Istorie
To bridge the price gap between the 356, which was still being produced at this time and the 911, in 1965 Porsche launched the 912 – a less expensive and significantly less powerful variant of the 911.
The 912E was a U.S.-only model. Just 2,092 912E coupes were built from May 1975 to July 1976.
Full description
To bridge the price gap between the 356, which was still being produced at this time and the 911, in 1965 Porsche launched the 912 – a less expensive and significantly less powerful variant of the 911.
In terms of looks and technology, the 912 was virtually identical to the 911. Unlike the 911, however, it was powered by the 1.6-litre flat-four engine from the 356 SC at the rear. Its power output was reduced from 95 to 90 hp at 5,800 rpm for use in the 912 in order to give the engine more low-end torque and stability. Power transmission was provided by a 4-speed manual transmission.
The 912 initially outsold the 911, boosting the manufacturer's total production until success of the 911 was assured. More than 32,000 912s were built from April 1965 to July 1969.
The 4-cylinder 914 superseded the 912 as Porsche's entry-level model for the 1970 through 1975 model years. In 1976, The 912 enjoyed a one-year revival with the U.S.-only 912E powered by the 914-derived 2.0 liter VW "Type 4" flat 4 with Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection delivering 90 SAE horsepower at 4900 rpm.
Just 2,092 912E coupes were built from May 1975 to July 1976.
Its 4 cylinder, naturally aspirated engine has 2 valves per cylinder and a capacity of 1.971 cc. It provides power and torque figures of 87 bhp (64 kW) at 4.900 rpm and 133 Nm (98 lb ft/13.6 kgm) at 4.000 rpm respectively. A 5 speed manual gearbox supplies the power to the rear wheels. Having a claimed kerb weight of 1.086 kg, the Porsche 912E manages to cover the 0-60 mph dash in 13 seconds.
The fittings were slightly simpler in this model “although in terms of materials, trim and finishing the 912E is of high Porsche quality”, decided American Road & Track magazine. Their test driver notched a 11.3 seconds 0-60 mph time, calling the “E” the prototypical road car: “comfortable where the Carrera is harsh, rational where the Carrera is excessive.”
Forty-one years later, 912E owners describe the car as practical yet sporty. The 912E’s have proven their reliability, and shown themselves to be essentially bulletproof in every respect.
