The 968's basic styling was an evolution on that of the outgoing 944, itself based on the earlier 924. In an attempt to create a "family resemblance" between models and associate it with the luxury928gran turismo, elements were borrowed from its upscale sibling. Others included a swooping headlamp design inspired by the959later incorporated in theType 993911.
The 968 was powered by an updated version of the 944'sstraight-fourengine, now displacing 3.0L with 104mm bore, 88mm stroke and producing 240PS (237bhp; 177kW). Changes to the 968'spowertrainalso included the addition of Porsche's then-newVarioCamvariable valve timingsystem, newly optimized induction andexhaust systems, a dual-mass flywheel, and updated engine management electronics among other more minor revisions. The 968's engine was the fourth-largest four-cylinderand highest horsepower ever offered in aproduction carup to that time. A new 6-speedmanual transmissionreplaced the 944's old 5-speed.The VarioCam timing system was first introduced on the 968 and would later become a feature of the Type 993 air-cooled six-cylinder engine.
Much of the 968's chassis was carried over from the 944S2, which in itself shared many components with the 944 Turbo (internally numbered951). Borrowed components include theBrembo-sourced four-pistonbrake caliperson all four wheels,aluminiumsemi-trailing arms and aluminum front A-arms, used in aMacpherson strutarrangement. The steel unibody structure was also very similar to that of the previous models. Porsche maintained that 80% of the car was new.
The 968 also featured numerous small equipment and detail upgrades from the 944, including a Fuba roof-mounted antenna, updated single lens tail lamps, "Cup" style 16" alloy wheels, a wider selection of interior and exterior colors, and a slightly updated "B" pillar and rear quarter window to accommodate adhesive installation to replace the older rubber gasket installation.