Porsche 912

The vehicle in detail

of its predecessor, the Porsche 356. In 1976, a new version was released as the 912 E, exclusively for the US market. The 912 was introduced as a more affordable alternative to the more expensive six-cylinder Porsche 911 in order to retain customers after the Porsche 356 was discontinued. Externally, it was almost identical to the 911, but differed mainly in terms of the engine and an initially simpler interior. The 912 used an air-cooled 1.6-liter four-cylinder boxer engine (type 616/36) from the 356 SC, which produced 90 hp (66 kW). The 912 E (1976) had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder VW engine (Type 4) with fuel injection, also with 90 hp. Due to the lighter engine, the 912 was less rear-heavy than the early 911, resulting in more docile and agile handling, especially in corners. Initially, the 912 had only three of the five round instruments that were standard on the 911, but this was expanded to five instruments from the 1967 model year onwards. The model was available as a coupé and, from 1967, also as a Targa with a folding rear window.