In model year 1982, a fourth Porsche model line came onto the market. The 944 bridged the price and performance gap between the 924 and the 911 SC.

Although the body of the 944 was based on the 924, it had considerably more striking contours. The 944 also featured a 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engine developed by Porsche. The 944 was therefore viewed as a "true" Porsche in the eyes of customers. This transaxle model was also produced by Audi in Neckarsulm.

A front spoiler painted in the exterior colour with square rubber buffers as well as much wider, slightly angular wings clearly distinguished the 944 from the 924. The 2.5-litre engine initially developed 163 hp; a catalytic converter version with 150 hp was introduced as of MY 86. The engine with catalytic converter was tuned for unleaded fuel with 95 RON in model year 1988, which increased the power to 160 hp. For the last model year (1989), the displacement was increased to 2.7 litres and the power grew to 165 hp.