959 SELF-LEVELLING SUSPENSION

The über Porsche remains the only 911 derivative to offer automatic ride height adjustment – here’s how it works

As you’ll have seen this issue, the 959 really was a technological tour de force, with much of the science behind the car far advanced for its time. Another example of this futuristic approach to sports cars can be found in the 959’s suspension, as it was the first – and so far only – 911 derivative to have its ride height adjusted automatically.

The 959 featured electrically adjustable double Bilstein dampers in each corner, providing a total of eight dampers. In one of the paired dampers in each corner, a hydraulic system raised or lowered the 959’s body according to the speed or terrain on which it was driving, in increments of 30mm. The 959’s default ride height setting had the body sitting 150mm off the ground. This could be extended to 180mm of ground clearance for uneven terrain; conversely the body could be dropped to 120mm ground clearance for high-speed Autobahn runs. Ride height adjustment was automatic: the lowest ride height setting came into play when the 959 sailed past 100mph, for example.

Of course, the driver could also adjust the ride height manually, by twisting a dial in the centre console between the low, normal, or extended height settings. Adjusting the ride height takes time though, particularly if the body needs to be raised rather than lowered – think minutes rather than the seconds taken for the 991 and 992’s front axle lift system to operate by comparison. The 959’s selflevelling system also raised or lowered one axle at a time, in increments, which explains why the process took some time.

Either way, the 959’s self-levelling suspension was yet another characteristic of its dexterity in being a car fit to take on the rigours of an off-road event, equally adaptable and capable for high-speed precision during Tarmac-based competition. 35 years on, we’re still dumbfounded as to the technological prowess of the mighty über Porsche.