Page "Porsche 912" Paragraph 2

Concerned that the considerable price increase of a Type 911 with " flat " six-cylinder powerplant over the Type 356 would cost the company sales and narrow brand appeal, Porsche executives decided to introduce a new four-cylinder entry-level model.

Like the 911 ( original internal factory designation " 901 "), the four-cylinder 912 was originally known at Zuffenhausen by a number with a zero in the middle, but the " 902 " designation was never used publicly.

Before 911 production commenced in 1964, the Porsche Vehicle Research Department set aside chassis numbers 13386 through 13397 for research testing of the Type 356 replacement.

Porsche research vehicle Serial Number 13394, the oldest 902 known to exist, combines a 911 chassis / bodyshell with a four-cylinder Type 616 engine from the 356.

Compared to the 911, the resulting production Type 912 vehicle demonstrated superior weight distribution, handling, and range.

To bring 912 pricing close to the 356, Porsche also deleted some features standard on the 911.