The 924, which was available as of model year 1976, was developed by Porsche on behalf of Volkswagen as the successor to the 914 and eventually produced internally. The new entry-level model was built by Audi in Neckarsulm.

Good aerodynamics were a priority when designing the body of the 924. This was particularly taken into account through the flat bonnet and the pop-up headlights. As of MY 1983, a black rear spoiler brought about a further improvement in the Cd value.

Porsche went in an entirely new direction when designing the drive of the 924. For the very first time, a liquid-cooled front engine was used. This featured an in-line cylinder arrangement. The 125 hp engine was adopted from the Audi 100 and modified by Porsche. The drive power was transmitted according to the transaxle principle.

Only from the 924 S, which was produced as of model year 1986, onwards, was an engine built by Porsche used - the 2.5-litre four-cylinder in-line engine of the 944.

The Porsche 924 S, which was available as of MY 1986, represented a significant technical enhancement of the 924 model line. Many components of this model originated in the 944. These included the power unit, brake system, chassis components as well as parts of the interior. The standard aluminium wheels with the "telephone dial" design also moved the 924 S closer to the 944.

The 2.5-litre engine of the 924 S had the same design as the 944 and initially achieved 150 hp, followed by 160 hp as of MY 1988.