First Production Car To Break 500 Horsepower: 500 horsepower hardly draws attention these days. You can drive out of a dealership in a family SUV with that level of power. But in the late 1980s 500 horsepower was practically unthinkable. Back then even supercar struggled to top 400 horsepower.
As a result the Porsche 959 S—known for being the first production car to officially break the 500-horsepower mark remains a true game-changer. In addition to altering performance requirements it also altered the design of supercars for many years to come.
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Let’s examine the significance of this extremely rare Porsche and why collectors will gladly spend millions to acquire one.
Before 500 HP Was “Normal,” It Was Unthinkable
In the modern era, horsepower inflation is real. Supercars, hypercars, and even electric sedans now smash past 700 or 1,000 hp with ease. But during the 1960s through the early ’80s, even the most extreme road cars hovered around the 350–400 hp mark.
Crossing 500 horsepower from the factory wasn’t just difficult it was revolutionary.
That moment finally arrived in 1988, thanks to a stripped-down track focused evolution of one of the most advanced car Porsche had ever built.
The Porsche 959: A Supercar From the Future
If you know ’80s performance cars, the Porsche 959 needs no introduction. Built as a Group B rally homologation special, it was years ahead of its rivals in both technology and design.
The standard 959 introduced innovations that were unheard of at the time including:
- Advanced all-wheel drive (which later influenced AWD 911s)
- A twin turbocharged flat six engine
- Adjustable ride height suspension
- Lightweight materials borrowed from motorsport
Even the “regular” 959 was mind-blowing. But Porsche wasn’t done.
Meet the Porsche 959 S: Lighter, Louder and Much Faster
Porsche engineers believed the Komfort version wasn’t extreme enough. Their solution? Build a no-compromise variant focused purely on performance.
Enter the Porsche 959 S — with the “S” standing for Sport, and it absolutely meant it.
This version wasn’t designed for comfort or luxury. It was designed to push boundaries.
The Engine That Made History
At the heart of the Porsche 959 S sits a modified version of the standard car’s engine:
- 2.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six
- Larger turbochargers
- Factory-rated output of 508 horsepower
That number is crucial. Unlike some rivals with disputed claims, Porsche officially confirmed the 959 S’s power figure. This makes it one of the first, and arguably the first, production car to exceed 500 hp straight from the factory.
For the late ’80s, this was outrageous.
Porsche Put the 959 S on a Serious Diet
Power alone wasn’t enough. Porsche wanted the 959 S to dominate at high speeds, so engineers attacked weight wherever possible.
Out went:
- Air conditioning
- Electric windows
- Central locking
- Rear seats
- Automatic ride-height system
In came:
- Fixed suspension
- Racing seats with harnesses
- A full roll cage
The result? About 220 pounds shaved off compared to the standard 959. Less weight, more power — the perfect recipe.
One of the Fastest Cars on Earth
The standard Porsche 959 was already quick enough to briefly hold the “fastest car in the world” title, hitting nearly 198 mph in testing.
The 959 S elevated the situation.
It reputedly attained 211 mph during testing at the Nardò Ring making it one of the fastest road car of its time. The renowned Ruf CTR Yellowbird was the only manufactured vehicle that could truly compete with it at the time.
For the late ’80s, these numbers were nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Extreme Rarity = Extreme Value
The Porsche was rare to begin with. Porsche built around 292 unit in total. But the 959 S? Only about 29 examples are believed to exist.
That level of scarcity sends values through the roof.
In recent years:
- Standard 959s typically sell for $1–2 million
- A Porsche 959 S has sold for nearly $5 million
This isn’t just a car — it’s a rolling piece of automotive history.
Was It the First Production Car with 500 HP?
This is the point of interest.
Some aficionados contend that Porsche was outclassed by the Ford RS200 Evolution. For the RS200 Evo another Group B homologation special Ford promised power numbers as high as 600 horsepower.
What’s wrong? These numbers were never reliably confirmed. Depending on the source estimates can range from 450 to 600 horsepower.
Porsche, on the other hand, made the results of the 959 S public. Because of its openness the 959 S is frequently recognized as the first production vehicle with 500 or more horsepower.
Porsche retain the title until a validated dyno test resolves the RS200 controversy.
Why the Porsche 959 S Still Matters Today
The Porsche 959 S wasn’t just fast — it changed the trajectory of supercar development. Turbocharging, AWD performance systems, lightweight construction, and extreme engineering all became mainstream because of cars like this.
In many ways, the modern hypercar owes a debt to Porsche’s wild ’80s experiment.
Final Thought
Breaking 500 horsepower may seem ordinary today but in the late ’80s, it was revolutionary. The Porsche 959 S didn’t just cross that line — it obliterated expectations and redefined what a road car could be.
That’s why, decades later it’s still spoken about in hushed, reverent tones — and why it remains one of the most important supercars ever built.
FAQs
Q: How many Porsche model were built?
A: Only around 29 unit of the 959 S were produce make it extremely rare.
Q: Is the RS200 Evolution more powerful than the 959 S?
A: Ford claim up to 600 hp but power figure for the RS200 Evo are debate. 959 S has verified factory figure which is why it often gets the credit.
Q: How much is a 959 S worth today?
A: Recent sale suggest value close to $5 million depend on condition and provenance.
Also Read: 5 Dangerous Classic Supercars That Are Surprisingly Dangerous to Drive