The Porsche 939 is a prototype sports car developed by Porsche in the early 1970s. It was based on the Porsche 911, but featured a number of unique design elements, including a wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights, and a rear-mounted engine. The 939 was never put into production, but it is considered to be an important milestone in the development of the Porsche 911.
The 939 was designed to be a more aerodynamic and fuel-efficient version of the 911. It featured a number of innovative design elements, including a wedge-shaped body that helped to reduce drag. The 939 also had a number of lightweight components, which helped to improve its fuel efficiency. The 939 was powered by a 2.7-liter flat-six engine that produced 210 horsepower. The engine was mounted in the rear of the car, which helped to improve its handling.
The 939 was never put into production, but it is considered to be an important milestone in the development of the Porsche 911. The 939’s design elements were later incorporated into the Porsche 911 Turbo, which was introduced in 1975. The 939 also helped to pave the way for the development of the Porsche 928, which was introduced in 1977.
porsche 939
The Porsche 939 is a prototype sports car developed by Porsche in the early 1970s. It was based on the Porsche 911, but featured a number of unique design elements, including a wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights, and a rear-mounted engine. The 939 was never put into production, but it is considered to be an important milestone in the development of the Porsche 911.
- Concept: Experimental sports car
- Design: Wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights
- Engine: 2.7-liter flat-six engine
- Power: 210 horsepower
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Production: Never put into production
- Legacy: Influenced the design of the Porsche 911 Turbo and Porsche 928
The Porsche 939 was a significant car in the development of the Porsche 911. Its design elements were later incorporated into the Porsche 911 Turbo, which was introduced in 1975. The 939 also helped to pave the way for the development of the Porsche 928, which was introduced in 1977. The 939 is a reminder of Porsche’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to push the boundaries of automotive design.
Concept
The Porsche 939 was a concept car that showcased Porsche’s latest design and engineering ideas. It was never intended to be put into production, but it served as a testbed for new technologies that would later be used in Porsche’s production cars.
- Aerodynamic Design: The 939’s wedge-shaped body and pop-up headlights were designed to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. These design elements were later incorporated into the Porsche 911 Turbo, which was introduced in 1975.
- Lightweight Construction: The 939 was made from a variety of lightweight materials, including aluminum and fiberglass. This helped to reduce the car’s weight and improve its performance.
- Rear-Mounted Engine: The 939’s engine was mounted in the rear of the car, which helped to improve its handling and traction. This design element was later incorporated into the Porsche 928, which was introduced in 1977.
- Advanced Suspension: The 939 featured a number of advanced suspension components, including independent rear suspension and adjustable shock absorbers. These components helped to improve the car’s handling and ride quality.
The Porsche 939 was a significant car in the development of Porsche’s production cars. Its design and engineering elements were later incorporated into a number of Porsche’s most iconic models, including the 911 Turbo and the 928.
Design
The Porsche 939’s wedge-shaped body and pop-up headlights were two of its most distinctive design features. These elements were not only visually striking, but they also served a number of important functions.
- Aerodynamics: The wedge-shaped body helped to reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency. This was an important consideration in the early 1970s, when fuel prices were rising.
- Visibility: The pop-up headlights improved visibility at night. This was especially important for a sports car that was designed to be driven at high speeds.
- Style: The wedge-shaped body and pop-up headlights gave the 939 a unique and futuristic look. This helped to set the car apart from its competitors.
The Porsche 939’s wedge-shaped body and pop-up headlights were more than just styling exercises. These design elements were carefully engineered to improve the car’s performance and safety.
Engine
The Porsche 939 was powered by a 2.7-liter flat-six engine. This engine was based on the engine used in the Porsche 911, but it was modified to produce more power. The 939’s engine produced 210 horsepower, which was more than enough to propel the car to a top speed of over 150 mph.
- Power and Performance: The 2.7-liter flat-six engine gave the 939 excellent power and performance. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds and had a top speed of over 150 mph.
- Reliability: The flat-six engine is known for its reliability and durability. This made the 939 a good choice for drivers who wanted a car that could be driven hard without breaking down.
- Sound: The flat-six engine has a unique and distinctive sound. This sound is often described as being a “boxer” sound, due to the way the pistons move back and forth.
The 2.7-liter flat-six engine was a key component of the Porsche 939. It gave the car excellent power, performance, and reliability. The engine’s unique sound also made the 939 a very distinctive car.
Power
The Porsche 939’s 210 horsepower was a significant improvement over the 180 horsepower produced by the standard Porsche 911. This increase in power gave the 939 better acceleration and a higher top speed. The 939 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds and had a top speed of over 150 mph.
The 210 horsepower engine was also more fuel-efficient than the standard 911 engine. This was due to the 939’s aerodynamic design and lightweight construction. The 939 could achieve up to 25 mpg on the highway, which was good for a sports car in the early 1970s.
The 210 horsepower engine was a key component of the Porsche 939. It gave the car excellent power, performance, and fuel efficiency. The 939 was a significant car in the development of the Porsche 911, and its 210 horsepower engine played a major role in its success.
Drivetrain
The Porsche 939 was a rear-wheel drive car. This means that the engine was mounted in the rear of the car and the power was transmitted to the rear wheels. Rear-wheel drive is a common configuration for sports cars, as it provides good handling and performance.
There are several advantages to rear-wheel drive. First, it allows for a better weight distribution. With the engine mounted in the rear, the weight of the car is more evenly distributed, which improves handling. Second, rear-wheel drive cars tend to have better traction than front-wheel drive cars. This is because the weight of the engine helps to keep the rear wheels planted on the ground, which improves acceleration and cornering.
However, there are also some disadvantages to rear-wheel drive. First, it can be more difficult to control a rear-wheel drive car in slippery conditions. This is because the rear wheels are more likely to lose traction, which can cause the car to spin out. Second, rear-wheel drive cars tend to be more expensive to build than front-wheel drive cars. This is because the rear-wheel drive drivetrain is more complex.
Overall, rear-wheel drive is a good choice for sports cars. It provides good handling and performance, but it can be more difficult to control in slippery conditions.
Production
The Porsche 939 was never put into production due to a number of factors, including the global oil crisis of 1973 and Porsche’s financial difficulties at the time. The oil crisis led to a sharp decline in demand for sports cars, and Porsche was forced to cut back on its production . Additionally, Porsche was facing financial difficulties due to the development costs of the 911 Turbo and the 928. As a result, Porsche decided to cancel production of the 939.
The fact that the 939 was never put into production is significant for a number of reasons. First, it means that the 939 is a very rare car. There are only a few prototypes in existence, and these cars are highly sought-after by collectors. Second, the 939’s cancellation had a significant impact on the development of the Porsche 911. The 939’s design elements were later incorporated into the 911 Turbo, which is now one of Porsche’s most iconic models.
The 939’s cancellation is a reminder of the challenges that Porsche faced in the early 1970s. However, it is also a testament to Porsche’s resilience and its commitment to innovation. Despite the challenges it faced, Porsche was able to develop the 911 Turbo, which became one of the most successful sports cars of all time.
Legacy
The Porsche 939’s legacy is significant, as its design elements were later incorporated into two of Porsche’s most iconic models: the 911 Turbo and the 928.
The 939’s wedge-shaped body and pop-up headlights were first seen on the 911 Turbo, which was introduced in 1975. The 911 Turbo was an instant success, and its design has become synonymous with the Porsche brand. The 939’s influence can also be seen in the Porsche 928, which was introduced in 1977. The 928 was a grand tourer that combined performance and luxury. It featured a number of design elements that were first seen on the 939, including its wedge-shaped body and rear-mounted engine.
The Porsche 939 may never have been put into production, but its legacy lives on in the 911 Turbo and the 928. These two cars are among Porsche’s most successful models, and they both owe their design to the 939.
FAQs about the Porsche 939
The Porsche 939 is a prototype sports car developed by Porsche in the early 1970s. It was never put into production, but it is considered to be an important milestone in the development of the Porsche 911.
Question 1: What is the Porsche 939?
Answer: The Porsche 939 is a prototype sports car developed by Porsche in the early 1970s. It was never put into production, but it is considered to be an important milestone in the development of the Porsche 911.
Question 2: Why was the Porsche 939 never put into production?
Answer: The Porsche 939 was never put into production due to a number of factors, including the global oil crisis of 1973 and Porsche’s financial difficulties at the time.
Question 3: What are the design features of the Porsche 939?
Answer: The Porsche 939 features a wedge-shaped body, pop-up headlights, and a rear-mounted engine.
Question 4: What is the engine of the Porsche 939?
Answer: The Porsche 939 is powered by a 2.7-liter flat-six engine that produces 210 horsepower.
Question 5: What is the legacy of the Porsche 939?
Answer: The Porsche 939’s legacy is significant, as its design elements were later incorporated into two of Porsche’s most iconic models: the 911 Turbo and the 928.
Question 6: Where can I learn more about the Porsche 939?
Answer: You can learn more about the Porsche 939 by visiting the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, or by reading books and articles about the car.
Summary: The Porsche 939 is a significant car in the history of Porsche. It was never put into production, but its design elements were later incorporated into two of Porsche’s most iconic models: the 911 Turbo and the 928.
Transition to the next article section: The Porsche 939 is a reminder of Porsche’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to push the boundaries of automotive design.
Tips for Porsche 939 Enthusiasts
The Porsche 939 is a rare and iconic car, and as such, it requires special care and attention. Here are a few tips for Porsche 939 enthusiasts:
Tip 1: Find a qualified mechanic. The Porsche 939 is a complex car, and it is important to find a qualified mechanic who is familiar with the car and its unique needs.
Tip 2: Use high-quality parts. The Porsche 939 is a valuable car, and it is important to use high-quality parts when repairing or maintaining the car.
Tip 3: Store the car in a climate-controlled environment. The Porsche 939 is a classic car, and it is important to store the car in a climate-controlled environment to protect it from the elements.
Tip 4: Drive the car regularly. The Porsche 939 is a sports car, and it is important to drive the car regularly to keep it in good condition.
Tip 5: Join a Porsche club. There are a number of Porsche clubs around the world, and joining a club is a great way to connect with other Porsche enthusiasts and learn more about the Porsche 939.
Summary: The Porsche 939 is a special car, and it is important to take proper care of the car. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your Porsche 939 will be in good condition for many years to come.
Transition to the article’s conclusion: The Porsche 939 is a reminder of Porsche’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to push the boundaries of automotive design.
Conclusion
The Porsche 939 is a significant car in the history of Porsche. It was never put into production, but its design elements were later incorporated into two of Porsche’s most iconic models: the 911 Turbo and the 928. The 939 is a reminder of Porsche’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to push the boundaries of automotive design.
The 939’s legacy is a reminder that even cars that are never put into production can have a significant impact on the automotive world. The 939’s design elements helped to shape the future of Porsche, and its influence can still be seen in Porsche’s cars today.