When discussing the top sports car manufacturers throughout history, Porsche is perhaps the first name that comes to mind. Of course, other iconic marks like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren are typically up there, too. However, Porsche’s decades-long legacy and relentless evolution have set the benchmark for sports car performance and desirability. For this reason, it’s hard to imagine, especially for younger enthusiasts, that the German carmaker was on the brink of bankruptcy in the early 1990s due to poor sales. This is especially true considering that in 2023, Porsche became one of the most profitable car manufacturers in the world.
And while it wasn’t the first time in its history that Porsche had experienced a reduction in sales, the 1992 crisis seemed to threaten the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s extinction. An outdated lineup, inefficient manufacturing processes, and sticker prices for new models far above what they offered in technology and performance led the company to languish. The Germans had no choice but to commit sacrilege by turning to the Far East to make a comeback. The result was an entry-level mid-engine two-seater roadster that turned the tide for Porsche by becoming an instant classic.
