Between 1984 and 1987, a study was carried out at the Porsche Research and Development Center in Weissach for a car that was to be a compact, light and aerodynamic roadster. With the name of Porsche 984, the small and inexpensive sports car would have positioned itself in the price range of around 40 thousand DM and would have turned to a young and sporty generation of clients. The purpose of the development especially focussed in the dynamic behavior on the road, which would have been achieved thanks to reduced aerodynamic resistance, rather than through high engine power. Another goal in the development of the project was reduced consumption. The engine was a two-liter, air-cooled four-cylinder rear boxer unit, with a power of between 88 and 110 kW (120 and 150 HP). There was also a convertible version with an innovative folding hard top, as well as an all-wheel drive model intended for competitions. The imminent sales crisis of 1987, due to the collapse of the US dollar, caused the early shelving of the 984 project. The 984 can be considered the ancestor of the Boxster.