Nardone Porsche 928 Restomod
Nardone Automotive of France has transformed a Porsche 928 into an elegant grand tourer with modern luxury. Their carbon fiber restomod features an updated engine with 400bhp output connected to a six-speed manual gearbox and limited slip differential for optimal performance.
Exterior modifications included composite bodywork, custom front and rear lights, 18-inch forged wheels reminiscent of the older 16-inch manhole covers and Foglizzo leather upholstery for an exquisite experience inside combined with Porsche Classic Management system and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Design
Nardone Automotive of France has given one of Porsche’s iconic non-911 cars the restomod treatment with their carbon fiber-bodied interpretation, which still features plenty of style and power.
Nardone enlisted engineers from French firm Podium Advanced Technologies and Italian outfit BorromeodeSilva to subtly refresh his version of the 928 with subtle modifications including new bulges and cleaner lines, wider front wings, swivel LED headlights and larger 18-inch wheels that give it a more aggressive stance, modern infotainment technology such as Foglizzo leather and Alcantara trim and upgraded brakes and electric power steering to create his version.
Underneath, the original V8 has been upgraded to 400 horsepower by means of a more contemporary ECU and other mechanical improvements, and paired with a six-speed manual gearbox to achieve an estimated 0-62mph time significantly faster than that of its predecessor – well under 5.7 seconds in fact! A limited-slip differential, active electronic suspension system and revamped chassis complete this package.
Restomods were designed to honor the 1980s, which remains an influential era. Nardone Automotive founder Thierry Nardone says he wanted to elevate its original concept and turn it into something timeless – all within budget.
Though its design may draw inspiration from some of the decade’s iconic designers such as Dieter Rams and Bill Amberg, its final product remains its own unique creation. The Nardone Porsche 928 will be built using donor cars, and delivery should begin around 2024 – for more details visit their project’s website.
Performance
Introduced by Porsche in 1978, the 928 was its inaugural front-engine/rear-drive GT car and although initially it alienated 911 purists it has since become one of the most desirable non-911 Porsches. Now French startup Nardone Automotive is reinventing this icon as a tailor-made GT vehicle – their founder Thierry Nardone is 38-year-old car enthusiast who has assembled an expert team across every aspect of automotive production to fulfill his vision.
Restomodders created this beauty, turning an iconic 1980s GT into an up-to-date GT that emphasizes comfort, performance, and contemporary luxury. Subtle carbon fibre bodywork conceals a new 400hp naturally aspirated V8 engine managed by an ECU for optimal performance – as well as 18inches that reinterpret original 16in wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires for increased handling capabilities.
The customized 928 has an entirely new composite bodywork that makes it wider and lower than its predecessor, yet manages to retain the design ethos that made the Porsche iconic in the first place. Thanks to Nardone’s team’s meticulous engineering effort – including designing front lights and rear bumpers specifically tailored for wider-track proportions – this vehicle keeps true to the general spirit of Porsche design.
Nardone describes his car as being “refined and exciting grand tourer that combines comfort, performance and contemporary luxury.” It features Alcantara and Foglizzo leather on its interior as well as being connected to a high-end sound system; other modern technologies include an active electric suspension setup with limited-slip differential and power steering capabilities.
While other restomodders like Singer and Magnus Walkers exist, it’s clear that no other 928 is being transformed like Nardone Automotive is. With just eight initial deliveries expected by 2024, this French startup has managed to turn an iconic 1980s car into something relevant and desirable in today’s marketplace.
Though this car might cause some debate among Porsche purists, its innovative design cannot go unnoticed by anyone who sees what Nardone has accomplished here.
Technology
Nardone Automotive of France has provided its front-engined GT with an overhaul that includes carbon fiber bodywork, an updated interior, and an upgraded 400hp V8 engine.
Though 911 purists will disagree, I find the Nardone Porsche 928 an impressive-looking machine. Its carbon fiber bodywork has been slimmed down and reshaped, the lights updated (though pod-like flip-ups remain) while it sits atop 18-inch’manhole’ wheels similar to what originally came stock on this machine.
Interior of Resto-Mod has a mix of classic and modern elements, such as Foglizzo leather/Alcantara combo seats and Porsche Classic Management System infotainment system. Furthermore, limited slip differential, active electronic suspension and upgraded brakes ensure it drives as well as it looks.
Underneath its bonnet lies an original naturally-aspirated V8 designed to deliver over 400hp, coupled with an updated six-speed manual transmission for maximum acceleration of around 5.7 seconds from zero to 60mph.
Nardone Automotive, a recently formed company dedicated to designing restomod 928s, has joined forces with design studio BorromeodeSilva of Milan and Podium Advanced Technologies of Pont-Saint-Martin (the same companies who worked on Automobili Amos’ Lancia Delta Futurista restomod). Nardone plans on producing eight of these 928s between now and 2024 for deliveries.
Pricing hasn’t yet been made public, but should likely be fairly expensive given the work put into this car. The first Nardone Porsche 928s will debut this month at Milan Design Week and later appear at Goodwood later in 2018. To reserve one for yourself, send an inquiry through Nardone’s website; once approved they’ll contact you to complete the reservation process and secure a deposit – more details on this special model will become available as they come into being.
Pricing
Although many overlook the Porsche 928 in favor of its more acclaimed 911 sibling, it was still an immensely popular model produced for 17 years – perfect for restomod modification by French company Nardone Automotive with this modernized version.
Borromeo de Silva (the designers responsible for the Lancia Delta Integrale restoration), have given their Porsche 928 an elegant and contemporary makeover both inside and out that should appeal to both purists of classic Porsches and contemporary car enthusiasts alike. Most noticeable of these changes can be found outside, where it now sports new custom forged 18-inch wheels modeled after its stock 16″ manhole” wheels from original 928 with Michelin tires for grippier performance; additionally its pop-up/swivel headlights have been updated while keeping their classic look while using LED illumination; finally its rear brake lights have also been updated while still featuring its four point design while maintaining this design feature.
Nardone has upgraded the 928’s 400 horsepower V8 with a modern ECU and fuel injection system, to improve performance without overdoing it. He also replaced its five-speed manual transmission with a six-speed unit featuring limited slip differential for better cornering dynamics; plus new front and rear suspensions as well as larger brake kits to enhance overall comfort and driving experience.
Inside, Foglizzo leather and Alcantara were chosen to give a classic yet modern feel, along with the Porsche Classic Management System infotainment system with Apple CarPlay support and premium hi-fi audio – along with a newly designed dashboard which celebrates minimalism.
The new Nardone Porsche 928 has made waves at Milan Design Week and will take center stage at Goodwood Festival of Speed later this month. Anyone interested can apply to learn more about pricing and schedule deliveries starting 2024.