Porsche 959
Car scale model kit in 1/24 scale manufactured by Tamiya (ref. TAM24065, also 4950344992140 and 24065)

It was hard to imagine how truly ahead of its time the Porsche 959 project was when it was unveiled as the "Gruppe B Concept" at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1983 and, above all, when it was subsequently brought into production in 1985. It unequivocally marked the way forward in the supercar market, where there are no compromises on performance and no constraints on cost. So, while Ferrari and Lamborghini competed for the relatively simple accolade of having the world's fastest car, the team of Porsche engineers led by Helmuth Bott was given free rein to pursue a far more complex goal: creating the world's most advanced and capable supercar. And so, Porsche engineers used innovative technologies in each and every area of the car, no matter what its cost, to unlock hitherto unprecedented levels of performance. One of the key factors in dramatically improving mechanical performance was Bott's stubborn faith in electronics. But looking beyond its incredible performance numbers, the 959 introduced a host of features that would become automotive industry standards: adjustable suspension, intelligent four-wheel drive system, lightweight Kevlar composite and aluminium body panels… and even mounted super-lightweight hollow-spoke magnesium wheels.
Its rear-mounted engine was Porsche's race-proven boxer six, with air-cooled cylinders and water-cooled four-valve heads, with a displacement of just 2.85 litres. Twin-turbocharged, it delivers its power almost continuously, with one small turbocharger spinning from near idle to generate low-end torque, while the second turbocharger kicks in from around 4,500rpm. Final power from the relatively small engine was an impressive 450 horsepower at 6,500 rpm.
Power was delivered to the wheels via a Borg-Warner six-speed gearbox, while the Porsche-Steuer-Kupplung (PSK) system allowed the driver to vary the torque split to the front and rear axles, electronically transferring up to 80 percent to the rear axle under hard acceleration.
To be sure, the result was spectacular, but all of this was overshadowed internally by monumental development costs, which nearly bankrupted Porsche. Despite its high final selling price, Porsche lost approximately 50% of production and development costs on each of the 292 standard units sold. Most 959s were equipped with the Komfort trim, which included seat belts, air conditioning, cabin insulation, leather upholstery, and an adjustable suspension system as standard.

This item is not suitable for children under 18 years old. SpotModel recommend this item for advanced modellers and professionals with high experience on building cars and bikes. Read carefully all instructions.