Car of the Day: 1987 Porsche 959 Sport

Details on 959 S rare; Porsche only built 29 examples, with the 2.8-liter six-cylinder featuring a larger turbocharger and the company claiming an “official” output of 508hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, over the standard 959’s 444hp and 369 lb-ft. torque. Top speed is “rated” at 210 mph.

Perfect traction was Porsche’s goal when they designed the 959. PSK’s 4-wheel drive system was a technological advantage of the 959. PSK, which increased the weight of the car, could vary the ratio of torque to the front & rear wheels. The default setting for the system is 40% front and 60% back. Under acceleration, the PSK adjusts to an 80% torque ratio to the rear wheels. In slippery conditions the ratio is 50: 50.

Another major difference between the Sport and the normal 959 is weight. Porsche lightened the 959 by 100 kilos. To do this they removed the ride height adjustable system, adjustable damping system, rear seats, power windows, air conditioning, central locking, passenger side mirror.