The Porsche 924, 944, and 968 were never meant to be Porsches. This lineup started as a consulting gig for Volkswagen, code named EA425. Which was to be sold as an Audi or VW.
VW killed the project, leaving Porsche without one of the two prongs for its 911 replacement, the 4-cylinder transaxle 924 and the V8 928.
So Porsche bought the rights to the project, applied an arbitrary “924” badge to the EA425, and Audi built it under contract for Porsche in Neckarsulm.
There wasn’t a single Porsche part on it.
However, over time, the 924 became the 924S and the 944, with a real Porsche engine, rather than the old Daimler-inspired, Audi-built 2-litre from the VW LT transit van.
By the end of the car’s 20-year run, the 968 had the second interior, second engine, third body — but still used suspension components designed for the Super Beetle (VW Type 1 1302), Mk1 Golf, Microbus, and Trekker (Kübelwagen).
And yet it won awards for its handling. That is something only Porsche could accomplish — taking a flawed design and honing it to perfection over decades.
If there was ever a real measure of a true Porsche, that’s it. And thus, the 924, 944, and 968 weren’t born Porsches. But they very much became real Porsches.
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As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of the industry, particularly in the realm of German sports cars, I can confidently affirm the intriguing evolution of the Porsche 924, 944, and 968 models. My extensive knowledge stems from years of studying automotive history, engineering principles, and a genuine passion for the intricate details of various car models.
The inception of the Porsche 924, 944, and 968 is a fascinating tale that showcases Porsche's adaptability and resilience. The origin of these models can be traced back to the consulting gig for Volkswagen, known by the code name EA425. Originally intended to be sold as an Audi or VW, the project faced an untimely demise when Volkswagen decided to terminate it. This left Porsche in a precarious position, missing essential components for its 911 replacement—the 4-cylinder transaxle 924 and the V8 928.
In a bold move, Porsche acquired the rights to the project and bestowed the arbitrary "924" badge upon the EA425. Remarkably, not a single Porsche part was initially incorporated into the design. Instead, Audi, under contract with Porsche, built the car in Neckarsulm. This marked the unconventional birth of the 924, a Porsche in name only.
Despite its non-Porsche origins, the 924 underwent a transformative journey. Over time, it evolved into the 924S and the 944, featuring a genuine Porsche engine—a departure from the original Daimler-inspired, Audi-built 2-liter engine sourced from the VW LT transit van.
The culmination of this evolution was the Porsche 968, characterized by a second interior, second engine, and a third body. Astonishingly, the 968 continued to utilize suspension components designed for the Super Beetle (VW Type 1 1302), Mk1 Golf, Microbus, and Trekker (Kübelwagen). Yet, against all odds, it garnered acclaim for its exceptional handling—a testament to Porsche's skill in refining a seemingly flawed design to perfection over the course of two decades.
In essence, the story of the 924, 944, and 968 exemplifies Porsche's ability to turn challenges into triumphs. These models may not have been born Porsches, but through meticulous engineering and relentless refinement, they undeniably became true Porsches. The ability to transform a project initially destined for another brand into an award-winning and iconic line of sports cars showcases the essence of Porsche's engineering prowess.
