PORSCHE MODEL GUIDE

The 928

I can't think of any other Porsche that has such a dedicated (read-fanatical) following as the 928. It's not a huge group but they make up for size with dedication. And it's not without warrant as the 928 is actually quite a nice car. The 928 is very different than a 911 or Boxster or other Porsche sports car. Introduced as a 1978 in the US, it was originally intended to replace the 911 over time. Well, that was never going to happen but it did build a following. The architecture of a 928 is about as different from the 911 of the time as is possible. It had a water-cooled V8 mounted in front and was rather heavy but quite luxurious. It was one of the first Porsche cars to use computers and carry extensive electronics. Get into a 928 and close the door and you know you are in a car that was built to be solid and built to last. It may not be as nimble and responsive as a 911 but if you like torque from your Porsche you've come to the right place. Nothing pleases a 928 more than climbing a steep hill. Just keep putting the power down and you'll be impressed. It may, in fact, be the best GT Porsche ever built, as evidenced by the larger back seats, adequate storage space, excellent air conditioning and ability to consume highway miles with ease. Given the original list prices of the 928, today's market prices could be considered a bargain. Offsetting this are the rather expensive repair bills when something does go wrong. But a 928 in regular use is a happy 928 and is often quite reliable under this kind of usage.

The exterior design of the 928, executed by Tony Lapine, was intended to look powerful and sleek. Current Porsche design chief, Michael Mauer, commented upon joining Porsche that the 928 was one of the best designs that Porsche had done, looking as good today as it did upon introduction. High praise for a 30-year car.


1978-1982: 928
The 928's first engine was a 4.5 liter V8 producing approximately 230hp, more than the 911 of the day. Transmission choices were a three speed automatic built by Mercedes or a five speed manual. Some problems have been noted with these early manual transmissions and clutches.


1983-1986: 928S
The 928 was changed to the 928S in 1983. This year went to a larger 4.7 liter engine producing 234hp. It also saw the automatic transmission option go to a four speed and improvements made to the motor mount system and belt tensioners. Although there was no model nomenclature change for the 1985 model year, it still brought in some substantial improvements starting with a new, larger 5.0 liter engine with twin cams, four valves per cylinder and 10:1 compression bringing power up to a healthy 288hp. In 1986 the 928 went to ABS brakes as standard equipment, and the brakes were upgraded during the mid-year. The 928 list price was increasing at an even faster rate than the horsepower, having been introduced at $28,500 in 1978 but now listing at $44,600 for the 1985.


1987-1989: 928S4
1987 was the introduction of the 928 S4 (the “4” representing the 4th generation of the 928, counting revisions made in the US and worldwide). It had an improved induction system leading to an increase in power to 320hp. The body work was also changed for 1987 with new front and rear bumper designs and the addition of front and rear spoilers for improved aerodynamics. In 1989, the five speed 928 was offered in a high performance version called the 928 GT (although it didn't carry GT nomenclature on the outside of the car). Enhancements included a limited slip differential and a more aggressive cam profile. This version carried a unique engine and transmission number.


1990- 1991: 928
Ok, so here's where it gets a little confusing. In 1990 and 1991, the five speed manual version of the 928 was called the 928GT and received a 10hp power bump to 330hp via the more aggressive camshafts. The automatic transmission 928 in these years was still called the 928S4 and stayed at 320hp. The 1992 928 was absent from the US altogether and only-Euro versions were brought in to America by private means.


1993- 1995: 928GTS
The 928 GTS was introduced in 1992 as a 1993 model year. These are the last years of the 928 before production was halted after the 1995 model year. In reality, so few of these last years were made you could almost consider production halted in 1991. Less than 500 928 GTS cars were built over this period. The GTS once again boosted performance over the earlier cars by increasing engine size to 5.4 liters with 350hp. On the outside, teardrop style outside mirrors replaced the square mirrors (so-called ears”). Fender flares were also increased along with a move to five-spoke, 17 inch wheels. In accordance with the higher power, brakes were enlarged and clutch and transmission were revised. Because of their low production numbers and higher performance, the 928GTs cars command a price premium over the earlier 928 versions.