Porsche, 928

The Porsche 928 is a grand tourer produced by German automobile manufacturer Porsche from 1978 to 1995. It was designed to replace the rear-engine 911 and be a more practical and luxurious alternative.

Design and Platform:

The 928 was built on a front-engine, front-wheel drive platform with a longitudinal V8 engine layout. The car's design was influenced by the Porsche 924 Carrera GT, and it featured a longer wheelbase and wider track than its predecessors. The bodywork was designed to provide excellent aerodynamics, with a sloping nose and a prominent rear wing.

Engine and Performance:

The initial models of the 928 were powered by a naturally aspirated, 4.7-liter V8 engine producing 234 horsepower. In 1980, the engine capacity increased to 5 liters, and power output rose to 276 horsepower. Later models featured fuel injection and intercooling, boosting power to 316 horsepower. The top-of-the-line 928 GTS had a 6.3-liter V8 engine that produced 370 horsepower.

Transmission and Drivetrain:

The 928 was initially available with a five-speed manual transmission, but from 1982 onwards, it came standard with a four-speed automatic or optional five-speed manual. The rear axle was equipped with a limited-slip differential to improve traction.

Interior and Features:

Inside, the Porsche 928 featured leather upholstery, wood trim, and a premium audio system. As part of its luxury appeal, the car had an air conditioning system, power windows, and a cruise control system available as optional features. Later models introduced advanced electronic systems such as ABS, traction control, and electronic engine management.

Safety Features:

The 928 was praised for its safety record due to features like anti-lock braking (ABS), which was standard on the 1987 models onwards, and driver airbags, also fitted from 1985. The car's robust body structure earned a perfect score in crash testing conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Production Numbers:

During its production run, Porsche manufactured approximately 61,312 units of the 928. It was primarily sold in Europe and North America, with relatively few being exported to Asia and other parts of the world.

End of Production:

The final model year for the Porsche 928 was 1995, by which time it had been on sale for nearly two decades. As sales declined due to changing market conditions and competition from newer models, Porsche decided not to continue with the grand tourer's production. However, its legacy continues among sports car enthusiasts worldwide.

Impact and Legacy:

The 928 played a significant role in Porsche's history by providing an alternative to the rear-engine 911 for those seeking more practicality and comfort without sacrificing performance. Its impact on modern sports cars can be seen in models like the Mercedes-Benz CL550, Jaguar XK8, and Maserati Quattroporte.

Collectibility:

Today, the Porsche 928 is considered a collector's item due to its rarity and distinctive styling. As with many classic cars, condition, mileage, and originality significantly impact resale value. The most valuable models are typically those in excellent condition, low mileage, and having complete documentation, including the car's service history.

Conclusion:

The Porsche 928 represents a significant chapter in the company's history by showcasing its capabilities to produce grand tourers that combine comfort with exceptional performance. While it has ended production for over two decades, its influence can be observed in modern sports cars that blend luxury and high-performance characteristics.