The First-Ever Porsche Model To Feature A V8

Breaking the mold: the 928 was Porsche’s first V8-powered car

The engineering of the 928’s V8 was innovative for its time. The V8 engine featured a lightweight aluminum block, and heads, overhead camshafts, and even an electronic fuel injection system for the models sold post-1980. Initially, Porsche opted for a 4.5-liter V8 with 237 horsepower, which grew in displacement to 5.4 liters with the 928 GTS from 1992. The GTS model is considered the most potent 928, and it was rated by the factory with 345 horsepower, which is 89 more horses than the first turbocharged 911, the 930 Turbo.

The 928 was strictly a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive car. It came initially with a five-speed dog-leg manual transmission, with an option of a three-speed Mercedes-derived automatic gearbox. Later, in North America, a four-speed automatic gearbox replaced the old three-speed unit from 1983, and the other markets benefitted from the upgrade in 1984.

With so much raw power on offer, you might wonder how the 928 performs in the real world, right? Well, let’s start with Jeremy Clarkson’s iconic but pretty emotional review of the Porsche 928. He had the 928 on testing when his dad fell ill, and Jeremy had to be there before his dad died. Clarkson’s voice, thick with emotion, revealed, "The truth is, if I hadn’t been driving a car that could sit happily at 170 miles an hour, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to say goodbye to my dad."

Independent tests have been witnessed in the lower six seconds to 60 mph and about 14 seconds to the quarter-mile. So, by any means, the 928 isn’t a slow car, even by today’s standards.

The 928 was risky business for Porsche but it paid off

The public’s reaction to the Porsche 928 at its debut was mixed. Many traditional Porsche enthusiasts were skeptical of the front-engine, V8-powered grand tourer, as it diverged significantly from the established rear-engine, air-cooled flat-six formula of the 911. Additionally, the 928’s softer suspension setup and increased curb weight meant subpar handling characteristics compared to the 911.

However, the 928’s innovative and futuristic design, luxurious leather interior with seating for up to four, and impressive V8 performance garnered decent attention and accolades. Notably, it was awarded the prestigious European Car of the Year title in 1978.

Despite the initial skepticism, the Porsche 928 secured a significant place in the company’s history as the first V8-powered Porsche, with over 61,000 units built in the course of its 18-year lifespan. While it never reached the cult status of the 911, it served to be a great alternative to the 911, minus the focused driving dynamics. The whole front-engine rear-drive layout paved the way for the introduction of the Panamera sedan, although the latter isn’t a direct successor of the 928.