1986-1993
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Motorsport legend
The tech tour de force of the 1980s. Sequential turbocharging, computer-controlled AWD, tire pressure monitoring — all firsts.
History
The 959 was the most technologically advanced car of the 1980s. It debuted sequential turbocharging, electronically controlled AWD, and tire pressure monitoring decades before mainstream. Bill Gates famously imported one illegally.
Timeline
1986Wins the Paris-Dakar Rally, proving supercars can conquer the Sahara
1988Bill Gates orders one but can't import it to the US for 13 years due to EPA regulations. The 'Show or Display' law is eventually written partly because of the 959
1993Production ends
Production & Heritage
Production Total345
DesignerPorsche Design
Production Period1986-1993
Estimated Value$1.2M-$2.0M
Value estimates are editorial assessments based on recent auction results and market trends.
Technical Specifications
Engine2.9L Flat-6 Twin-Turbo (M28/80)
Power450 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque500 Nm
0-60 mph3.7 sec
Top Speed317 km/h
Transmission6-speed manual (Getrag G50/87)
DrivetrainAWD
Weight1,450 kg
Drag CoefficientCd 0.31
BodySteel/aluminum/Kevlar composite
Engine Details
Engine CodeM28/80
Displacement2.8L (2,849 cc)
Bore x Stroke95 x 67 mm
Compression8.3:1
Valves4 per cylinder (24 total)
Fuel SystemBosch Motronic, sequential twin KKK turbochargers
Performance
0-100 km/h3.7 sec
0-60 mph3.7 sec
Top Speed317 km/h
Weight-to-Power3.2 kg/hp
Dimensions
Length4,260 mm
Width1,840 mm
Height1,280 mm
Wheelbase2,272 mm
Chassis & Suspension
Front SuspensionDouble wishbone, coil springs, electronically adjustable dampers
Rear SuspensionDouble wishbone, coil springs, electronically adjustable dampers
Front BrakesVentilated cross-drilled disc 322mm
Rear BrakesVentilated cross-drilled disc 309mm
SteeringRack and pinion, power-assisted
Tires (Front)235/45 VR17
Tires (Rear)255/40 VR17
Capacity
Fuel Tank80 L
Doors2
Seats2
Source: auto-data.net, Porsche Newsroom
Tags
Designed by Porsche Design
From the 1980s
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