I picked up another Porsche history book last weekend to add to my ever-growing collection. I have seen photos of the Abarth Carrera before, but one particular photo in this book caught my eye just right and made me realize the similarities between the two. I know that the 968 styling (or 944 re-styling) was more or less keeping in line with the current designs of the 911 and 928, but do you think the design guys at Porsche had a little bit of the Abarth Carrera in the back of their minds while working on it? Take a look at a these two photos:





Anyway, just thought I'd share.

Tifo

(PS. It's friday! Anyone else's week been as "long" as mine?)

 

Those Abarth's are very small, take a look at the steering wheel to get the idea of the size it.

 

Interesting similarity indeed, I'm not that sure it would have been intentional though. Even if they HAD been looking for a car to take styling cues from, the Abarth shouldn't have been the first choice. I guess it could vave been an indirect influence, I read somewhere that the 968 front end was a result of "brand continuity" and was intended to be similar to the 928 and (coming) 993. The 993 could have been influenced by the Abarth with the 968 being just a fortunate accident.

My days all run together so I can no longer gauge the "duration" of a week (been mostly a full time Rennlister since early December).

 

Interesting, though not sure the design similarity was intentional or a byproduct of both being designed to keep with the family look. Howevefr, the similarity of bumper opening on both are rather compelling.

I remember seeing the Abarth Carrera when it was new- and wanting one. Looks like I finally got one.