Porsche 962 specs vary by version, because the car raced in IMSA GTP and Group C with different rules. The 1984 IMSA car used an air-cooled turbocharged flat-six making 500 kW (680 PS) according to Porsche’s data sheet, weighed 850 kg and reached about 360 km/h. Group C cars used a smaller 2.65-litre twin-turbo engine. The 962 debuted in 1984 and won Le Mans in 1986 and 1987.
Quick specs
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Debut | 1984, 24 Hours of Daytona |
| Built | 91 cars, 1984 to 1991 (16 factory, 75 customer), per Wikipedia |
| Layout | Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive prototype |
| Engine (1984 IMSA) | 2,869 cc turbocharged flat-six, later 3.2 litres |
| Power (1984 IMSA) | 500 kW (680 PS); about 720 PS with the 3.2-litre engine |
| Group C engine | 2.65-litre twin-turbo flat-six, around 620 hp (Supercars.net) |
| Weight | 850 kg (IMSA minimum) |
| Top speed | About 360 km/h (Porsche data sheet) |
Figures come from the Porsche 962 IMSA data sheet, Wikipedia and Supercars.net. Individual cars and seasons differed, so treat them as typical values.
Chassis and design
The 962 was developed from the Porsche 956. The wheelbase was stretched by about 12 cm so the driver’s feet sat behind the front axle, which IMSA rules required for safety. Ground-effect aerodynamics and a rear-mounted turbo flat-six defined the package.
Engines: IMSA vs Group C
The two series pushed Porsche in different directions. IMSA GTP rules favoured a larger single-turbo engine within fuel and boost limits, with 3.2 litres used from mid-1984. Group C in Europe used a 2.65-litre twin-turbo flat-six, which makes quoted power figures differ between sources.
Racing history
- Won on debut at the 1984 24 Hours of Daytona.
- Won the IMSA GT Championship from 1985 to 1988.
- Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1986 and 1987, and in 1994 as the Dauer 962 Le Mans.
- Remained in customer hands, with privateers such as Joest, Kremer and Brun, into the 1990s.
Porsche 962 buying and viewing notes
- Cars were built as race machines, so road-legal examples are rare conversions such as the Dauer 962.
- Check the chassis number and history for any car you see offered, since many customer cars were rebuilt or re-bodied.
- For a Canadian viewing, look at historic racing events or museum collections rather than dealers.
For related reading, see the FIA World Endurance Championship guide, our piece on Mazda race car history and the Japanese race cars that fought Porsche in Group C.
Porsche 962 specs FAQ
How much power did the Porsche 962 make?
Figures depend on the version. Porsche’s data sheet for the 1984 IMSA car lists 500 kW (680 PS), and the later 3.2-litre engine is quoted at about 720 PS. Group C cars with the 2.65-litre engine made less, around 620 hp according to Supercars.net.
How much did the Porsche 962 weigh?
Porsche’s data sheet for the 1984 IMSA car gives 850 kg, the minimum weight allowed under IMSA rules. Group C cars were built to different rules.
When was the Porsche 962 introduced?
It debuted in 1984 at the 24 Hours of Daytona and won on its first outing.
How many Porsche 962s were built?
Wikipedia says 91 were built between 1984 and 1991, including 16 factory cars and 75 customer cars.
Did the Porsche 962 win Le Mans?
Yes. It won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1986 and 1987 with works cars, and again in 1994 as the Dauer 962 Le Mans.
What is the difference between the Porsche 956 and 962?
The 962 was developed from the 956 with a roughly 12 cm longer wheelbase so the driver’s feet sit behind the front axle, to meet IMSA safety rules.
