Porsche 928
By the late 1960s, Porsche had changed significantly as a company, and executives including owner Ferry Porsche were toying with the idea of adding a luxury touring car to the line-up. Managing Director Ernst Fuhrmann was also pressuring Ferdinand to "greenlight" development of the new model in light of concerns that the current flagship at the time, the 911 , was quickly reaching its maximum potential where it could soon no longer be improved upon. Slumping sales of the 911 seemed to confirm that the model was approaching the end of its economical life cycle. Fuhrmann envisioned the new range-topping model as being the best possible combination of a sports coupe and a luxury sedan, something well equipped and comfortable enough to be easily driven over long distances that also had the power, poise and handling prowess necessary to be driven like a sports car. This set it apart from the 911, which was a pure sports car.
Porsche 928
| 928 - Wheelbase (mm): 2500 - Length/Width (mm): 4524/1835 Significant developments: 1983 : Regular 928 and 'S' models replaced with single, enhanced 928S model 1987 : S4 model introduced with 5.0 litre V8 and 316bhp 1989 : 928GT looses 44kgs and gains 14hp. 0-60mph drops below 6.0 seconds 1993 : Final 928GTS sees V8's capacity grow to 5.4 litres and and 350bhp
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2-door, 2+2 coupe. Built to succeed the 911, 928 went head-to-head with Jaguar XJS and Mercedes SL. V8 engine offered stonking performance and grew to a mighty 5.4 litres and a heady 360bhp before stepping aside to allow 911 to continue its success story. Auto transmission favoured choice, though manual gearbox is the one to go for, and both choices offer intergalatic cruising ability. Dynamcally as sharp as any Porsche the 928 would still hold its own against today's GTs, and there is talk that Porsche will return to V8 power again soon for another assualt on the GT market.
