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Porsche 928 - The Full Story & Timeline

The history, updates and story behind the Porsche 928.

Porsche 928 Model Guides

The Porsche 928 had to be more refined, comfortable, and luxurious than any prior Porsche so as to compete with Mercedes and BMW. The clean-sheet design gave us a wonderful car with a V8 up front. Over the years, the Porsche 928 saw several updates and improvements. Below, follow along the journey with our in-depth (ultimate) model guides on every production-model 928.

Porsche 928 Specials & Motorsport Model Guides

Like any Porsche, there were also a number of special Porsche 928 models over the years. These included both factory specials and concepts as well as some tasty third-party 928 creations. Below we take you through the in-depth guides on every one we could find.

Porsche 928 Specs & Performance Overview

The V8 powered Porsche 928 was a fast car and the below numbers show you just how quick. The original 928 was not the quickest Porsche at the time and was also faster than the rivaling Mercedes SLC and Jaguar XJS. It also bridged the gap between GT and sports car better than others, thanks to the outstanding roadholding and poise. The smooth revving V8 and its good spread of torque were also popular points of praising by contemporary road testers. Performance improved over the years thanks mainly to larger and more advanced engines being added. Below, we have broken out performance by year, engine and transmission combination as well as by region. To see the full performance stats, simply click on any row and it will open all the information and data.

Porsche 928 Model Timelines & Evolution
Porsche 928 (1978-1982) Profile - Large
Porsche 928 S Profile - Large
Porsche 928 S4 Profile - Large
Porsche 928 GT Profile - Large
Porsche 928 GTS Profile - Large

In-Depth Porsche 928 Buyer's Guide

Thinking about buying a Porsche 928? You gotta read this first.

The Porsche 928 Stories & Member-Only Content

Dive into The Porsche 928 stories that take you behind the scenes.

The Porsche 928 - A Deep Dive

What makes the Porsche 928 so special? We take you back...

The Porsche 928 Data Treasure Trove

Dive into The Porsche 928 Treasure Trove, a comprehensive archive packed with detailed specifications, production data, factory documents, engineering drawings, sales brochures, research materials, and much more, offering an in-depth look at this iconic Porsche.

Data, Specs, Documents, Research, Drawings, Sales Brochures & Much More More.

What is a transaxle Porsche?

A transaxle Porsche refers to a front-engine Porsche model that uses a transaxle layout—where the engine is in the front and the transmission is mounted at the rear, connected by a torque tube. This design creates near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, dramatically improving balance and handling. The most well-known transaxle Porsches include the 924, 944, 968, and 928. Porsche adopted this layout to give these cars a different dynamic character from the rear-engined 911, prioritizing stability, predictable cornering, and everyday usability. Today, transaxle Porsches are celebrated for their engineering sophistication, driving feel, and rising collectibility.

Who designed the Porsche 928?

The Porsche 928 was designed primarily by Wolfgang Möbius, under the direction of Anatole "Tony" Lapine, Porsche's chief designer at the time. Lapine, who led Porsche’s design department from 1969 to 1988, oversaw the overall styling and design philosophy, but the distinctive and futuristic appearance of the 928 itself is largely credited to Möbius. The Porsche 928 was introduced in 1977 and became famous for its smooth lines, integrated bumpers, pop-up headlights, and its departure from the traditional rear-engine Porsche design, opting instead for a front-engine, water-cooled V8 layout intended as a luxury grand tourer.

Where was the Porsche 928 built?

The Porsche 928 was built at Porsche’s main production facility in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, Germany. The 928 was manufactured exclusively at this plant throughout its entire production run, which lasted from 1977 to 1995. Zuffenhausen is historically significant as Porsche's original factory location and remains central to Porsche production today.

What engines does the Porsche 928 have?

The Porsche 928 was powered exclusively by a series of front-mounted, water-cooled V8 engines throughout its production span, which ran from 1977 to 1995. Initially, the Porsche 928 was introduced with a 4.5-liter V8 engine producing around 237 horsepower (219 hp for U.S. models due to emissions regulations). This original powerplant provided a smooth and refined driving experience, establishing the 928 as a comfortable yet sporty grand touring vehicle.

In 1980, Porsche introduced the 928 S variant, equipped with an enlarged 4.7-liter V8 engine. Power outputs varied by region; European models initially generated around 296 horsepower, later increasing to 306 horsepower, while U.S. models initially offered 234 horsepower before improving to 288 horsepower in later versions by the mid-1980s.

The 928 S4, launched in 1987, featured a substantial upgrade with a more sophisticated 5.0-liter, 32-valve V8 engine. This engine delivered approximately 316 horsepower in both European and North American markets. It significantly enhanced performance and refinement, further solidifying the model's reputation as a powerful yet luxurious touring car.

Following the S4, Porsche introduced the 928 GT in 1989. Although it retained the same fundamental 5.0-liter, 32-valve V8 engine as the S4, Porsche tuned it for higher performance, producing approximately 326 horsepower. The GT variant offered a more driver-focused, sportier character compared to the S4, appealing directly to enthusiasts seeking sharper handling and greater driving involvement.

Finally, the ultimate evolution of the series arrived with the Porsche 928 GTS in 1992. Equipped with an enlarged 5.4-liter, 32-valve V8 engine, the GTS produced about 345 horsepower. This was the most powerful and refined iteration of the 928, boasting impressive performance, sophisticated engineering, and exceptional refinement, marking a fitting end to the model's nearly two-decade run. Throughout its lifespan, the Porsche 928’s V8 engines were highly regarded for their smoothness, refinement, robust performance, and durability, earning the car a lasting reputation among automotive enthusiasts as one of Porsche's most innovative grand touring cars.

How innovative was the Porsche 928? What made it so special?

The Porsche 928 was one of the most innovative and forward-thinking cars of its era—a bold departure from Porsche's traditional rear-engine, air-cooled sports cars. When it launched in 1977, it was unlike anything the brand had ever built before, aiming to combine the performance of a sports car with the comfort and refinement of a luxury grand tourer. At the time, Porsche even envisioned it as a possible replacement for the iconic 911.

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the 928 was its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, a first for Porsche in a production car. It used a transaxle layout—placing the transmission at the rear, connected to the front-mounted engine via a rigid torque tube. This setup gave the car near-perfect weight distribution, vastly improving its balance, stability, and handling, especially at high speeds.

The 928 also introduced Porsche’s first water-cooled V8 engine, which was made entirely of aluminum. This was not only innovative in terms of Porsche’s engineering direction but also a significant technical achievement in lightweight construction and cooling efficiency. The V8 offered both the torque-rich feel desired in a grand tourer and the refinement expected of a luxury car.

Styling-wise, the 928 broke conventions with its sleek, futuristic design, penned by Wolfgang Möbius under the direction of Tony Lapine. It featured flush-mounted windows, integrated bumpers, and pop-up headlamps that rotated forward, all of which contributed to its aerodynamic profile. The body was a blend of galvanized steel and aluminum panels—again, emphasizing Porsche’s focus on lightweight construction and rust resistance.

Inside, the car featured a highly ergonomic cockpit, with innovations like a moving gauge cluster that tilted with the steering wheel and electrically adjustable seats—luxury touches that were rare at the time. The 928 was also among the first cars to use Weissach rear-axle steering geometry, which helped stabilize the car under braking and cornering.

While it was a commercial gamble and never replaced the 911 as intended, the 928 was special because it represented Porsche at its most daring and experimental. It combined luxury, technology, and performance in a way that very few cars did at the time. Today, it’s celebrated as a visionary GT car that was well ahead of its time—often referred to as the “thinking man’s Porsche.”

How fast is the Porsche 928?

The Porsche 928 was a fast and capable grand tourer throughout its production life, with each version getting progressively quicker as technology and engine output improved. Its top speed and acceleration figures varied depending on the model and year, but all variants offered impressive performance for their time.

The original 1977 Porsche 928 came with a 4.5-liter V8 producing around 237 horsepower (219 hp in the U.S.), which allowed it to reach a top speed of about 143–146 mph (230–235 km/h) and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.8 seconds. This was impressive performance in the late 1970s, especially for a luxury-oriented car.

As the model evolved, power and performance increased. The 928 S and S4 models offered even better numbers. The 928 S4, for example, with its 5.0-liter 32-valve V8 and 316 horsepower, could reach a top speed of about 165 mph (265 km/h) and do 0–60 mph in around 5.7 seconds.

The ultimate version, the 928 GTS, featured a 5.4-liter V8 producing 345 horsepower. With a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic (depending on the market), the GTS could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph (275 km/h)—making it one of the fastest grand tourers of the early 1990s.

Overall, the 928 was not just fast—it was composed, stable, and confidence-inspiring at high speeds. Thanks to its near-perfect weight distribution and innovative engineering, the car delivered performance that rivaled or exceeded many dedicated sports cars of its day, all while offering the comfort of a luxury cruiser.

Was the Porsche 928 used for motorsport?

The Porsche 928 was not primarily designed for motorsport, and it never saw factory-backed racing efforts like the 911 or 924/944 series. However, that doesn’t mean it was entirely absent from the racing scene. While its front-engine, grand touring nature made it better suited for high-speed cruising than competitive racing, a few privateers and enthusiasts did bring the 928 to the track—especially in endurance and club-level racing.

In the late 1970s and 1980s, a handful of modified 928s competed in events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and other endurance races, typically in GT or IMSA classes. One notable appearance was in the 1983 24 Hours of Daytona, where a 928 driven by a privateer team finished the race, demonstrating the car’s reliability and long-distance performance—fitting for a GT car. However, results were modest, and the car was generally outclassed by lighter, more track-focused competitors.

Porsche itself never committed to a factory racing program for the 928. This was partly because the car was conceived as a luxury grand tourer, not a track weapon, and also because Porsche was already deeply involved in racing with the 911, 956/962, and 924/944 platforms.

That said, the 928 has gained some popularity in modern-day vintage racing and track day events, where its unique character and V8 power attract enthusiasts looking for something different. Some racing versions have been heavily modified—stripped interiors, roll cages, upgraded suspension, and tuned engines—to transform the car into a more track-capable machine.

In short, while the 928 wasn’t a motorsport icon like the 911, it did find its way onto the track in smaller circles and proved that it could hold its own, particularly in long-distance endurance formats.

How many 928 sportscars did Porsche make?

Porsche produced a total of 61,056 units of the 928 between 1977 and 1995. While it was never a runaway commercial success like the 911, the 928 still had a respectable production run, especially considering its high price point and niche grand touring appeal. Here’s a rough breakdown of production across major variants:

928 (1977–1982): ~16,000 units

928 S (1980–1986): ~27,000 units

928 S4 (1987–1991): ~15,600 units

928 GT (1989–1991): ~2,900 units

928 GTS (1992–1995): ~2,800 units

Each version brought technical and performance improvements, but the car's positioning as a luxury GT rather than a pure sports car meant it appealed to a more specific buyer—one who valued comfort, refinement, and high-speed cruising over lightweight agility. While it never replaced the 911 as Porsche originally envisioned, the 928 has since become a cult classic with a loyal following and growing appreciation in the collector car world.

How much is a Porsche 928?

The price of a Porsche 928 varies significantly based on factors such as model year, condition, mileage, and originality. As of April 2025, prices can range from approximately $8,950 for higher-mileage or project cars to over $100,000 for well-preserved, low-mileage examples of rare variants.

For instance, a 1980 Porsche 928 in good condition with average specifications is valued around $22,000. On the higher end, a 1992 Porsche 928 GTS with approximately 43,000 miles is listed for $149,999. In the New York area, current listings show prices ranging from $33,250 to $61,316, reflecting the local market conditions.

It's important to note that exceptional examples, particularly rare models like the 928 GTS with manual transmissions, have commanded significantly higher prices at auctions. For example, a 1995 928 GTS with a manual transmission sold in August 2022 for $406,500 at the RM Sotheby's Monterey Auction. Overall, while the majority of Porsche 928s are available in the $15,000 to $40,000 range, pristine or rare models can fetch substantially higher prices.​

What is the best year for a Porsche 928?

The "best year" for a Porsche 928 depends on what you're looking for—whether it's performance, collectability, reliability, or value—but many enthusiasts and collectors agree that the 1993–1995 Porsche 928 GTS represents the ultimate evolution of the model.

Why the 928 GTS (1993–1995) is often considered the best:

Most powerful engine: 5.4-liter V8 producing 345 horsepower.

Widest body and flared rear fenders: giving it a more aggressive, modern look.

Improved brakes and suspension: offering sharper handling and more stopping power.

More refined interior and technology: Porsche had ironed out most of the earlier quirks by this stage.

Rarity: Especially in North America, GTS production numbers were low—making them highly collectible.

Other notable model years:

1978 (Launch year): The original 928 is appreciated for its purity and clean design, and it's increasingly collectible as the model that started it all.

1987 928 S4: A major technical leap, with a more modern 5.0L 32-valve V8 and significant performance boost—offering a great balance between old-school character and modern usability.

1989–1991 928 GT: For enthusiasts who prefer a sportier, manual-only version of the S4 with better handling and performance but without some of the luxury weight of the GTS.

In summary:

Best all-around: 1993–1995 928 GTS

Best performance-to-cost ratio: 1987–1991 928 S4 or 928 GT

Best for collectors: 1978 original 928 or final-year 1995 GTS (especially with a manual transmission)

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