The Porsche 928 Koenig
The original Porsche 928, introduced in 1978, is widely considered one of the most beautiful production sports cars ever created. With its timeless lines and distinctive appearance, its clean lines stood out both on showroom floors as well as racing circuits worldwide. Over its 18 year lifespan, various modifications were made to both engine and styling; but its fundamental design remained largely unaltered.
Early model years in North America saw the 928 available with an optional Competition Group package which featured front and rear spoilers, 16″ flat disc wheels, sport seats, Bilstein shock absorbers, and a sport hood. Unfortunately only a handful were built before its availability was discontinued when more powerful S model became available in 1983.
For the 1985 model year, Porsche updated their 928 to feature a four-valve 32v 4.7 L engine which produced 215kW (292PS/288) of power in Europe and featured Bosch EZF ignition with dual distributors for higher 10.4:1 compression to increase torque production. Furthermore, North American cars were fitted with computer controlled 0-100% PSD locking differentials as standard equipment as well as double airbags (which were not standard elsewhere).
With the 1987 model year S4 release, its instrument cluster gained a digital trip computer, single disc clutch in manual transmission models and larger torque converters in automatic. Also added was a rear spoiler, seat belt reminder for drivers and digital check engine light.
For 1989, Porsche added the GT to their line-up as a more practical version of their popular 928 Club Sport and SE models. Equipped with more equipment than either of those models but less than an S4, to reduce weight while only offering manual transmission as standard equipment; additionally it featured ZF’s newly introduced ZF 40% limited slip differential as standard equipment.
Rear Spoiler
Over its 18 year production run, the Porsche 928 underwent numerous modifications in both design and engineering. Yet its fundamentals remained constant – giving rise to an evolutionary model.
Hatchback bodywork was an integral element in its design. Development focused on weight-saving through aluminum door panels, bonnet and front wings as well as behind plastic bumpers that could withstand minor collisions – these objectives were met through aluminium fabrication for door panels, bonnet and wings as well as plastic bumpers integrated into its bodywork – to meet these goals.
This car featured an innovative double wishbone suspension system which not only made the ride very responsive but also provided excellent road holding compared with some of its rivals at that time who used more conventional suspension setups.
In addition to its custom suspension system, the 928 was also fitted with an impressive V8 engine – Porsche’s first front-mounted power unit rated at 240bhp in Europe and US markets; some Australian cars received slightly different figures due to a unique ignition map.
Koenig-equipped Porsche 928s were powerful sportscars, yet even greater feats could be accomplished with them. Acceleration from zero to sixty was only 4.4 seconds while top speed reached an estimated 190mph.
Koenig Specials offered an array of cosmetic and mechanical enhancements for the Porsche 928. This particular example included the full-fat mechanical specification which featured an upgraded KKK turbo, remapped engine management software, and an uprated intercooler.
Koenig offered many customisation options to their Road Runner, such as sporty seats and an Audi 200 Turbo rear end reworked rear end featuring Audi 200 Turbo tail lights for better aerodynamics, and large spoilers – among which this particular Road Runner stands out due to being extremely rare and desirable – including full service history documentation and immaculate condition throughout.
Rear View Mirror
The Porsche 928 made waves when it debuted in 1977 with its futuristic styling, luxurious 2+2 cabin and outstanding performance. Although popular among consumers at first, it never achieved legendary status like its predecessor – the 911. Yet many fans continue to love this icon today and Brazilian designer Guilherme Knob and CGI expert Joao Schendel joined forces to craft an updated version of this grand tourer icon.
The designers remained faithful to the original’s proportions and boxy fenders while providing it with a much wider footprint, which allowed for larger wheels with impressive diameter. At the front end, designers repositioned headlights so as to highlight wide fender arches; rear lights received full LED graphics reflecting this trendiness of the Taycan.
Interior designs were not changed from their original counterparts; instead, luxury features were added. A high-tech infotainment system displayed engine speeds, fuel consumption and oil and water temperatures on a central console display screen; or alternatively a digital information system displayed time, date and chronometer readings on a small display within an instrument cluster display screen.
Luxurious upgrades available included a leather dashboard, power seats with memory functions and climate control system. Buyers looking for added security could purchase concealed pistol storage compartments and alarm systems with remote controls as upgrades.
Though some upgrades seem cool, one stands out as particularly bizarre: The Mirage. Based on a 3.2-litre Turbo Targa chassis, this bizarre vehicle featured a massive spoiler reminiscent of Newcastle’s Millennium Bridge and fatter rear arches, all powered by 500bhp RUF-fettled flat six engine. Unfortunately only one person was mad enough to buy it!
The 928 Koenig is an impressive collectible that will surely impress any car enthusiast. Produced by GT Spirit and available in an eye-catching blue hue, it makes an eye-catching addition to any Porsche collection and is sure to become a valuable collector’s item.
Front Apron
At its release in 1978, the Porsche 928 represented an entirely new breed of luxury sports car. Equipped with a high-tech V8 engine that provided superior performance and comfort for discerning buyers, its distinctive appearance combined with custom options made it a huge hit in the market; one such modification being Strosek widebody kit which included front bumper, side skirts and rear wing modifications – these limited production cars quickly become collector items!
Strosek Design of Germany produced the Strosek kit, designed specifically for Porsche 911s and 928s. They offered both coupe and cabriolet body styles of this cosmetic modification that didn’t affect vehicle performance; instead it increased bumper size giving an aggressive appearance; also featured was lowered suspension and special alloy wheels for optimal driving pleasure.
Like its rivals, Gemballa, Koenig Specials quickly developed into an international operation, drawing customers from Europe, the Middle East and Japan alike for conversion services. By the mid to late 1980s, its Munich operation had expanded into a luxurious multi-story city centre complex equipped with showroom, workshop, engineering department and offices – much like that offered by rival tuners Gemballa.
At this point, Koenig began specializing in Porsches by converting cars using their dedicated engineering team. Ernst Fuhrmann believed that grand tourers with conventional engines represented Porsche’s long-term future rather than unconventional sports cars.
Koenig Specials offered an alternative to Gemballa-style widebody conversions, which mostly focused on cosmetic modifications, Koenig Specials featured a full range of mechanical equipment to upgrade Road Runner. Unfortunately this meant an expensive cost, yet their owners realized 0-62mph times could drop to around 4.4 seconds and top speeds could reach up to 190mph with this model.
Koenig Specials upgraded the standard Porsche MacPherson strut rear axle with longer, lower wishbones and longitudinal torsion bars; upgraded Bilstein dampers; larger front anti-roll bar; and front strut brace to increase stability and handling capabilities. Furthermore, Koenig Specials reduced ride height by 25mm while widening standard brakes to include cross-drilled, ventilated discs measuring 309mm at both ends for improved handling performance.