The Porsche 928 is a luxury grand tourer produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. Representing a significant departure from the traditional 911, the 928 was intended to be a more modern, comfortable, and technologically advanced sports car. The 928 5.0 S V8, produced from 1985 to 1994, represents a high-performance iteration of the model, boasting increased power and refined handling. It was Porsche’s flagship model for much of its production run, and remains a highly sought-after classic today.
The Porsche 928 5.0 S V8: A Grand Tourer Redefined
The 928 was Porsche’s attempt to replace the aging 911. It featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout – a stark contrast to the 911’s rear-engine configuration. This change was intended to improve handling balance and offer a more forgiving driving experience. The 5.0 S variant, introduced in 1985, further enhanced the 928’s performance credentials with a larger displacement engine and various mechanical upgrades. It was marketed towards drivers seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and sophisticated engineering.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 928 5.0 S is its 4.957-liter (302.49 cu. in.) V8 engine, designated M28.44. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 288 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 410 Nm (302.4 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2700 rpm. This translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.4 kg/Hp and a power per liter output of 58.1 Hp/l. The engine utilizes multi-port manifold fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 242 km/h (150.37 mph). The engine requires 7.5 liters (7.93 US qt) of oil and 16 liters (16.91 US qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The 928 5.0 S is a two-door coupe with seating for four passengers. Its design, penned by Harm Lagaay, is characterized by smooth, flowing lines and a distinctive pop-up headlight arrangement. The body is constructed primarily of steel, with aluminum used for certain panels to reduce weight. The car’s interior is focused on providing a luxurious and comfortable experience, featuring leather upholstery and a well-appointed dashboard. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was a relatively advanced technology at the time. The 928’s wide track and sophisticated suspension – employing double wishbones at both the front and rear – contribute to its stable and predictable handling. The car’s dimensions are 4462 mm (175.67 in.) in length, 1836 mm (72.28 in.) in width, and 1282 mm (50.47 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2500 mm (98.43 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 928 |
| Generation | 928 |
| Type (Engine) | 5.0 S V8 (288 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1985 |
| End of production | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 242 km/h / 150.37 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 288 Hp @ 5750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 58.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 410 Nm @ 2700 rpm / 302.4 lb.-ft. @ 2700 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M28.44 |
| Engine displacement | 4957 cm3 / 302.49 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 100 mm / 3.94 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 78.9 mm / 3.11 in. |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l / 7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt |
| Coolant | 16 l / 16.91 US qt | 14.08 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1560 kg / 3439.21 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg / 4122.64 lbs. |
| Max load | 310 kg / 683.43 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 86 l / 22.72 US gal | 18.92 UK gal |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg / 165.35 lbs. |
| Length | 4462 mm / 175.67 in. |
| Width | 1836 mm / 72.28 in. |
| Height | 1282 mm / 50.47 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm / 98.43 in. |
| Front track | 1549 mm / 60.98 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1563 mm / 61.54 in. |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm / 4.72 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: 225/50 VR16 Rear wheel tires: 225/50 VR16 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 16 Rear wheel rims: 7J x 16 |
The Porsche 928 5.0 S V8 represents a high point in Porsche’s grand touring history. Its combination of performance, luxury, and advanced engineering made it a compelling alternative to other high-end sports cars of the era. While ultimately replaced by the 993 generation 911, the 928 remains a beloved and collectible Porsche model, appreciated for its unique character and sophisticated design.
