For many car enthusiasts, Porsche is one of the most popular and well-known luxury car brands in the world. The company has been around since 1931 and is known for its sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. In the 1960s, Porsche was already known as a successful automaker, producing the most sought-after sports cars. With the launch of its 911 model in 1963, Porsche became solidified as an expert in high-performance driving.
With its many years to market, the 911 was worried to be reaching its limits and potential as other companies such as Mercedes and Jaguar started to invest in the same technology. Porsche officials knew that in order to stay ahead of the competition and maintain its title as a top sports car company, it needed to come out with something new and innovative.
In 1977, Porsche began development on a new grand tourer model that would eventually become the 928. The idea behind the development of the Porsche 928 was to create a combination of a sports coupe and a luxury sedan. Unlike the 911, with its cramped interiors and Spartan features, the 928 would be much more comfortable for long drives with plenty of features to pamper its passengers. Porsche also saw an opportunity with the 928 to attract new buyers who want a sports car but might not be able or willing to spend top dollar on a 911.
The Porsche 928 was different from anything that the company had produced before. It was designed to be a luxurious and comfortable car for long-distance driving, as opposed to the 911 which was designed for more speed and agility. It was specifically designed with the intention of replacing its predecessor.
The 928 was the first V-8 engine that Porsche had ever put into production and is still the only coupe today that is powered by a front-mounted V-8 engine. Production of the 928 only lasted until 1995 when it was eventually replaced by the Porsche Panamera.
Porsche 928 Model Lines
Throughout its 18-year production run, the Porsche 928 was offered in many different model lines and variations. Let’s go through each of them now and how the German firm’s flagship model changed over time
1978 to 1982: Porsche 928
The first generation 928 was introduced to the public in 1977 at the Geneva Motor Show. The car features a sleeker look with its trunk sitting flush with the body, giving it a long and low profile. These are fairly recognized due to the absence of a rear spoiler compared to the later models.
Under the hood is a 4.5-liter V-8 engine that produces 219 horsepower. Later, in 1980, the German brand produced a 928 with a larger 4.7-liter V-8 engine that pumped out 229 horsepower. Another rare feature from the 1970 version is the Weissach Axle. This was a rear-wheel steering system that improved the car’s stability during a turn while braking. Though it has become a normal feature in cars today, it was considered high-tech at the time.
1983 to 1986: Porsche 928 S
First introduced in the European market in 1980, the 928 S didn’t reach the US until the 1983 model year. It was then that the car got a power bump with a V-8 engine that produced 288 horsepower. Aside from power, the S model was also the first to receive large platter wheels. It also featured polyurethane rear and front spoilers to help with aerodynamics. Side panel moldings on the doors with turn signal side indicators were also added, providing additional safety.
1987 to 1991: Porsche 928 S4
With larger valves, a new cylinder with aggressive camshafts, and a 10.0:1 compression ratio, the Porsche 928 S4 produced an impressive 316 horsepower. Due to these updates, the car could accelerate from 0 to 63 miles per hour in just 6.4 seconds. The 928 S4 featured a 48-valve, 5.0-liter V-8, and was available in both European and American markets.
When it comes to aesthetics, the Porsche 928 S4 had rounder turn signals, auxiliary lights, and foglights giving a more modern look. The car also had a new rear spoiler, more integrated into the design rather than being an afterthought.
1992 to 1995: Porsche 928 GTS
The Porsche 928 GTS is the final and most powerful variant of the first-generation 928. The German firm took the 5.0-liter V-8 engine and further improved it. Now the GTS produces an impressive 350 horsepower thanks to its 5.4-liters of displacement. With the increase in power, the car can accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 5.7 seconds.
The 928 GTS had only 407 units produced, making it a very rare car. What separates the GTS from the rest of the 928s is its flared rear wheels partnered with larger wheels and a wider track.
Why Porsche 928 Production Stopped
Even with its many different variations, popularity among enthusiasts, and being one of the fastest cars of its time, production for the Porsche 928 stopped in 1995. There are many speculations as to why this is so.
With a front-mounted V-8 engine, the 928 was Porsche’s first attempt at a luxury grand tourer. Though it was well-received by the public, production only lasted until 1995 when it was eventually replaced by the Porsche Panamera.
According to Sass, the Editor-in-Chief of Porsche Panorama and PCA’s Director of Content, the discontinuation of the Porsche 928 is purely for economic reasons.
“Porsche was still an independent company at the time (it is now part of the Volkswagen Group), and two big problems were working against the 928: A). It didn’t sell well, and B). It didn’t share components with other models. So at a time when Porsche had to consolidate in order to cut costs, the 928 was a logical cut.”– Sass, Editor in Chief of Porsche Panorama.
Though many people call the Porsche 928 a failure, due to its limiting parts that are now hard to find, such as the timing belt and water pump, Sass said that just like other parts (such as rubber lines transmission, fuel injection, and power steering), the timing belt and water pump also need to be well-maintained and replaced if necessary.
Another criticism that the Porsche 928s received was it is said to have a reputation for catching fire. However, Sass defended the car saying that any car that is not properly maintained is prone to catching fire, and the reputation of older cars can easily get played up due to having more platforms where people can voice their opinions.
His argument is that car owners are purely responsible for the maintenance of their own vehicles regardless of make or model. With 928s, fuel line hoses contain flammable fluids, and because of ethanol and age factor, fuel lines tend to crack causing leaks that can easily lead to a fire. This again boils down to the owners and how responsible they are in maintaining their cars.
What To Look For in a Porsche 928
Of course, given that these beautiful cars have decades on them, there are certain things you should look out for when in the market for a Porsche 928. This is critical as you don’t want to end up with a car that will give you more headache than enjoyment.
Engine Condition
First, check the condition of the engine. The 928 is known for having oil leaks, which can cause all sorts of problems. You should also make sure that all seals and gaskets have been replaced as they tend to degrade over time.
Timing Belt and Water Pump
The Porsche 928’s V8 uses a rubber timing belt compared to other cars having chains. With the natural deterioration of rubber, it is recommended that you should replace the timing belt every 60,000 miles. Not doing so can result in catastrophic engine failure. You can also consider a recommendation from Rennlist, a popular Porsche enthusiast forum, where most owners as well as service shops suggest replacing or limiting your timing belt to 45,000 miles.
Another thing to keep an eye on is the water pump. The water pump in the 928 is driven by the timing belt. This means that if the timing belt fails, the water pump will also seize, causing the engine to overheat.
Wheel Alignment and Suspension
The Porsche 928 is a heavy car that can have problems with the suspension and wheel alignment. With age, the bushings tend to degrade which can lead to uneven tire wear. If you happen to have a Porsche 928, it is best to opt for a shop that specifically services German cars or, better yet, a Porsche specialist. This way, you can be sure that they know what they are doing.
Rust and Paint
Rust is commonly seen on cars that are aged, however, it is important to note that this is not the case for the 928. Most 928s use aluminum for its body panels which means that it is not susceptible to rust. Though steel is used through the 928s construction, they are always galvanized. That means having bad rusting in 928s indicates that the car has been in a major accident at some point in its life which can drastically affect its value.
When it comes to painting issues, it is very rare to find a good running 928 with its original paint. If you do find one, consider it a gem as it has been well-cared for by its previous owner. However, if you happen to find a 928 with a not-so-great paint job, don’t be too quick to judge as it may have been done to cover up any accident damage.
Power Steering Leaks
Another thing that you should look out for when in the market for Porsche 928s is power steering fluid leaks. These can be tricky to spot as they may only happen when the car is running. That said, it is still best to keep an eye out for any dampness or stains on the ground where you park your 928 as this could be an indication of a leak.
It might require you a bit of your time and money to do some band-aid fixes when you first get your hands on a Porsche 928. But with the right care, you can be sure to enjoy driving this beautiful piece of machinery for years to come. Make sure to replace all necessary parts and get the car regularly serviced to avoid any major issues down the road.
Air Conditioning
Many Porsche 928s are without air-conditioning. This is because most cars at the time used R12 refrigerant which is now basically outlawed in the US. The cost to replace the entire system with new parts that use the current refrigerant, R134a, can be quite expensive. But, if you want to enjoy the comfort of cool air while driving your 928, then it is worth the investment.
The Bottom Line
With the increasing popularity of vintage cars, the Porsche 928 is slowly but surely climbing up the ranks in terms of desirability. If you are in the market for one, make sure to do your research and have a knowledgeable mechanic check it out before making any decisions.
The Porsche 928 is surely a head-turner with its sleek and stylish design. But, as with any car, it is important to be aware of its potential problems before making a purchase. By doing your due diligence, you can be sure to find the perfect Porsche 928 that will provide you with years of driving pleasure.