The Porsche 928

Faster than anything as luxurious, more luxurious than anything as fast.

The 928 has had a great production run, from 1978-1995. Unfortunately, but for the best, the 928 was discontinued last year. Even though the 1995 928 GTS didn't sell very well, and was dropped from the Porsche line, the 928 is a proven winner. For 17 years, this Porsche headed the model line-up in luxury and power. The 928 was a tourer; only offfered as a 2-door coupe with a big V8 engine.

The concept of the 928 originated in 1971. The model was first shown at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 1977. By this time, the 928 was ready and running. Production began in September of that year for the 1978 models. As it first came out, the 928 offered a 4.5 liter 90 degree V8 as its only powerplant. You were given a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission, or a 3-speed automatic. Power output was at 219 horsepower. The 928 had its engine in the front, and the transmission at the rear. Even though this concept was already shown on the 924, the 928 was actually designed BEFORE the 924, therefore, the 928 is really the first "front engined" Porsche.

A 1982 928, in original form

The car was an extreme standout compared to other cars of the time, which were fairly boring. The 928 seemed like a spaceship on the road to everyone who saw it. We're used to its shape now, but think about 1977 and how it had to fit in with all those other econo-boxes. Technical innovations included an incredibly long timing belt to drive the cams and all acessories, and pistons running directly in the "Alusil" block. The cylinder bores were etched to expose hard, wear resistant silicon particles. The 928 had nearly perfect weight distribution, thanks to a sophisticated multilink rear suspension known as the "Weissach" layout.

This employed a form of passive real-wheel steering, giving the rear suspension toe-in on braking or deceleration to combat trailing-throttle oversteer, the first rear-steering system ever offered to the public. Porsche didn't use aluminum very sparingly on the 928--the doors, hood, and other large castings were composed of it. Inside, you were treated to the most modern interior design of any car on the road, with an adjustable instrument pod, electronic comfort and convenience features, and the highest grade materials. It was also one of the quietest cars on the road, and it could still match the 911 in performance.

Specifications for the 1995 GTS

Engine:

32 valve DOHC per bank, 90 degree V8, aluminum block and heads

Bore and Stroke: 4.09 x 3.46 in (100.0 x 85.9 mm)

Displacement:329 cu.in. or 5,397cc

Horsepower: 345@5,700 rpm

Torque: 369 lb-ft@ 4,250 rpm

Power to weight ratio: 13.1 lbs per horsepower

Compression ratio: 10.4:1

Cd: .34

Fuel system: EZH-LH
Drivetrain:

5 speed manual transmission,. 4 speed automatic

Suspension:

Independent front aluminum alloy double A-arms with coil springs

Independent rear aluminum alloy Weissach design

Dimensions:

Curb weight: 3,593 lbs

Wheelbase: 98.4"

Length: 178.1"

Width: 74.4"

Height: 50.5"

Track front/rear: 61.1"/63.6"

Ground clearance: 4.5"

Brakes and Wheels:

Power assisted, 4 piston aluminum alloy fixed caliper, internally vented discs, ABS

17x7.5" front, 17x9.0" rear cast aluminum wheels

Fuel Economy:

12 mpg (city) 19 mpg (hwy)

Performance:

0-60mph: 5.14 seconds

0-1/4 mile: 13.7s

Top Speed: 171 mph

Specifications for other 928 models

The 2nd generation of the 928: The 928S

The 928, Page 2