Porsche 928 ~ 1977-95

During the early 70’s Porsche was thinking of replacing the 911, which seemed to have passed its heyday and was on Porsche’s catalog list for well over a decade. A much more modern approach was chosen with, this time a water-cooled front engine rear wheel drive layout, making it possible to gulp long distances in comfort without being tricky at times. This agile Grand Tourer’s abilities were also due in part to its passive rear steering “Weissach axle” which changes the rear wheel’s camber when turning and acted as a form of rear wheel steering. It made the new high end Porsche very safe and progressive at the limits… a moden German Sports Car for today's active modern man.

In late 1977 the Porsche 928 was presented to the public as a 1978 model and was a total departure from the Beetle’s roots. Designed by Anatole Lapine, this worldly car was more substantial than the then still little 911 (G series) with two round exposed swiveling headlight pods laying and facing up flush on the hood in off position. The front bumper was a one-piece plastic unit enveloping turning signals, extra driving lights and fog-lights with later on a lower spoiler. The 928's doors were curiously arched and the rear had a hatchback treatment with a three-piece window enveloping a bumper with dished taillights. The result was so advanced and stunning in the late 70’s that the 928 just looked like it just arrived from outer space.

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The interior was very comfortable with a massive extruding dashboard and a large swooping center console, the 2+2 layout allowed room for children though and only tire noise at speed could disrupt the occupants’ serenity. Porsche had big ideas for the 928 and fitted an all aluminum sleeveless 4.5 liter / 273 cu in single-cam V8 mated to a rear transaxle to better balance the car. The five-speed dog-leg (1st bottom left) gearbox was awkward, but a three-speed automatic transmission could be ordered. With 240 ps at 5500 rpm in Europe and 219 hp in the US, the 928 managed 7.2 seconds to reach 60 mph and 143 mph / 230 Km/h in top speed. Weight was its enemy even if aluminum was used on the doors, hood, front fenders and A pillars; the 928 still weighed 3197 lb / 1450 Kg on the scale.

In 1980 the 928 S arrived in Europe with a 4.7 liter V8 of 300 ps at 5900 rpm, 0-60 mph was now 6.2 seconds with a 155 mph / 250 Km/h top speed, the North American market would have to wait until 1983 to receive this model with 234 hp at 5500 rpm giving 7.2 second to 60 mph and a top speed of 146 mph / 235 Km/h, the good news was the replacement of the 3-speed auto transmission for a 4-speed only available the next year to the rest of the world while a new regular “H” pattern 5-speed replaced the old dog-leg unit.

1984 introduced the Porsche 928 Series 2, with now 310 ps in UK and 239 hp in US, but it is the 1985 Porsche 928 Series 3 model available for the US only and its 5 liter (302 cu in) twin-cam 32 valve V8 producing 288 hp at 5750 rpm which now was the envy of the world. With its 302 lb-ft of torque at 2700 rpm against the European 928 S and its 295 lb-ft at a higher 4100 rpm, the 928 S3 was able to sprint to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph / 257 Km/h in an all new “torquier” way. However things were about to change in 1986 with the arrival of the 928 S4, recognized as the best GT in the world.

The American Porsche 928 S3 five liter engine with its 32 valves finally found its place under the 928 S4 hood. Worldwide, it produced 320 ps / 316 hp at 6000 rpm, which lowered the 0-60 mph time to 5.7 sec with a new top speed of 168 mph / 270 Km/h. What made the new top speed jump so high was the adoption of a new front nose, now all rounded with new flush turning signals, high-beams and fog lights. The rear also received a reworked bumper with bigger flush taillights and a new raised rear wing. The 928 S4 was mainly ordered with the 4-speed automatic transmission but a 5-speed could also be ordered.

In 1989 the 928 GT came along, this evolution of the 928 S4 was actually based on the rare UK model 928 SE, but available with more options. With 330 ps / 325 hp at 6200 rpm the 928 GT was only available with a short-throw 5-speed gear lever. To add a little more edge, a limited-slit differential, sport suspensions and forged wheels were part of the journey making the top speed identical, but now it took only 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the tactile feel was improved.

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The last evolution was the 928 GTS introduced in 1992, it replaced the S4 as well as the GT with the choice of a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. The 928 GTS had an increased 5.4 liter / 329 cu in V8 producing now 350 ps / 345 hp at 5700 rpm, giving a new top speed of 171 mph / 275 Km/h, while 60 mph was reached in 5.3 seconds. The 928 GTS had a new 5-spoke Cup wheel set, 959 style tear drop side mirrors and a reflective strip joining the two taillights.

Sadly the 928 departed from Porsche’s catalog in 1995, letting the new found love brought by the latest 911 (993) take over the top of Porsche’s lineup. Today the 928 is regarded as a sideline Porsche and is sad that Porsche fans can only accept one Porsche while Ferrari fans celebrate SWBs, GTOs, Daytonas, 550/575, 599 and F12s…

JJP.