959
Displacement
2.85
LITRES
Peak Power
450
PS
Weight
1450 kg
KERB
Top Speed
317
KM/H
ENTRY 0023 · CLASS: GROUP B
Overview§ 01
Conceived as a Group B rally homologation special and engineering showcase, the 959 introduced technology that took the rest of the industry a decade to catch up to: a sequential twin-turbocharged flat-six, adjustable all-wheel drive, run-flat tyres, and a magnesium-alloy wheel and adaptive damping system.
Group B was cancelled before the 959 could contest a full rally season, but the road car that resulted — hand-built in tiny numbers — was, on debut, the fastest accelerating production car in the world.
Technical Specification§ 02
| Chassis & Construction | |
| Drivetrain | Adjustable all-wheel drive (PSK) |
| Kerb Weight | 1450 kg |
| Engine — Type 2851/91 | |
| Configuration | Air-cooled flat-6, sequential twin-turbo |
| Displacement | 2849 cc (2.85L) |
| Peak Power | 450 PS @ 6500 rpm |
| Performance | |
| 0-100 km/h | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 317 km/h |
Development History§ 03
1983
Concept Debuts at Frankfurt
The Gruppe B concept previews the technology that will become the 959.
1986
Group B Cancelled
The FIA cancels Group B rallying; the 959's motorsport programme pivots to Paris-Dakar.
1986
Production 959 Launched
Hand-built at a rate of roughly one per day, around 337 are eventually completed.
1986
Paris-Dakar 1-2 Finish
959-based Dakar racers finish first and second.
Related Entries§ 06