A Rival to the Miata Before It Even Existed
Imagine a world where Porsche produced a compact, accessible convertible to challenge the dominance of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Back in 1984, the German manufacturer spent three years developing a vehicle that could have completely reshaped the sports car landscape. This project, known as the 984 Concept, was spearheaded by the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach.
Had the 984 reached production, it likely would have hit the market just ahead of the first-generation Miata, which debuted in 1989. This would have forced Mazda and other manufacturers into a direct confrontation with Porsche, potentially shifting the direction of the affordable roadster market for decades.
Engineering for Agility and Fun
Designed to serve as a successor to the aging 924 coupe, the 984 was engineered with a focus on lightness and driving pleasure. According to Porsche, the car weighed a mere 1,940 pounds, significantly less than the original Miata. The team aimed to prioritize handling, utilizing a 2-liter, air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine mounted in the rear, delivering 133 horsepower.
The origins of the engine are linked to a historical partnership. According to sources, Porsche had been commissioned by the Spanish automaker Seat in the early 1980s to develop an inline four-cylinder engine for the Ibiza and other models. Following this collaboration, Porsche explored a project known as the “PS,” which eventually evolved internally into the 984 “Junior” project.
Targeting a New Generation
The 984 was intended to be an entry-level offering, priced at 40,000 German marks. The design philosophy was clear: appeal to a younger, more dynamic clientele. Porsche envisioned the vehicle not just as a standard roadster, but as a platform for innovation, noting:
«A convertible version with an innovative folding hard-top was envisioned, as well as an all-wheel-drive model for motor racing.»
Aesthetically, the vehicle shared design cues with the 928, including its signature circular headlights and wedge-shaped hood. Inside, the cabin featured a classic Porsche layout with a six-gauge instrument cluster and a two-spoke steering wheel, utilizing several components shared with other existing models.
The Impact of Black Monday
Despite its promise, the 984 project never saw the light of day. The timing proved fatal for the roadster as the global economy shifted. The project was officially abandoned in early 1988 following the events of October 19, 1987—a day famously known as "Black Monday," when the Dow Jones experienced a historic 22 percent collapse. The subsequent devaluation of the U.S. dollar made the niche sports car economically unviable at the time.
While the 984 never reached showrooms, its spirit lived on. The research and development lessons learned during the project eventually paved the way for the Porsche Boxster. Unveiled as a concept at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show, the Boxster finally brought Porsche back into the affordable convertible segment, eventually joined by the Cayman in 2005—models that continue to be staples of the brand’s lineup today.