Porsche 928 4.7 S V8 (310 Hp)

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 boasted a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a V8 engine – a configuration Porsche hadn’t utilized in a production car since the 550 Spyder. The 928 4.7 S, produced from 1983 to 1986, was a performance-enhanced variant of the original 928, offering increased power and refined handling. It was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a sophisticated and capable sports car with a more comfortable and luxurious experience than the 911 offered. While never achieving the iconic status of its rear-engined sibling, the 928 remains a highly regarded and collectible Porsche model, particularly the 4.7 S version.

Porsche 928 4.7 S: A Grand Tourer Reimagined

The 928 4.7 S marked a pivotal point in the 928’s evolution. Porsche responded to criticisms of the initial model’s performance by increasing engine displacement and refining the chassis. The “S” designation signified a sportier focus, with improvements to suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics. The car was positioned as a competitor to grand tourers from marques like Ferrari and Maserati, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality. Although primarily sold in Europe, the 928 found a dedicated following in North America, where its distinctive styling and powerful V8 engine resonated with buyers seeking an alternative to traditional American muscle cars.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 928 4.7 S is its 4.7-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine, designated M28.21, produced 310 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4100 rpm. The engine featured multi-port fuel injection and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its smooth power delivery and relatively high power-to-liter ratio of 66.5 hp/l. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The 928 4.7 S could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.9 seconds and achieve a maximum speed of 255 km/h (158.45 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 4.9 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.8 kg/Nm further enhanced its performance characteristics. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributed to a balanced chassis and predictable handling.

Design & Features

The 928’s design, penned by Wilhelm Kurz, was a radical departure from the 911’s iconic silhouette. Its sleek, aerodynamic coupe body featured a distinctive pop-up headlight design and a long, sloping hood. The 928 was a true four-seater, offering a usable rear seat, albeit one best suited for smaller passengers. The interior was designed with luxury in mind, featuring comfortable seats, high-quality materials, and a well-appointed dashboard. Safety features for the era included anti-lock brakes (ABS), which were becoming increasingly common on high-performance vehicles. The 928’s wide track and independent suspension – utilizing double wishbones at both the front and rear – provided excellent handling and ride comfort. The car’s relatively large fuel tank capacity of 86 liters (22.72 US gallons) allowed for extended range, making it a capable grand tourer.

Technical Specifications

The Porsche 928 4.7 S represents a fascinating chapter in Porsche’s history. It was a bold attempt to redefine the company’s image and appeal to a broader audience. While ultimately overshadowed by the 911, the 928 4.7 S remains a highly desirable and technologically advanced grand tourer, offering a unique blend of performance, luxury, and distinctive styling.