In late 1985 Porsche developed the 944 “Weissach turbo cup race car” to provide amateur enthusiasts with a cost effective entry into motorsports.

Porsche initially designed to participate in a single-marque racing series run in conjunction with 1986 German ADAC Supercup races, but soon spread to Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria , USA, Canada and even Czechoslovakia.

The original 1985/86 German cars had a K26/6 Turbo producing 220 ps, this was soon upgraded to the 26/8 Turbo producing 250 ps. The French series ran from 1987 to 1990 and these cars ran without catalytic converters and an upgraded fuel system and produced 290 PS.

Essentially standard-production 944 Turbos, the Cup versions included a magnesium oil sump, a smaller generator, stiffer suspension, reinforced gearbox, wider tires and modified engine components including a revised turbocharger. In addition, the 944 Turbo Cup cars were fitted with an eight-point roll cage, driver’s Recaro racing seat, manual windows and, for weight-saving measures, were stripped of many interior components.