The Group B car that was never.
The Porsche 959 was the German automaker’s attempt to homologate a Group B rally special after its debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1985. It was the most advanced vehicle the world had ever seen, with technology like variable ride height or variable all-wheel drive. An Instagram artist and automotive enthusiast Futurecarsnow released a rendering of how a modern version might look.
Although it may seem like all fun and games, the concept seems to be based on the latest Porsche 911 Turbo S. It’s possible that the artist chose this model to pay homage the 959’s twin-turbo flat-6 with 444 horsepower (33 kilowatts) & 369 pound-feet (509 newton-meters).
It’s not as striking as previous renderings we’ve seen. The only thing that sets it apart from other 911 Turbo Ss is its rear wing, which was inspired by the original 911. Although the rendering is not very impressive, it reflects the vehicle’s philosophy of letting performance speak for itself. This is a far cry from the 1980s’ excessive excess.
The German automaker did not lose its chances in Group B, despite the category being considered too dangerous. Although it did not get the fame of the race series, the German automaker was victorious in the 1986 Paris Dakar Rally. It took first, second and sixth place. It was also able to win the class at the 1986 24 Hours of LeMans, placing 7th overall.
Sports car racing is currently in transition due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 959’s return would be a wonderful fairytale. The original vehicle retains its reputation as one of the most advanced and fastest vehicles of its time.