April 2002
The Porsche 944 was introduced in 1982, and was a huge success. It combined the body style of the 924 Carrera GT with an engine based on one-half of the 928's V8. The 1982-1991 production run of the Porsche 944 covers Targa Newfoundland Category 7 – Early Modern (1982-1990). Throughout the 944's almost 10-year production run, the model was constantly improved, and many variations introduced, most notably the 944 turbo in 1986. The last version of the 944 was the S2, introduced in 1989.
The 944 S2 was produced in both coupe and cabriolet 2+2 configurations. Although it has the 944 turbo's body and chassis, the S2 uses a normally aspirated 3.0 litre 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder motor with 208 horsepower @ 5800rpm and 207 lb-ft of torque at 4100rpm. At introduction, it was the most powerful 3.0 litre normally aspirated emissions-controlled engine in the world, and was also the largest four-cylinder automobile production engine in the world. The S2 reached 60mph in 6.7sec, and had a top speed of 149mph (240km/hr). The S2 was produced from 1989 to 1991.
For 1990, Porsche offered the 944 turbo S chassis in the S2 as the M030 option. Intended for a vehicle used on both road and track, the M030 package includes a reinforced chassis, upgraded suspension components, larger brakes from the 928 S4, Koni sport shocks with adjustable ride height, stiffer springs and suspension bushings, and larger rims and tires (225/50x16" tires on 7.5x16 rims in front, with 245/45x16" tires on 9x16" rims out back). The resulting 944 S2 is busy in street driving, but comes into its own on twisty two-lane roads – Targa Newfoundland roads.
The Bald Head Racing 944 S2 will offer a serious challenge in Targa class 7SSB – 1982-1990 2.5l-3.5l Showroom Stock vehicles. Possible competitor vehicles include the AC3000, Ferrari 328/348, Nissan 300ZX (non-turbo), and Porsche 911's - 2.7l S, 3.0 SC, and 3.2l Carrera.
The Bald Head Racing 944 S2 entered competition in 1995. It has won two SCCA National Solo 2 Championships, and placed second and third in other attempts. Since being imported into Canada in 1997, it has evolved into a true multi-purpose motorsports machine. In 1998, the car won the Solo 2 class championship with the Motorsport Club of Ottawa. It has also competed in Ontario regional Solo 1, placing third in its only outing. It currently has a CASC-OR logbook for road racing, and is being prepared for SCCA Performance Rally.
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