Ferry Porsche and the Porsche 928
The Porsche 928 was an icon, being one of a select few vehicles to ever win European Car of the Year honors. With futuristic styling that conveyed performance and sophistication, its futuristic looks set it apart.
Some purists criticize the 928 as not being an authentic Porsche, and they may well be right; yet its introduction marked an almost poetic celebration of fundamental automotive values held dear by Porsche.
Ferdinand Porsche
Ferdinand Porsche was born September 3rd 1875 in Maffersdorf in Bohemia (now Czech Republic) within Austria-Hungary. Although Anton expected his son Ferdinand to take over his plumbing workshop, Ferdinand instead became fascinated with electricity – fitting battery powered lights into his skates even at age three! At age 18 he joined Bela Egger & Co of Vienna (later Brown Boveri), patenting an electric wheel hub motor.
In 1904 he moved on to Lohner where he worked for eight years. In 1910 he won the Prince Heinrich race driving an Austro-Daimler car that he designed himself. Shortly afterwards he opened an engineering and consultancy practice specializing in engine and vehicle design which would later go on to develop trendsetting solutions for Wanderer, Zundapp and NSU as well as complete vehicles such as 356 series or Cisitalia racing car designs.
As early as the late 1970s, Porsche executives became concerned that its flagship 911 was rapidly nearing its sell by date. As part of Porsche’s ambitions for Grand Touring luxury car sales, large and more luxurious models appeared likely as Porsche looked ahead.
So a project was begun to create a vehicle to replace the 911. Ferdinand Porsche needed to agree, though it took much pleading before he eventually gave his blessing.
Rudolf Wagner had designed an engine which not only produced more power per litre than any previous Porsche engine but would be the basis of all future Porsche engines. This V8 unit would serve as the cornerstone of all future Porsche engines.
Ferdinand Porsche passed away tragically in January 1951 after leaving behind one of the greatest automotive engineers ever seen, Ferry Porsche, to continue the family engineering legacy. Additionally, Ferdinand had seen his design for the 356 series take shape at Zuffenhausen production facilities.
The 928 Project
The Porsche 928 project began in 1971 as a means of replacing their iconic 911. Due to various familial tensions and general inertia, Ferry Porsche was looking to move his company in a more businesslike direction, and development of the 928 was one step towards this end.
The 928 was an instantaneous hit and quickly rose in popularity over time, becoming one of the most beloved cars of its era. Unfortunately, however, some Porsche purists view it as not truly being part of Porsche’s legacy; such individuals may consider that some components may not belong on an authentic 911. Although such opinions are entitled to their opinion; the 928 is also an almost poetic reflection on Porsche’s commitment and appreciation of automotive verities.
Its engine is truly exquisite; an ideal combination of German and American technical know-how. Torque spans all ranges, and remains smooth all the way up to redline – realizing an enthusiast dream: creating a sports racing car suitable for street use.
As well as being an absolute pleasure to drive, the 928 is also extremely practical and versatile for four-seat use. Both rear seats can comfortably fit adults while its trunk provides ample space for luggage. Furthermore, its interior boasts quality appointments.
Porsche 928s remain an excellent choice for those who desire something unique and eye-catching, thanks to their impressive modern car performance and sporty roadster features. Driving can be fun while still providing comfort on long trips.
The Porsche 928 may not be for everyone, but if you are passionate about Porsche and want to support its history through purchase and ownership of other Porsche products then this car might be right for you. Otherwise there are other choices within their extensive portfolio available from Porsche.
The 928 Design
The Porsche 928 debuted at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show and went on to become European Car of the Year 1978 – a first in Porsche history. It featured numerous distinct qualities that set it apart, particularly its exceptional roadholding and poise due to a rear suspension system called double wishbones.
In other words, two forged aluminium lower control arms connected by rubber bushings to an upper arm connected by means of two rubber bushings provided for greater axle positioning flexibility – something particularly beneficial in a car such as the 928 with its long wheelbase and high center of gravity.
Another remarkable aspect is the steering system. Unlike many cars of its time and today, this car employs an inertial type with a gyroscope for feedback that makes steering feel much more precise and natural.
This type of system provides for an exceptionally comfortable ride on both smooth roads and at higher speeds, even on rougher surfaces or at greater speeds. A wide track and large tires with excellent grip enable this smoothness; front-wheel drive also contributes to this smoothness by keeping front wheels from locking under hard cornering.
Porsche’s designers succeeded in making the 928 appear both modern and timeless at once. For instance, its doors and rear quarter windows echoed those found on a Porsche 911; similarly, its round headlights looked similar but actually opened when required, just like in Lamborghini Miuras.
Additionally, the cockpit was designed for maximum space and comfort. A flat latch on the underside of the steering column allows height adjustments without altering pedal reach, while multiple seat adjustments were available.
In 1991, Porsche unveiled their 928 GTS version which offered more powerful engines and an aggressive suspension to improve performance under experienced driving.
The 928 Engine
The Porsche 928 featured a large front-mounted water-cooled V-8 engine, designed as the successor of the 911. As its first Porsche to use such an intense drivetrain, early development included several possible layouts; due to space restrictions and emissions control challenges, engine, transmission, catalytic converters, exhausts all being compacted together behind would have created less than desirable emissions levels as well as noise issues within the cabin.
Porsche had never before used such a massive displacement engine before; until that point they had utilized only rear or mid-mounted air-cooled flat engines. This new design allowed Porsche engineers to design an aerodynamic car with minimal overhangs and an interior that was both spacious and comfortable for all passengers.
Even at high output levels, the engine was relatively silent due in part to Porsche’s specially developed sound-suppression system that employed special materials and an innovative muffler design which provided superior noise suppression compared with typical cars in this category.
Like most high performance cars of its era, the 928 was not cheap when it first went on sale; however, it was considerably more affordable than many sports cars and many customers saw its value.
Over its 18 year production run, the Porsche 928 underwent numerous updates. Most notable among them was in 1985 when four-valve per cylinder was added to increase horsepower to 288. GTS became the first model with this larger valvetrain; additionally it also received more aggressive styling and 17″ wheels.
Porsche decided to give the 928 one last shot at relevance by offering limited production of the 928 GTS. Equipped with an upgraded V-8 that increased output to 345 horsepower, as well as more aggressive suspension settings and upgraded front brakes that could handle its increased horsepower output, this variant featured one final attempt at relevance from Porsche.