C13 Publishing Presents: Porsche 959 - Update 1.06

Update 1.06 changelog:
- updated sound - increased exterior volume from the front
- updated data - fixed an issue causing extreme throttle cut duration when using a wheel without an h shifter
- updated 3d - massive increase to low res cockpit fidelity, preventing geometry detaching from shell, and transparent interior issues from high camera angles

The Legend

In the 1980s Porsche was torn. While the rear engined 911 has served it very well, the question arose whether the future may in fact lie in a front engine concept, not unlike the 928 and it's lower end siblings. So partly as a last hoorah, Porsche built an absolute monster of a car, that not only went on to became legend, but definitively proved, that what works, doesn't need fixing. Enter the 959.

It may come as a surprise, that of all things, the 959 started life as a Group B rally project, the all wheel drive system developed specifically for off road performance. This system was tested in the field, and boy did it perform. René Metge took home the trophy for winning Paris-Dakar in 1986, with Jacky Icx coming second and the third 959 entry coming in 6th. Not to be left behind on tarmac, the 961 - a race modified 959, took home 1st in it's class in the 1986 LeMans 24h.

With such a rich racing pedigree and laurels on tarmac as well as on dirt, surely the road going production version is something to behold. And it is.

The Car

Jugee8 took lead on the conversion process, and the result is visually breathtaking. Additionally, the car is quite optimised, sporting just north of 800k poly, with a sub 140 object count and a measly 85 materials. (Actual numbers of objects and materials may vary by skin). Combined with LODs, this thing is ready to perform on your local server. The car is optimised to look it's best on both LCS and Gamma, though i generally recommend running in LCS for optimal visuals.

The base specs were inspired by actual customer cars with 4 additional specs curated by yours truly.

There are also plenty of customisation options available to any would be skin makers, with the interior split in a way that simply invites playful combinations

The Experience

The physics were a true test for this car, as sadly official sources for how the 959s incredibly unique drivetrain works, either don't exist, or prefer to keep shtum. Thankfully the data department at C13 Publishing was able to source some reliable data from specialty shops and the like, making an accurate ingame representation of the real car a possibility.

With the dynamic AWD drivetrain and suspension systems accurately modeled, you can come as close to experiencing an actual 959 as possible, short of actually driving one on the road. But for the cherry on top, the factory 17" alloys are clad in a modern Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, so you can explore the car's limits with confidence, and without fear of when the 90s rubber will decide to simply give out.

The Assist

As has been most often the case, i'd like to thank Vilau for his work on the sound, really tying the car together.
Additionally, thanks to Yankel for help on the cluster texture, and help with skin setup.

I'd like to thank all supporters of C13 Automotive for your invaluable contributions, which really make this possible. A special thanks to members of C13 Publishing for early testing and bug hunting.

Love you all, until next time.