Porsche 928: 10 interesting facts about the car that the Germans will revive

The 928 is one of the most popular Porsche models, produced from 1978 to 1995, and the brand's first production car with a V8 engine. And this is the only Porsche model with a front-mounted V8 engine. The 928 was created with the intention of being the successor to the 911, which means the car is designed to be as comfortable and richly equipped as a luxury sedan, but also showcases the demeanor of a sports car. Now the company has announced its intention to revive it in the form of an all-new Porsche 929, so it's worth remembering more about its predecessor.

Development of the first prototypes began in 1971, when the brand's executives chose one of several designs before focusing on the one that would go into series production. For most of the 928's life cycle, the design of the vehicle remained unchanged. However, the successful model hides several interesting secrets.

928 in different versions for important markets

The American version of the 928 is equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission made by Mercedes when it launched in North America. This makes the car slower and more fuel-hungry, but American buyers with an automatic transmission literally fall in love with it. The Canadian version of the 928 is very close to the American version, but imports there are severely limited.

This is where the rear swivel wheels appear

For better weight distribution, the 928 transmission sits at the rear for better traction in corners. The rear-steer system is passive, but it definitely helps the car to behave on the road.

New materials are used

The 928 is widely used in aluminum and polyurethane at a time when these materials are just entering the automotive industry. Porsche also relies heavily on galvanized steel to prevent corrosion.

928 is the fastest car with a naturally aspirated engine

In 1987, the 928 reached a speed of over 290 km / h on the oval at Nardo, making it the fastest production car with a naturally aspirated V8 engine for a while.

With a top speed of 235 km / h, the 928 is also the fastest production car on the United States market in 1983.

The 928 symbolizes a new direction in Porsche development

The 928 is supposed to be the successor to the 911, but it's a completely different car, and its rich equipment makes it one of the most luxurious sports coupes around. However, it later became clear that Porsche would not abandon the 911.

928 is a product of the economic crisis

We are talking about the crisis of 1977, which came after the oil embargo earlier this decade. The design of the 928 started from scratch and abandoned the model evolution policy used in the 911.

928 starred in many films

A luxurious car with a futuristic design, the 928 quickly caught on with Hollywood. In the 80s, the car appeared in Risky Business, Marked, etc.

Last revisions 1992

In the early 90s, it was already clear that the days of the 928 were numbered, and in 1992 the latest version appeared, which, however, is the most luxurious and most powerful engine in the history of the model.

GTS is the most popular version of the 928

The GTS was sold in America from 1993 to 1995, and the updated V8 engine produced 345 horsepower. But buyers in the United States have already fallen out of love with the 928, with only 928 sales since the last 407 GTS.

More than 60 units produced

The 928 debuted at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show. The most successful years on the market for this model were 1978 and 1979, and in 1978 the 928 became the Car of the Year in Europe.