Porsche 944 S 2 Cabriolet

The automobile industry has come a long way since the horse-and-carriage days, and Porsche has been a leader in the field.
The German automaker introduced the 944 model, considered then to be a breakthrough sports car, in 1981. Over the years, project engineers kept making it handle better, move faster and feel more solid to the driver.
Eventually, the 944 would transform into several editions, such as the 944 Turbo, 944 S 2 and 944 S 2 Cabriolet.

A Porsche 944 S 2 Cabriolet was made available by Alpine Porsche-Audi-Daihatsu in Motor City for a test drive.
The Cabriolet was introduced at the 1985 Frankfurt Auto Show in prototype form. Porsche added this version in hopes of enhancing the driving pleasure the 944 model offered by coupling it with the exhilarating sensation of top-down driving.
The fully lined and insulated top was easy to raise and lower, and in the closed position it provided comfort and protection similar to a closed-top coupe, even in cold weather.

The configuration of the transaxle driveline – engine in the front, transmission and fuel tank in the rear – offers the Porsche 944 S 2 the rigidity necessary in convertible form. Body-shell reinforcements help to ensure that safety.
Porsche says, “The 944 S 2 personifies the Porsche designer’s wish to let the owner . . . have it all: high leisure time value and high leisure time versatility combined with Porsche performance.”

Both S 2 versions are equipped with a powerful 3-liter engine and the same body as the 944 Turbo version.
This new engine gets better pulling power from a lower rpm reading. Engineers also raised the compression ratio, enlarged the intake valves and gave the engine a new camshaft with modified timing, which resulted in an increase in torque.
Porsche has used the “S” designation to signify a “super version” of the sports engine. In this instance, the 944 S 2 powerplant is 20 percent larger than an earlier version of the engine and is capable of generating 208 horsepower.

And from a racing aspect, the engine offers durable forged pistons; a new block-pattern air intake system for maximum throttle response; active regulated engine-compartment ventilation with a three-speed blower; large, externally mounted light-alloy oil cooler with thermostat to keep the engine temperature regulated; and modified digital motor electronics.
The maximum torque of 207 lbs-ft can be reached at 4,100 rpm, while the maximum horsepower reading is reached at 5,800 rpm, with the redline at 6,500 rpm.

The windshield on the Cabriolet version is lower than on other 944 models, permitting open-top driving.
And the interior of the Porsche 944 S 2 Cabriolet offers comfortable race car-like seating in the front, with room for two passengers in the rear on short trips. Folding down the rear seats provides access to the luggage compartment and allows for larger cargo such as skis.

While Porsche is known for its high-performance engines, it banks a lot on the safety of the driver as well.
The design goal of this vehicle was to create a driving environment in which the driver would feel comfortable and safe. The company’s ergonomic engineering expertise, gained from endurance racing, was put to work here. First, the environment was designed to be compatible with individual driving habits and the shape and size of the driver. The distance between the seat and the steering wheel is electrically adjustable in height. The front seats feature an anatomically correct design that allows the driver to relax, yet provides the support needed in turns. And the logical positioning of instruments, controls and switches helps the driver to concentrate on traffic without distractions.

Also, a high-capacity heating and ventilation system keeps the passenger compartment of the vehicle comfortable, regardless of driving speed. Automatic climate control with manual override, and tinted glass are standard features that assist in the climate control.

Interior features include air bags for the driver and front passenger, three-point seat belts, faux leather seating with cloth seat inlays, leather-covered steering wheel, digital clock, electrically adjustable and heatable outside rearview mirrors, heated windshield-washer nozzles, power windows, cruise control and power convertible top.

Options include a compact-disc player, leather interior, full power front seats with lumbar support, limited slip differential, headlight washers, upgraded stereo, metallic paint, and an installation kit for cellular phone.

Porsche 944 S 2 Cabriolet Specifications:

2+2 convertible
Unitized two-door steel body
3.0-liter four-cylinder in-line engine
208 horsepower at 5,800 rpm
5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission
Independent suspension
Rack-and-pinion steering
Power-assisted vented disc brakes
Wheelbase: 94.49 inches
Curb Weight: 3,109 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 21.1 gallons

The Porsche 944 S 2 Cabroilet is equipped with an anti-knock control system. Special sensors, mounted on the crankcase between the cylinders, pick up individual knocking conditions and instantly correct them. As one or more of the cylinders approach knocking, the Motronic engine management system electronically retards the ignition timing for the affected cylinders and simultaneously controls the turbocharger boost.