time, but no novelty in the automotive industry. In 1937, presented Škoda Popular had this drive concept as well as the Lancia Aurelia of 1950 and the Alfa Romeo Alfetta in the year 1972. Through the front placed engine, which was connected by a rigid tube with the rear -positioned gear, resulted in a balanced weight distribution, supported a neutral handling.

As required by the development order, many technical components from the VW group were used in the vehicle. The first built-in water -cooled 2- liter four-cylinder in-line engine with 92 kW ( 125 hp ), it was also in a modified form in the Audi 100 mid-sized cars and the VW LT- utility vehicle. The four-speed manual gearbox and drum brakes on the rear axle also came from the Audi 100 at the front axle wishbone from the VW Golf and the MacPherson strut VW Beetle 1302 were used. The rear wheels were hanging on lateral links from the VW Beetle 1302. In addition, other components from the VW program in 924 were used, for example, the silencer of the Audi 200 Turbo or the coolant expansion tank of the VW K 70 Thus, the production costs were lowered and the base price can be kept low with 23,240 DM 1976. In comparison, a Porsche 911 cost at least 32,000 DM

Exterior paint

For the Porsche 924 different paint schemes were offered since its introduction in 1976 over the years. In addition to the extra free serial Unilacken there were metallic finishes, so-called spot colors. For the 924 Turbo two-color finishes were also available, which were made up of different standard and special colors.

Model development

924 (1976-1985)

The Porsche 924 was established in 1976 as the successor of the 914 marketed below the 911 as " entry level " Porsche. The target group were young families and buyers who are a new 911 could not afford. The former Porsche CEO Ernst Fuhrmann said of the car: "We have once again something for the young people and the ladies. "

Had the first water-cooled Porsche engine four cylinder in line, Bosch K- Jetronic fuel injection and made ​​maximum 92 kW ( 125 hp ) at 5800 rpm. With a curb weight of 1080 kg, the car reached with this engine a significant for the 1970s, top speed of 204 km / h The sports car required 9.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km / hr. As a standard consumption 7.7 liters of premium gasoline were given. As standard, the vehicles with 165 - HR -14 tires on 5.5J x 14 - four-bolt steel wheels were delivered, which could be exchanged for 6J × 14 four-bolt alloy wheels and 185/70-HR-14-Breitreifen. To improve road handling Porsche offered surcharge front and rear of stabilizers. Was connected with a four-speed manual transmission from Audi's production.

The interior of the 924 was extensively already in the series. The two front sports seats came from the 911 and were as well as the rear seats relative to the seat cheeks with artificial leather and the seat and the backrest with a plaid. The rear seats were folded down to increase the cargo area of ​​the trunk. The trunk was content to hide with a roll out fabric cover. Instead of the standard two-spoke steering wheel a high-order two-spoke leather steering wheel could be ordered. The three-part instrument cluster behind the steering wheel on the left containing the cooling water temperature and fuel gauges, in the middle speed and mileage display including trip odometer and to the right the tachometer. In the center console of the additional instruments for the oil pressure, a quartz clock with analog display and a voltmeter were above installed. Among them were the cigarette lighter and the warning indicator for the brake pad wear and the driver seat belt. Under the control of the ventilation and heating of the DIN slot for a car stereo with a front speaker and two speakers was back. In the dashboard was located on the passenger side of a lockable storage compartment.

Further comfort functions as the rear windscreen wiper and headlight washer system became available as optional equipment. Fog lamps could also be ordered separately as a trailer hitch for an additional charge. Instead of the sunroof available on request as a special feature, there was a raising and removable roof panel made ​​of plastic, with which the car could be converted into a Targa - style version. This, according to Porsche " removable pop-top " fit expanded exactly in the trunk.

1977 Porsche offered for the vehicle next to the gearbox also has a three -speed automatic transmission and comfort-oriented customers could order air conditioning. When installing the air conditioner, the voltmeter was accounted for in the center console in place of which sat the quartz watch, the space was used for the air conditioning control.

A year later received the 924 several improvements. The body was hot-dip galvanized on both sides and Porsche were for soil group six years anti-perforation warranty. Two accumulator and an additional solenoid valve eliminated the initial difficulties of the Bosch K -Jetronic engine is hot. Standard wider rims with the dimensions 6J x 14 and 185/70-HR-14-Breitreifen evaluated on the equipment of the car. Upon request, the 924 was equipped with a sport-tuned ZF five- speed manual transmission. Inside, the seats received a new upholstery fabric with a herringbone pattern.

In 1979, the 924 series has been extended by a more powerful model, the Porsche 924 Turbo. Next year, the four-speed manual transmission accounted for the 924 in favor of a standard five-speed gearbox. The year 1980 brought changes in the interior. The herringbone pattern was replaced by three new fabrics. The buyer had a choice of plaid, pinstripe and Pasha decor. To the 924 similar visually and technically upgrade the turbo, there was a sports package with stabilizers and Koni shock absorbers on the front and rear axle as well as internally ventilated front discs. There were also 6J x 15 four- hole light-alloy cross-spoke wheels from ATS with 205/60-HR-15-Breitreifen and a three-spoke leather steering wheel instead of the two-spoke steering wheel. For optical rounding the 924 were equipped with sports package with the rear spoiler of the turbos. To meet the increased security needs of customers, an alarm system was included in the accessories.

1981 was one of the three-spoke leather steering wheel as standard and the seat upholstery fabric plaid was replaced by the Berber design. In the front fenders, the side indicator lights were now fitted as standard that were previously only available as an extra. The removable roof panel consisted instead of plastic from this year, as the body of sheet steel. The still coming from the Audi 100 at the rear drum brakes were replaced by disc brakes.

Starting in 1982, the marketing of all Porsche 924 models in the U.S. and Canada has been completely adjusted in favor of the Porsche 944. The 924 Turbo was no longer offered worldwide except in Italy.

In the following years 1983 to 1984 the 924 was still a few upgrades such as the standard mounted rear spoiler from the turbo and a synchronized reverse gear. Inside, the so-called Porsche fabric replaced the Berber fabric used previously. The material variants pinstripes and Pasha were still available.

Mid-1985 the production of the Porsche 924 ran out after ten years of production, as the more powerful Porsche 924 S model was provided for the following year.

924 S ( 1986-1988 )

For the model year 1986 sparked the Porsche 924 S to built with more than 130,000 units from 924. This was due to a more stringent emission regulations in the U.S. market, the fulfillment of which would have been possible with the 2- liter engine only with great effort, and secondly, the setting of the motor type at Audi because of the order volumes down by Porsche. Therefore, the Porsche 924 S decreased in the compression of the 2.5 - liter four-cylinder engine from the Porsche 944 to 9.7: 1, as in the U.S. model. In this version of the engine at 5800 rpm gave a power output of 110 kW ( 150 hp). With a weight of 1190 kg, the car reached a top speed of 215 km / h The car needed to accelerate from zero to 100 km / h 8.5 s standard it was there with a five-speed manual transmission, which could be replaced by an optional three- speed automatic transmission. The suspension and braking systems have also been incorporated into the 924 S with a corresponding adjustment from 944. The body remained virtually unchanged from its predecessor, only received the new model new 6J x 15 alloy wheels in " Telefonwählscheibendesign " with 195/65-VR-15-Breitreifen. The interior design was unchanged from the 924. In 1986, the 924 S has a factory price of 41.950 DM In 1988 - shortly before the cessation of production - the performance of the S 924 has been increased to 118 kW (160 hp) at 5900/min. The maximum torque increased from 190 to 210 Nm. The interior has been upgraded with a split rear bench seat. A four-spoke leather steering wheel and leather cuff for the shift knob were like many other details of the standard equipment.

With the end of production of the 924 S on 1 August 1988 ended the 924 - series.

924 Turbo Type 931 ( 1979-1982 )

Sales of the 924 were good. However, many customers complained about the low for a sports car engine performance. In addition to the 924 adhered to the blemish with a Volkswagen-/Audi-Motor to be a " pure-bred " Porsche. With the introduced in 1979 Porsche 924 Turbo ( factory code 931 ) Porsche responded to the wishes and also wanted to refute the prejudice against the engine.

The engine was still the 2- liter four-cylinder engine from the Porsche 924 developed a new cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers and arranged differently spark plugs. Then there was a KKK turbocharger, which generated more than 0.7 bar boost pressure. The engine produced at 5500 rpm, a maximum of 125 kW ( 170 hp ), enabling acceleration from zero to 100 km / h in 7.8 seconds. The top speed was 225 km / h The chassis, suspension and braking systems have been adapted and improved with existing stabilizers, Koni shock absorbers and ventilated brake discs at the front of the engine power.

Visually, the Turbo differed significantly from a standard 924 and underlined the sport character. In front of the car between the headlights four additional air intakes, were introduced. The front apron had left and the right of the license plate more air vents. By an NACA - right opening on the hood of the turbocharger was sufficient air to be supplied.

In order to achieve a better adhesion with the rear axle, the car had a rear spoiler of polyurethane. The series consisted of 185/70-VR-15-Breitreifen tires on 6J x 15 five- hole light-alloy cross-spoke wheels from ATS that could be exchanged for an additional charge against 6J x 16 light-alloy forged wheels with 205/55-VR-16-Reifen.

In addition to a single-color metallic or metallic - paint the 924 Turbo could be ordered with a two -tone paint. The interior was equipped with a three-spoke leather steering wheel and a leather cuff for the shift knob richer than the 924, the seats and door panels were with the plaid decor, later covered with the Pasha decor. The basic price for the 924 Turbo was around 40,000 DM 1 to 8.5: 1981, two years after the launch, the compression ratio of 7.5 was initially by an increase in 1 and improved engine control, the engine output by 5 kW ( 7 hp ) increased to 130 kW (177 hp). Thus, the car reached a top speed of 230 km / h

In June 1982, ended after four years, the production of the 924 Turbo. By introduced in 1981 Porsche 944 model had received a strong competition, whereby the sales figures decreased. Only in Italy, where the turbo was taxed much lower with its 2- liter engine and therefore was still attractive, even to 1984 vehicles were sold.

924 Carrera GT Type 937 (1981 )

The prototype of the Porsche 924 Carrera GT ( factory code 937) was presented in 1979 at the IAA in Frankfurt. He should emphasize the performance of the 924 and at the same time give an outlook on the bodywork of the Porsche 944 planned.

The base of this sports car made ​​the 924 Turbo with the 2- liter four- cylinder engine. In order to increase the engine power, the engine lighter forged pistons, hardened camshafts and a revised cylinder head received with a 7.5: 1 to 8.5: 1 compression increased. In addition, the maximum boost pressure of the turbocharger KKK were raised to 0.75 bar and installed an additional intercooler. The motor control was carried out by a so-called Hartig - ignition, which kept relatively low in addition to the power increase and fuel consumption of around 9.1 l/100 km. In this version of the engine 154 kW (210 hp) at 6000 rpm made ​​. The top speed was 240 km / h and to accelerate from zero to 100 km / h the vehicle needed 6.9 seconds.

For engine performance to match a revised gearbox was installed, which could be supplemented by an optional limited slip differential. To save weight, the Porsche developers resorted to the motorsport and gave the car a new, lightweight exhaust system. The Carrera GT had standard front and rear forged 7J × 15 Fuchs rims and 215/60-VR-15-Breitreifen. For an additional charge, larger wheels with the rim dimensions 7J x 16 with front and rear 205/55-VR-16-Bereifung 8J x 16 could be ordered with 225/50-VR-16-Bereifung instead. The braking system with internally ventilated disc brakes was taken over by the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3.

The body of the car had front and rear widened fenders made ​​of glass fiber reinforced plastic ( GRP). While the front fenders were harmoniously integrated into the lines and who had the shape of the 944, the rear fenders were put on. Also had the front apron, side skirts and the patch on the hood air scoop made ​​of fiberglass to keep the vehicle weight 1180 kg low. The windshield was glued flush with the body to maintain the Cd value of 0.34, despite fender flares.

The interior corresponded largely that of the 924 Turbo and contained a three-spoke leather steering wheel, a leather gear knob and upholstered in black and red pinstripe fabric sports seats and door panels. As an option, many extras were such as an alarm, a car radio, electric windows, electric exterior mirrors, air conditioning, etc. can be selected. The base price for the sports car was about 60,000 DM

The Porsche 924 Carrera GT was only built in 1981 in an edition of 400 copies, 200 of which were sold in Germany. Since the vehicle stringent emission regulations in the United States did not fulfill, it could there not be sold. With the six prototypes together gives a total of 406 built Carrera GT.

The car served as the basis for the development of racing cars Models Carrera GTS, GTP and GTR, the beginning of the 1980s successfully in races of the World Sportscar Championship, such as the 24 - hour race at Le Mans were used.

Special models

Porsche introduced from 1977 to 1988, various special models of the 924 out who stood out from the standard vehicles through a particularly rich and part -time facilities. Most special edition models have been sold worldwide, some were reserved to a specific market.

924 World Cup model (1977 )

The limited-edition special model, sometimes called Porsche 924 Martini, was launched on the occasion of the two victories in the World Sportscar Championship, with the Porsche 935 reached in 1976 in the group 5 and with the 936 in Group 6. The car was Grand Prix White painted and had decorative side stripes in the colors of the former Porsche - sponsor Martini. He had white painted 6J x 14 alloy wheels with wide tires in size 185/70 HR 14 and stabilizers front and rear. He was also equipped with a leather steering wheel, black leather interior with bright red carpets and also bright red inserts in the seat upholstery. On the center console, a plaque with the years of the recovered World Championships ( 1969/1970/1971/1976 ) was attached. The car was delivered as standard with a stereo ( two speakers at the back and one in front ).

The model had a circulation of 1000 for Europe and 2000 pieces for the USA.

924 Limited Edition (1978 - U.S. only)

The sold exclusively in the U.S. special model was dolomite gray metallic paint with a side silver and black trim. It had 6J x 14 alloy wheels with wide tires in size 185/70 HR 14 and front and rear stabilizers. Fronts had the car part leather sports seats and rear part leather seats with black and white Veloursitzeinlagen the Pasha design. There was a two-spoke leather steering wheel and a leather cuff for the shift knob (only with four-speed manual transmission). In addition, the model with a stereo system with two rear speakers and a speaker in the dashboard, fog lamps and, on request equipped with a removable roof section.

1800 vehicles were produced in this version.

924 Sebring 79 (1980 - U.S. only)

As a reminder of the victory of a Porsche 935 at the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1979 in the IMSA GT Championship put Porsche on the U.S. market a special edition on, with Indian red livery, Sebring 79 - lettering on the front wings and trim in yellow / red / black / white on the flanks. On the hood of a large white 924 logo was glued on. The car was delivered as standard with black painted aluminum wheels and wide tires in size 185/70 HR 14. The interior was black with red and blue tartan inserts on the seats and door panels. Like the 924 Turbo had the car a four-spoke leather steering wheel and a five-speed gearbox. Alternatively, a three -speed automatic was available instead of the gearbox. The facilities also included a removable roof panel, a stereo system, consisting of two rear speakers and a speaker in the dashboard, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors and front fog lamps.

The model had a circulation of 1292 pieces.

924 Le Mans ( 1980)

This special edition was dedicated to the 24 - hour race at Le Mans, in which Porsche to 1979, in addition to five overall victories could achieve numerous class wins, and the newly developed racing car 924 Carrera GTP which was used in 1980 in Le Mans.

The vehicle was painted alpine white and had small round yellow / black / red trim and white piping. On the front fenders Le Mans logos were glued on. The car had a sample taken from the 924 Turbo rear spoiler and available as an optional extra removable roof section. Standard were 6J x 15 ATS cross-spoke wheels in Turbo-Look and wide tires in the dimension 205/60 HR 15, and front and rear stabilizers. Interior was upgraded in the seats of the car through a 36 cm by measuring four-spoke leather steering wheel, a leather sleeve for the knob and black faux leather with black / white pinstripe fabric inserts. On the side panels 924 logos were applied.

The model had a circulation of 1,030 vehicles. It could be individualized in addition with all available extras.

924 50 years Porsche ( 1981)

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary Porsche brought this special series with a circulation of about 600 Porsche 924 out in color Zinnsilber. Outside the vehicle differed from the series model with a rear spoiler of the 924 Turbo and the alloy cross-spoke wheels from ATS in the dimension 6J x 15 with 205/60-HR-15-Breitreifen. Instead of clear glass, the car was equipped with tinted windows. The model had a standard electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors.

The interior was very extensive and of high quality. The partial leather seats were covered with black and silver pinstripe seat inserts. In the headrests of the front seats, a " Ferry Porsche " lettering was stitched. The fabric of the door panels corresponded to the seats. A four-spoke leather steering wheel, power windows, a stereo radio with a cassette tray rounded off the equipment.

In addition to the 924 and 140 Porsches 928 and 200 Porsche 911 SC offered in Metallic Meteor in this special model variant.

924 Weissach (1981 - U.S. only)

This special model based on the Porsche Development Center in Weissach Porsche brought out only in the USA. The car was painted in metallic platinum and had ATS alloy wheels with cross-spoke design with 205/60-HR-15-Breitreifen. The chassis was designed with athletic sports shock absorbers and a stronger front stabilizer

At the rear, a windshield wiper and spoiler were fitted by the 924 Turbo. The standard equipment of the car also included electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, a removable roof, upholstered in beige and white fabric sports seats and door panels, a three-spoke leather steering wheel and leather gear knob, power windows and air conditioning, including a larger 63 Ah battery.

The model had a circulation of 400.

924 Turbo ( 1984 - Italy only)

The series 924 turbo had been again withdrawn from the market after its introduction in 1979 in 1982, as the Porsche 944 came with similarly powerful engines and sportier look to more buyer interest.

Only in Italy, where the expenses for vehicles with a cylinder capacity exceeding two liters could not be deducted from the tax due to the Tax legislation, the Turbo was with his 2 -liter engine many buyers. Therefore, the 924 Turbo was further manufactured after 1982 for the Italian market. From 1984, however, Porsche was planning the production of the turbos completely set.

Shortly before the end of production in the fall of 1983, a recent edition of 88 special vehicles for the Italian market has been established. All specimens were painted in Zermattsilbermetallic and had black leatherette interior. The seats were upholstered in anthracite gray / burgundy so-called Porsche fabric, in the diagonal in regular intervals, the wine-red lettering Porsche was woven.

924 S Premium model ( 1988)

At the end of the 924er - production Porsche laid on a special edition of S 924. This exclusive model could be ordered in finishes Alpine White or Black. In England turquoise trim with Le Mans lettering were also attached to the sides with white lacquer trim in yellow ocher / gray and black finish. Therefore, this special model was unofficially called " Le Mans".

Still all models share the 2.5 - liter engine with 118 kW were (160 hp), the body-colored alloy wheels in " Telefonwählscheibendesign ", a sports suspension that the car absenkte 10 mm, side protection moldings in body color, splash guard corners and an electrically removable Targa roof. In-room amenities included a four-spoke leather steering wheel with 36 cm diameter and sports seats with Flanellstoffbezügen. The same fabric was used for the door panels. The original price was 52.950 DM

The model was produced 250 times for the German market and 230 times for export all over the world. In the U.S. market, this model was only available with modified equipment as 924 S Special Edition.

924 S Special Edition ( 1988 - U.S. only)

This special model was marketed only in the U.S. to coincide with the S 924 exclusive model. The car was painted black and equipped in comparison to the exclusive model with fewer extras. The equipment was limited to the sports suspension and covered with gray / burgundy flannel fabric sports seats. In advertising, Porsche introduced the reduced standard equipment as a measure to increase the sportiness of the car out: "We have the power windows, the cassette box and the electric mirror away so you have even more fun on the agility of the S 924! "

It 500 vehicles were delivered in this release.

Special bodies

Station wagon

1981 laid the Hanover-based tuning company Artz on a small edition of 20 for Combi converted Porsche 924. Basis was the Porsche 924 Turbo with the 125 kW ( 170 hp) turbo engine. In addition to the remodeling of the tail to the front of the vehicle combination was the look of the 924 Carrera GT. The car weighed around 1305 kg and needed to accelerate from zero to 100 km / h around 7.3 seconds.

The so-called Porsche 924 Turbo station wagon had a factory price of 62.780 DM

Open versions

In the 1970s and 1980s, various coachbuilders such as the Bieber Convertible offered in Borken GmbH to convertible conversions of the Porsche 924. The retrofit was the buyer or the seller perform even organize this. In the event of itself carried out reconstruction of the buyer only got the convertible conversion kit; the costs amounted in the 1980s to around 5000 DM 1000 DM for the renovation work were calculated in addition to the kit.

Police vehicle

End of the 1970s until the mid- 1980s put the Land Nordrhein-Westfalen several Porsche 924 in a highway patrol. The vehicles had the typical white- green exterior paint, a roof-mounted flashing lights, a siren and at the rear under the license plate, an electronic stop signal panel for display of messages.

The vehicles are no longer in active use. Only a few are still moving as roadworthy exhibits.

Motorsport

Based on the 924 Carrera GT Porsche racing car developed three variants for motorsport use.

924 Carrera GTP Type 939 (1980 )

The Carrera GTP was a racing car, the Porsche developed specifically for the 24- hour race at Le Mans. The basis for the development of the Carrera GT with the 2.0 - liter turbo engine. With an unchanged line Displacement of 235 kW was achieved (320 hp) at 7000 rpm through various changes to the engine and the turbocharger. Thus, the engine remained stable, the developers reduced the compression ratio of 8.5: 1 to 7.1: 1

The body of the Carrera GTP was 10 mm wider and 14 mm longer than the Carrera GT. It was noticeable especially the rear end with a large spoiler and spoiler lips on the rear fender flares. The body was extremely rigid by a new manufacturing process and could twice as stiff as the Porsche 935 be interpreted. The weight was a total of only 930 kg. The body shape was used in a modified form as the basis for the introduced in 1981 Porsche 944 Carrera GTP With the 924, Porsche wanted to gain experience for the classes of the SCCA rules, in which the company wanted to operate in the future.

At the 24 - hour race at Le Mans in 1980 went to 6th place in the overall standings and 3rd in the GTP class, the 924 Carrera GTP with Jürgen Barth and Manfred Schurti. The other two started Carrera GTP reached the positions 12 and 13 Then the Carrera GTP was not further used in the race.

1981 Porsche built into the body of the Carrera GTP turbocharged 2.5-liter engine of the Porsche 944 a. The engine delivered 301 kW ( 410 hp ) at 6500 rpm. At the 24 - hour race at Le Mans this Porsche 944 GTR "Le Mans" said carriage reached the 7th place in the overall standings.

924 Carrera GTR Type 939 (1981 )

The 1981 delivered Carrera GTR was the homologated racing version, which was developed on the basis of the Carrera GTP. He also had a 2.0 - liter turbo engine, which delivered a power output of at 6500 rpm 276 kW ( 375 hp). The bodywork of the cars produced 19 differed in part from the GTP. The rear fenders were not just running off edge and formed similar to the 924 Carrera GT a flush transition to the taillights.

The car was sold at a net price of 180,000 DM to private racers. Porsche put a GTR in 24- hour race at Le Mans in 1981. Although driven by Manfred Schurti and Andy Rouse car with only three cylinders working contested the race because of a valve defect around eight of the 24 hours, the factory racing team reached the 11th place in the overall standings and the IMSA GTO class win.

In addition, private teams insert the Carrera GTR in the World Sportscar Championship in 1981 and 1982.

924 Carrera GTS Type 937 (1981 )

The Carrera GTS was another race car based on the Carrera GT and was developed in 1981 for the private racing use. As in the GTP and the GTR engine was a turbocharged 2.0 liter, four cylinder. The compression ratio to 8.0: 1, increasing the limited boost pressure of 0.75 bar to 1.0. This engine produced 180 kW (245 hp) at 6250/min.

The weight was reduced compared to the GT by about 50 kg 1121 kg. This was due to the elimination of damping material has reached the abandonment of comfortable interiors and the use of lightweight materials on the body. The interior was designed using only black needle felt and instead of standard seats racing seats were used in the Porsche 935. Upon request, the vehicle has an interior of the Carrera GT could be delivered. The doors, the bonnet, front apron and the fender flares were made ​​of lightweight fiberglass- reinforced plastic. Fixed In place of the pop-up headlights were built headlights, which were protected by a plastic cover.

Optionally, a comfort equipment was available. In this version the doors with power windows as well as the sports seats and the center console including radio from the Carrera GT were installed. Overall, the car was ordered only twice in this configuration.

The brakes and the wheels with the rim dimensions 7J x 16 came from the Porsche 911 Turbo at the front and 8J x 16 at the rear axle.

The price of a 924 Carrera GTS was 110,000 DM

Porsche saw the car also in a Club Sport version that was with 1060 kg again around 60 kg lighter than the standard GTS. Through modifications to the engine, such as the increase in boost pressure to about 1.1 bar, the power increased to 199 kW (270 hp). The vehicle was at the factory and had lower left and right sides aerodynamically designed sports mirrors. In the passenger compartment, a roll cage made of aluminum was installed. Further safety features included 6- point belts, a fire extinguisher and emergency stop switch for the electrical system. This car cost new 122 091 DM

The Porsche 924 Carrera GTS, a total of 59 vehicles were produced exclusively in color Guards Red, of which 44 were delivered in standard and 15 in the Clubsport version. The car could be allowed through a TÜV - individual registration according to the traffic regulations for road transport.

The 924 Carrera GTS was built according to the specifications of group 4 and could thus be used in rally as well as in circuit races. Private teams drove the race cars in the sports car world championship among other things, 1983 1000 km race at the Nürburgring.

1981 drove Walter Röhrl and his co- driver Christian Geistdörfer for the Monnet - Porsche team, one equipped for rallying Carrera GTS in several rallies. In the German Rally Championship car drove to 2nd place at its premiere in the Metz Rally. In the following Hessen- Rallye, Serengeti Safari Rally, Vorderpfalz rally and Sachs rally they each reached the victory with the 924.

The results 1980-1984

Technical data for the series versions

The Porsche 924 was produced from 1976 to 1988 in the following versions:

Technical data of motor sports versions

Porsche produced several race cars that were sold to private customers for sporting use in small quantities.

Source: Werner Oswald, German cars from 1945 to 1990. Engine book publishing house, Stuttgart 2001.

Graphical representation of the 924er Development

Numbers

Source: Werner Oswald, German cars from 1945 to 1990. Engine book publishing house, Stuttgart 2001.

The role of the 924 for Porsche

The Porsche 924 sold very well when it was launched and already the end of 1976 48 % of vehicle sales of Porsche has been achieved with this model. 1977 saw Porsche with more than 26,000 vehicles sold, a new sales record. By April 1978 50.000 vehicles had already been produced. The relatively affordable Porsche 924 helped to survive the oil crisis without prejudice in the 1970s.

Despite increased sales in the car always adhered to the stigma of not being a " pure-bred " Porsche because many of its coming from the VW group parts. Despite extensive developments in the 924 and 924 Turbo S and although many of the originally derived from Volkswagen and Audi parts were replaced by own developments, the nickname remained as " housewife Porsche " or "Audi Porsche ".

With the launch of the successor model Porsche 944 production figures of the Porsche 924 fell significantly: In model year 1982 about 11,720 copies of the 924 were produced. In the following year, this number was halved to around 5,980 vehicles. In contrast, the production of 944 of around 3,880 rose to about 14,550 units in the following year in the model year 1982.

The mid to late 1980s broke the sales figures of 924 and 944 dramatically. The number of vehicles produced fell within the model between 1986 and 1989 by around 30,600 to around 7,780 pieces. 1988 were first 911 ( without the Porsche 930 Turbo model) sold 10,786 vehicles more than Porsche 924 and 944, which together reached 8,937 vehicles. This trend continued in the following years further on, so that in 1988 the production of the 924, and three years later the production was the 944 set.

There were 1976 to 1988 produced a total of more than 150,000 Porsche 924.