Porsche 928

In the early 1970s, with the outbreak of the oil crisis, American environmental and safety standards were tightened. The 911, accounted for more than half of Porsche sales in the United States, came under pressure. Ernst Fuhrmann, the new CEO of the Zuffenhausen-based company, considered replacing the 911 in the medium term and commissioned a study on a 2+2 coupé that could compete in the GT category. 

Unlike the small 924, that was developed in parallel with the Volkswagen Group, the future 928 was to be a 100% Porsche production. The idea was to design a 911 model that would be improved in all respects, with innovative technology and sports car performance, while offering a high level of comfort and safety.

A futuristic design 

The first studies for the future 928 (codenamed EA 425) were carried out during the summer of 1970 under the direction of Helmut Bott, head of Porsche's development department. On 21 October 1971, the specifications were drawn up and the project was handed over to the new Porsche Research & Development Centre in Weissach. Chassis engineer Wolfhelm Gorissen was put in charge, assisted by Wolfgang Eyb and Helmut Flegl. The objective was to start production at the end of 1975. 

The first aerodynamic wind tunnel tests were conducted in February 1972 under the guidance of designer Anatole Lapine, assisted by Wolfgang Möbius, who succeeded in achieving an exceptional Cx of 0.39. Development and testing of the new V8 engine began in January 1973 and the first prototype was operational in April 1974. After a press preview on the Côte d'Azur in February 1977, the Porsche 928 was officially unveiled to the public the following March at the Geneva Motor Show. From the outset, this new Porsche seduced or disturbed the majority of those who discovered it, but above all amazed them. Its body, with a sloping bonnet at the front and a rounded silhouette at the back, gave it the appearance of a flying saucer with a purely functional aesthetic. The trade press was convinced and awarded it the prestigious title of "European Car of the Year" for 1978.

“Transaxle" technology 

The self-supporting body is made of galvanized sheet steel, with some elements such as the doors, engine covers and wings made of aluminum. The 928 features an engine that is placed longitudinally at the front, while the gearbox and axle are attached at the rear for better weight distribution. This system, called "Transaxle", had already been studied by Ferdinand Porsche for a Mercedes racing car before the war. Under the bonnet is an extremely compact 4.5-liter V8 engine, made of aluminum and water-cooled, a choice made to specially attract American customers. 

A rigid tube enclosing the transmission connects the engine to the gearbox, located in front of the rear axle. The rear axle is a new "Weissach" type and contributes significantly to the 928's outstanding driving characteristics thanks to its double wishbone design. The transmission is a 5-speed manual, but a 3-speed automatic from Daimler-Benz is also available as an option, as is a ZF self-locking differential from the 911. Dual hydraulic braking is provided by four ventilated discs.