911 & Porsche World Issue 324

As the proud owner of a recently restored 1986 944 Turbo, and being a big fan of the models in Porsche’s transaxle family of products, the opportunity to dedicate an issue of 911 & Porsche World to the thirtieth anniversary of the 968 — pitched as “the next evolution” in the manufacturer’s period marketing materials, but actually being the last evolution in a line of four-cylinder, front-engined, water-cooled Porsche sports cars starting with the 924 in the mid-1970s — filled me with excitement. In truth, any opportunity to shout about the merits of this largely unheard-of Stuttgart speed machine is good enough, but it’s great to have been able to pull together a comprehensive look at the different flavours of 968 in a single issue of the magazine, which I…

It’s a strange item. A tall, lever-like object, sticking out of the centre tunnel of the 911’s cabin just aft of climate control dials. There are markings on it: a pattern of lines, the numbers one to seven, and also the letter ‘R’. What is this arcane device? What are you supposed to use it for? And why are there three pedals in the footwell, rather than just the usual two? Of course, we’re being facetious, but as the manual gearbox becomes an increasingly endangered species — in an age where electrification of drivetrains goes seemingly hand-inhand with automated transmissions of some kind, be they dual-clutch, full auto, reduction-gear or even (shudder) CVT units — the H-gate lever and a physical clutch pedal at the driver’s feet will become increasingly…

EXTENDED RANGE OF SERVICES FROM PORSCHE EXCLUSIVE Porsche has announced the launch of a wider range of vehicle personalisation services through its Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Classic and Porsche Tequipment brands. Meeting the demands of well-heeled clients in pursuit of unique styling has been a cornerstone of the company’s global offering for decades and was first galvanised with the launch of the Sonderwunsch (Special Wishes) department in the early 1980s. Many of the wildest — and, it has to be said, weirdest — Porsches were produced by the programme, which was pitched as an invitation-only service for the super-wealthy, though the resulting sports cars often strengthened the argument ‘money can’t buy taste’. Ahem. Before we start our journey into what’s now being presented by Porsche, let’s take time out for a brief…

AUTOGLYM POLAR SERIES CAR CLEANING KIT You’ve bought a pressure washer, but you’re still having to get busy with a bucket and sponge, right? Wrong! Thanks to the new Polar Series range of products from respected car cleaning brand, Autoglym, you can now complete the standard three-stage (pre-wash, wash and paint protection) process with nothing more than patience and a pressure washer. Kicking off proceedings is Polar Blaster, a high-quality foaming gun. Creating lashings of thick, clingy foam when fed with Polar Blast snow foam, this excellently designed product also optimises the density required to efficiently deep clean with Polar Wash pressure wash shampoo. Additionally, the Polar Blaster gun produces the perfect consistency to apply Autoglym’s super-hydrophobic Polar Seal paint protection coating. The adjustable spray pattern allows you to easily follow your…

TIM HARVEY For far too long, the 968 wasn’t considered a ‘proper’ Porsche by those who should know better. Thankfully, a new generation of enthusiasts is embracing this seldom seen sports car with open arms, recognising the model as an affordable and hugely enjoyable route into Porsche ownership... Tim Harvey is best-known for being 1992 British Touring Car Champion and for being crowned Carrera Cup GB victor in 2008 and 2010. He’s contested the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times, competed in British GT and currently serves as a presenter for ITV4’s extensive BTCC coverage. Find him at @timbo_harvey I was interested to learn this month’s issue of 911 & Porsche World is celebrating the thirtieth birthday of the 968 – yet another milestone making me feel old! Unfairly considered by many…

Forget Daytona. Forget Sebring. Forget Spa. Forget Le Mans. The 24 Hours of Nurburgring is roundly applauded as motorsport’s greatest endurance race by the overwhelming majority of those who have been lucky enough to participate in the event, either as a driver, pit crew or team sponsor. It’s also the most extraordinary race to watch as a spectator, either trackside (think ‘massive party atmosphere’) or from the comfort of your sofa. Admittedly, N24 doesn’t enjoy the same fanfare as the daylong bash at Sarthe, but the Green Hell’s offering (officially recognised as the ADAC Total 24h Race at the Nurburgring Nordschleife for commercial reasons) presents a greater test of reliability and skill for both man and machine. “It is, without doubt, the hardest endurance race and takes place on the…