Porsche 928

The Porsche 928: The Luxurious GT That Dared to Replace the 911

The Porsche 928 is one of the most ambitious and intriguing models in Porsche's history. Launched in 1977, the 928 was designed to be a luxury grand tourer (GT) and, at one point, was intended to replace the iconic 911. The 928 combined Porsche’s engineering prowess with comfort, performance, and groundbreaking design. Although it never dethroned the 911, the 928 carved out its own legacy as one of the finest GT cars of its era, blending V8 power, innovative technology, and a unique style.

Origins and Development

In the early 1970s, Porsche recognized a need to diversify its lineup and appeal to a broader audience. The 911, while beloved, was seen by some as limited in terms of luxury and comfort. Porsche’s solution was to develop the 928, a front-engine, V8-powered GT car designed to offer high performance with the refinement of a luxury coupe. The 928 was conceived under the leadership of Ernst Fuhrmann, Porsche’s then-chairman, who believed the 928 could be the company’s flagship model for years to come.

The 928 was unveiled at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show and immediately garnered attention for its revolutionary design and engineering. Unlike the 911, the 928 featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a departure from Porsche’s traditional rear-engine designs.

Design and Specifications

The Porsche 928 featured a sleek, aerodynamic design with a distinctive wedge shape. Its long hood, muscular fenders, and pop-up headlights gave it a futuristic appearance, while the rounded rear end and wide stance emphasized its GT credentials. The 928 also introduced the "Weissach Axle," a passive rear-wheel steering system that improved handling and stability.

The 928’s body was made from a combination of galvanized steel and aluminum to reduce weight and resist corrosion. The doors, hood, and front fenders were crafted from aluminum, contributing to the car’s balanced weight distribution.

Engine and Performance

The 928 was powered by a series of water-cooled V8 engines throughout its production run. Initial models featured a 4.5-liter SOHC V8 producing 219 horsepower (in European spec) and 240 lb-ft of torque. Over time, Porsche introduced larger and more powerful engines, culminating in the 5.4-liter DOHC V8 found in the final 928 GTS models, producing 345 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.

Key performance specifications included:

• 0 to 60 mph: Around 6.5 seconds (early models), improving to 5.4 seconds (928 GTS)

• Top Speed: 143 mph (230 km/h) for early models, 171 mph (275 km/h) for the 928 GTS

• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 3/4-speed automatic

Interior and Features

The Porsche 928’s interior was designed with comfort and luxury in mind. It featured a spacious cabin with leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a driver-focused cockpit. The dashboard was innovative for its time, with a "floating" instrument cluster that moved with the adjustable steering column. The 928 also included modern conveniences such as climate control, a premium audio system, and ample luggage space, making it an ideal long-distance cruiser.

Model Variants

Over its 18-year production run (1977-1995), Porsche introduced several variants of the 928, each offering improvements in performance, technology, and refinement:

• 928 (1977-1982): The original model with a 4.5-liter V8 engine.

• 928 S (1980-1986): Introduced a 4.7-liter V8 with increased power (up to 310 hp in later versions).

• 928 S4 (1987-1991): Featured a 5.0-liter V8 producing 316 hp, with improved aerodynamics and styling updates.

• 928 GT (1989-1991): A sportier version with a manual transmission and enhanced performance.

• 928 GTS (1992-1995): The final and most powerful iteration, with a 5.4-liter V8 producing 345 hp, wider rear fenders, and updated styling.

Racing and Cultural Impact

While the Porsche 928 was not primarily designed for motorsport, it did see some success in racing. It competed in events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and various endurance races, demonstrating its reliability and performance. However, the 928’s true legacy lies in its role as a luxurious and capable GT car.

The 928 also made its mark in popular culture, notably appearing in films such as "Risky Business" (1983), where a Guards Red 928 became an iconic symbol of 1980s excess and style.

Legacy and Influence

The Porsche 928’s production ended in 1995, with a total of over 61,000 units produced. Although it never replaced the 911 as Porsche’s flagship model, the 928 left a lasting legacy. It demonstrated Porsche’s ability to innovate and produce a world-class grand tourer, influencing future front-engine models like the Panamera.

Today, the 928 is celebrated for its blend of performance, luxury, and forward-thinking design. Enthusiasts appreciate its unique place in Porsche’s history, and well-maintained examples, especially the 928 GTS, have become highly sought-after collector cars.

Conclusion

The Porsche 928 was a bold and innovative departure from tradition, showcasing Porsche’s willingness to push boundaries and explore new concepts. With its powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology, the 928 remains a testament to Porsche’s engineering excellence. Though it may not have replaced the 911, the 928 carved out its own niche as a groundbreaking grand tourer, earning a lasting place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.