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 co-existed with its rear-engined sibling. The early 928 models, like the 4.5 V8 produced from 1977-1982, established the car’s reputation for performance and sophisticated engineering. This front-engined, V8-powered coupe aimed to broaden Porsche’s appeal and compete with grand tourers from Ferrari and Jaguar.
Porsche 928 4.5 V8: A New Direction for Porsche
The 928 represented a bold move for Porsche, abandoning the traditional rear-engine layout and air-cooled flat-six engine that had defined the 911 for over a decade. The 928’s design, penned by Wilhelm Kurz, was sleek and modern, influenced by the aesthetics of the time. The initial models, including the 4.5 V8, were designed to offer a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality, appealing to a wider range of buyers than the more focused 911. The 928 was Porsche’s attempt to create a true all-around sports car, capable of both spirited driving and comfortable long-distance cruising.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the early 928 was its all-aluminum 4.5-liter V8 engine. This engine, designated M28.02 and later M28.10, produced 240 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine featured 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 53.6 hp/l. Power was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The 928 4.5 V8 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 6.4 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 4.4 kg/Nm contributed to its responsive driving characteristics.
Design & Features
The Porsche 928 was a two-door, four-seat coupe with a distinctive design. Its long hood, sloping roofline, and pop-up headlights were hallmarks of the era. The body was constructed primarily of steel, with aluminum used for certain panels to reduce weight. The interior was designed with comfort and luxury in mind, featuring supportive seats, a well-appointed dashboard, and a range of available options. Safety features for the time included ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The 928’s suspension utilized a double wishbone setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable ride and precise handling. The hydraulic power steering further enhanced the driving experience. The car’s relatively large fuel tank capacity of 86 liters (22.72 US gallons) allowed for extended range, making it suitable for long journeys.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 928 |
| Generation | 928 |
| Type (Engine) | 4.5 V8 (240 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1977 |
| End of production | 1982 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 16-20 l/100 km (14.7 – 11.8 US mpg, 17.7 – 14.1 UK mpg, 6.3 – 5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.4 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 | M28.02, M28.10 |
| 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 | 1540 kg (3395.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 330 kg (727.53 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 (Back) track | 1530 mm (60.24 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 125 mm (4.92 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| 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 marked a pivotal moment in Porsche’s history. While it didn’t entirely replace the 911, it demonstrated the company’s willingness to innovate and explore new engineering approaches. The early 928 models, with their sophisticated V8 engine and luxurious appointments, remain highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today, representing a unique chapter in Porsche’s storied legacy.
