The Porsche 928 GTS, produced from 1991 to 1995, represents the culmination of the 928 model line, Porsche’s front-engined, V8-powered grand tourer. Initially conceived as a replacement for the iconic 911, the 928 offered a more sophisticated and luxurious experience, appealing to a different segment of the sports car market. The GTS variant, with its larger 5.4-liter V8 engine, refined styling, and improved performance, is widely considered the most desirable iteration of the 928. It marked a significant departure from the traditional Porsche formula, embracing a more modern and comfortable approach to high-performance motoring.
Porsche 928 5.4 GTS: A Grand Tourer Refined
The 928 was a bold move for Porsche, a company deeply rooted in the rear-engined 911. Its sleek, aerodynamic design, penned by Harm Lagaay, was a deliberate attempt to attract buyers accustomed to grand touring cars from marques like Ferrari and Maserati. The GTS, introduced in 1991, was the final evolution of this design, featuring subtle but effective styling updates and, crucially, a significant engine upgrade. While never achieving the sales volume of the 911, the 928 established a loyal following and remains a highly sought-after classic today.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 928 GTS is its 5.4-liter, naturally aspirated V8 engine, designated M28.50. This powerplant produced 350 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 368.78 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm. The engine featured a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, multi-port fuel injection, and a compression ratio of 10.4:1. This configuration delivered a smooth and powerful driving experience, with a distinctive V8 soundtrack. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The 928 GTS could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 170.88 mph (275 km/h). The engine’s specific output was an impressive 64.9 horsepower per liter. The weight-to-power ratio of 4.7 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.3 kg/Nm further contributed to its spirited performance.
Design & Features
The 928 GTS is a two-door, four-seat coupe characterized by its distinctive wedge shape and pop-up headlights. 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 leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and a comprehensive array of instrumentation. Safety features, for the time, were relatively advanced, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The GTS also benefited from suspension refinements, utilizing a double wishbone, independent coil spring setup at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable yet controlled ride. Trunk space was a practical 200-400 liters (7.06-14.13 cubic feet), making the 928 a surprisingly usable grand tourer. The car’s relatively long wheelbase of 2500 mm (98.43 inches) contributed to its stability and ride quality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 928 |
| Generation | 928 |
| Type (Engine) | 5.4 GTS V8 (350 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1991 |
| End of production | 1995 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 5.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170.88 mph (275 km/h) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 350 Hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 4250 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6800 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M28.50 |
| Engine displacement | 5397 cm3 (329.35 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 100 mm (3.94 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 85.9 mm (3.38 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 |
| 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 | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1925 kg (4243.9 lbs.) |
| Max load | 275 kg (606.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 200 l (7.06 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 400 l (14.13 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 86 l (22.72 US gal | 18.92 UK gal) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4523 mm (178.07 in.) |
| Width | 1890 mm (74.41 in.) |
| Height | 1282 mm (50.47 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1551 mm (61.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1616 mm (63.62 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 115 mm (4.53 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 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, Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone, Independent coil spring |
| 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: 255/40 ZR17 Rear wheel tires: 255/40 ZR17 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7.5J x 17 Rear wheel rims: 9J x 17 |
The Porsche 928 GTS remains a compelling alternative to the more traditional 911, offering a unique blend of performance, luxury, and grand touring capability. Its distinctive design and powerful V8 engine have secured its place as a classic Porsche and a desirable collector’s item.
