Porsche

Porsche 924 Turbo

While the 924 had been the first Porsche to run with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout, purists didn't like it because of the involvement with VW/Audi. The car used a 122ci (2-liter) Audi 100 engine, itself was derived from a VW LT van, and didn't look like a Porsche, nor did it go like one.

Porsche addressed the car's shortcomings and made it a driver's machine. They fitted a KKK 26 turbocharger and though, like many other turbo cars of the era it suffered from turbo lag, when the boost came in the acceleration was good. Better still was the handling and braking, the former helped by perfect 50:50 weight distribution with the gearbox in the rear transaxle, while the latter was incredible, thanks to massive 11-inch (279mm) discs all around. The body changes were subtle with a NACA-style duct in the hood for the turbo, grilles in the front spoiler and a discreet rear spoiler.

Porsche

Porsche

Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7

Regarded by many Porsche fans as the best-handling 911 ever, the RS 2.7 is one of the finest fettled cars ever to come out of Stuttgart, Germany. Originally I here were to be just 500 built for homologation purposes, though this went to 1,500. The car was so radically modified compared to the regular 911 that it had to be built on a separate production line, having a delete list of items like the carpet, sealer, glovebox door and even the coat hooks. Also, the body received treatment with the engine cover and fenders being glass-fibre, while the steel panels and window glass were thinner.

Bilsten gas shocks were fitted, along with thicker anti-roll bar, and the RS was given wider Fuchs alloys. The engine was taken out to l64ci (2.7 liters) from 146ci (2.4 liters) and flat top pistons plus fuel injection was lilted. A close-ratio gearbox helped keep the motor in the power band.

Porsche Boxster

Porsche's first new car in 20 years had to do two things: boost the company's flagging profits, and bring a supercar to the masses. It did both successfully, mid remained a strong seller into the 21st century. Using Porsche's famed engine layout of six horizontally opposed cylinders, the Boxster's was slightly different being mid-ships, giving near perfect weight distribution.

With an output of 204bhp (152kW) at 6,000rpm, the Boxster needs to be revved, and is at its best with the motor near the redline. Being relatively lightweight made the car very responsive in corners and the brilliant steering further enhanced this. The car wasn't just a peal driver's machine, however, because with good trunk and hood space, it was practical. The interior went way beyond the dated ergonomics of the 911, while i In- convertible roof felt like a hardtop in reality, such was the build quality.

Classic Cars