G Gear: The Ultra-Low Shift Behind Porsche’s Off-Road Legend

G stands for Gelände, German for terrain, indicating an ultra-low gear for extra traction off-road. The label gained notoriety with the Porsche 959, which used a dedicated low 'G' gear to meet noise tests for rally homologation, prompting a re-numbering of gears. The 959 showcased tech ahead of its time—a multi-mode electronically controlled four-wheel drive (Dry/Wet/Ice/Traction), an electrohydraulic suspension with a 2.4-inch ride-height adjust, and the first mass-produced tire-pressure monitoring system. Group B rally rules shortened its life, with only 292 street-legal 959s built (200 required for homologation).