The Porsche 928 4.7 S V8, produced from 1983 to 1984, represents a significant evolution in Porsche’s grand touring lineage. Replacing the long-running 911, the 928 was intended as a more modern, luxurious, and capable successor. While the 911 ultimately persevered, the 928 carved out its own niche as a sophisticated, high-performance coupe, particularly appealing to buyers seeking a blend of sporting prowess and everyday usability. This front-engined, V8-powered Porsche was a departure from the company’s traditional rear-engined, flat-six philosophy, and its impact on automotive design and engineering is still felt today.
The Porsche 928 4.7 S V8: A Grand Touring Evolution
The 928 was Porsche’s attempt to redefine itself in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Facing increasing emissions regulations and a desire to broaden its appeal, Porsche sought a vehicle that could compete with grand tourers from Ferrari, Maserati, and Jaguar. The 928, with its sleek, aerodynamic styling penned by Wilhelm Lehmann, aimed to deliver a more refined and comfortable driving experience than the 911, while still maintaining Porsche’s reputation for performance. The “S” model, introduced in 1983, represented an upgrade in power and refinement, solidifying the 928’s position as a serious contender in the luxury sports car market.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 928 4.7 S V8 is its 4.7-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine, designated M28.19. This engine produces 234 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 357 Nm (263.31 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features a 9.3:1 compression ratio, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and multi-port fuel injection. This configuration delivers a power-to-weight ratio of 153.9 horsepower per tonne and a power-to-torque ratio of 234.9 Nm per tonne. The engine’s layout is longitudinal, positioned at the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 6.8 seconds, and the car boasts a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph). The engine’s 4664 cm3 (284.61 cu. in.) displacement, combined with its V8 configuration, provides a smooth and responsive power delivery.
Design & Features
The Porsche 928 4.7 S V8 is a two-door coupe with seating for four passengers. Its body is characterized by its smooth, flowing lines and pop-up headlights, hallmarks of 1980s automotive design. The car’s unibody construction contributes to its rigidity and handling prowess. The 928’s interior was designed with comfort and luxury in mind, featuring leather upholstery and a well-appointed dashboard. For its time, the 928 was equipped with advanced features, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), hydraulic power steering, and ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels, with discs on the rear. The suspension utilizes a double wishbone setup at both the front and rear, providing a balanced and controlled ride. 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) | 4.7 S V8 (234 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1983 |
| End of production | 1984 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 235 km/h (146.02 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 234 Hp @ 5250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 50.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 357 Nm @ 4000 rpm (263.31 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6100 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M28.19 |
| Engine displacement | 4664 cm3 (284.61 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.9 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| 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 | 1520 kg (3351.03 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1870 kg (4122.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 350 kg (771.62 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 | 1521 mm (59.88 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 | 5 gears, manual 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 |
Despite its initial promise, the 928 faced challenges, including a high price tag and the enduring popularity of the 911. Production continued with various updates and improvements until 1995, but the 928 never fully achieved the sales success Porsche had hoped for. Nevertheless, the 928 4.7 S V8 remains a highly sought-after classic, appreciated for its distinctive design, sophisticated engineering, and engaging driving experience. It stands as a testament to Porsche’s willingness to innovate and explore new directions in automotive design.
