Changes in the rules and, in 1982, the new Group C represented an ideal challenge for engineers. The main criteria were low driving resistance, fuel-efficient engines and the ground effect. Porsche developed the legendary 956, powered by an air-cooled 2.6 litre turbocharged engine.

Three Porsche 956 cars entered the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race in 1982 and shocked the competition. The three works Porsche vehicles dominated the race right from the start, with the wellearned 1-2-3 victory being the baptism of fire for the car. Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell were the winners, with Jochen Mass and Vern Schuppan in second position.

Race winner Jacky Ickx won four of his six Le Mans victories with vehicles from Porsche.

The engineers broke completely new ground in 1982 with the 956. The ground effect of the two-seater practically glues it to the course surface, and incredible speeds are achieved in the curves. The faster a curve is tackled, the better, theoretically, the car holds the road. With 620 horsepower, the car can achieve speeds of up to 360 km/h. The 956 and its successor, the 962, won the classic Le Mans race a total of eight times between 1982 and 1994.