PORSCHE 944 (1982-1991)
he fact that the 924 effectively saved Porsche from extinction is a well-known one, and what is equally well documented is the car’s genesis – that it was not originally intended to be a Porsche at all. Thanks to this, the 924 had its detractors (and still does), but the essence of the first front-engined, rear-wheel drive Porsche was that of a good car, albeit one that the suits in Stuttgart felt could be improved upon. For the follow-up act Porsche evolved the design, retaining the 924’s core strengths while adding some clever tweaks and well-engineered solutions. What emerged was a more aggressive car, its muscular flared arches and spoilers (eventually) supported by an updated interior but, perhaps most importantly, came a new engine.