Porsche 928 4.5 V8 (219 Hp)

The Porsche 928 is a luxury grand tourer produced by Porsche from 1977 to 1995. It replaced the 911 as the company’s flagship model, representing a significant departure in design and engineering philosophy. Initially intended to be a more modern and comfortable alternative to the 911, the 928 ultimately coexisted with its rear-engined sibling, appealing to a different segment of the sports car market. The 928 was notable for its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a V8 engine, and sophisticated suspension, offering a blend of performance and luxury uncommon in sports cars of its era. This article focuses on the 4.5-liter V8 variant, a significant evolution in the 928 lineage.

The Porsche 928 4.5 V8: A Grand Touring Evolution

The 4.5-liter V8 version of the Porsche 928, introduced in 1983, marked a substantial upgrade over the earlier 2.9-liter and 3.0-liter models. It addressed criticisms regarding power delivery and overall performance, solidifying the 928’s position as a true grand tourer. This iteration of the 928 was designed to compete with established GT cars from Ferrari, Maserati, and Jaguar, offering a unique blend of German engineering, performance, and luxury. The 928’s distinctive “shark” nose design, penned by Wilhelm Liebhardt, remained a defining characteristic, evolving subtly over the years to enhance aerodynamics and aesthetics.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 928 4.5 V8 is its 4.5-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine. This powerplant produced 219 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 344 Nm (253.72 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine featured a longitudinal front-engine layout, a departure from the traditional Porsche rear-engine configuration. It utilized multi-port manifold fuel injection and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allowed for a power-to-liter ratio of 48.9 hp/l. The engine’s smooth power delivery and relatively high torque output contributed to the 928’s effortless cruising ability and respectable acceleration. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 7.3 seconds, while the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint took 7.7 seconds. The weight-to-power ratio of 6.8 kg/hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 4.4 kg/Nm further highlighted the car’s performance capabilities. The engine required 7.5 liters (7.93 US quarts) of oil and 16 liters (16.91 US quarts) of coolant.

Design & Features

The Porsche 928 4.5 V8 is a two-door coupe with seating for four passengers. Its sleek, aerodynamic body was designed to minimize drag and maximize stability at high speeds. The car’s pop-up headlights and smooth, flowing lines contributed to its distinctive appearance. The interior was designed with luxury and comfort in mind, featuring high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. The 928 incorporated several advanced features for its time, including an anti-lock braking system (ABS) to enhance safety and hydraulic power steering for improved handling. The suspension system utilized double wishbones at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and precise handling characteristics. The car’s relatively large fuel tank capacity of 86 liters (22.72 US gallons) allowed for extended range, making it suitable for long-distance touring. The 928’s design prioritized both aesthetics and functionality, creating a car that was as visually appealing as it was enjoyable to drive.

Technical Specifications

The Porsche 928 4.5 V8 represented a high point in the model’s development, offering a compelling combination of performance, luxury, and sophistication. While it ultimately didn’t supplant the 911, it carved out a unique niche for itself as a grand touring icon, appreciated by enthusiasts for its distinctive design and engineering.