The Porsche 928 is a luxury grand tourer produced by Porsche from 1977 to 1995. Representing a significant departure from the traditional Porsche 911, the 928 was designed to be a more comfortable and modern alternative, aimed at a broader market. The initial models, like the 4.5 V8 produced from 1977 to 1982, established the 928 as a technologically advanced and high-performance coupe. It was Porsche’s attempt to replace the 911, though the 911 continued in production alongside it. The 928 was notable for its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a departure from the 911’s rear-engine configuration.
Porsche 928 4.5 V8: A Detailed Overview
The Porsche 928 4.5 V8, produced between 1977 and 1982, marked the beginning of a new era for Porsche. It was conceived as a replacement for the aging 911, offering a more sophisticated and luxurious driving experience. The car’s design, penned by Wilhelm Lehmann, was a clean, modern aesthetic that stood out from the more utilitarian styling of its predecessor. The 928 was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a high-performance coupe with the refinement and comfort expected of a grand tourer. While ultimately the 911 continued in production, the 928 carved out its own niche as a distinctive and capable sports car.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 928 4.5 V8 is its 4.5-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine, designated M28.01 and later M28.09, produced 240 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder and utilized multi-port manifold fuel injection. This configuration delivered a power-to-liter ratio of 53.6 hp/l. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The 928 4.5 V8 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.8 seconds and achieve a maximum speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 6 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 4.1 kg/Nm contributed to its responsive performance. Fuel consumption was rated between 15 to 18 liters per 100 kilometers (15.7 – 13.1 US mpg).
Design & Features
The Porsche 928 4.5 V8 is a two-door coupe with seating for four passengers. Its body style was a significant departure from the 911, featuring a sleek, aerodynamic design with a long hood and a sloping rear deck. The car’s front-engine layout allowed for a more balanced weight distribution, improving handling characteristics. The 928 incorporated several advanced features for its time, including an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and hydraulic power steering. The interior was designed with comfort and luxury in mind, featuring supportive seats and a well-appointed dashboard. The car’s pop-up headlights were a distinctive design element. The 928’s unibody construction contributed to its relatively light weight of 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs) at the curb. The car’s dimensions included a length of 4447 mm (175.08 in.), a width of 1836 mm (72.28 in.), and a height of 1313 mm (51.69 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 928 |
| Generation | 928 |
| Type (Engine) | 4.5 V8 (240 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1977 |
| End of production | 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 15-18 l/100 km (15.7 – 13.1 US mpg, 18.8 – 15.7 UK mpg, 6.7 – 5.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 230 km/h (142.92 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 53.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 3600 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M28.01, M28.09 |
| Engine displacement | 4474 cm3 (273.02 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.9 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.5 l (6.87 US qt | 5.72 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 16 l (16.91 US qt | 14.08 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 420 kg (925.94 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 86 l (22.72 US gal | 18.92 UK gal) |
| Length | 4447 mm (175.08 in.) |
| Width | 1836 mm (72.28 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2028 mm (79.84 in.) |
| Height | 1313 mm (51.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Rear track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 125 mm (4.92 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 225/60 VR16 Rear wheel tires: 225/60 VR16 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 16 Rear wheel rims: 7J x 16 |
The Porsche 928 4.5 V8 represented a bold step forward for Porsche, showcasing the company’s engineering prowess and commitment to innovation. While it didn’t entirely supplant the 911, it established itself as a desirable and sophisticated grand tourer, leaving a lasting legacy in automotive history.
