The Porsche 928 is a luxury grand tourer produced by Porsche from 1978 to 1995. Representing a significant departure from the traditional 911, the 928 was intended to be a more modern, comfortable, and technologically advanced sports car. The 928 4.7 S, produced from 1985 to 1994, was a high-performance variant featuring a larger engine and refined handling characteristics. It aimed to compete with other grand tourers like the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 and the Maserati Biturbo, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and Porsche engineering.
Porsche 928 4.7 S: A Detailed Overview
The 928 4.7 S marked a pivotal point in the 928’s evolution. It addressed some criticisms of earlier models, particularly regarding power and responsiveness. The “S” designation signified a sportier tune, with increased horsepower and torque, along with subtle chassis improvements. While never achieving the sales figures of the 911, the 928 4.7 S remains a highly regarded classic, celebrated for its distinctive design and sophisticated engineering.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 928 4.7 S lies a naturally aspirated, 4.7-liter (4664 cm3 or 284.61 cu. in.) V8 engine. This engine, designated M28.22, produced 310 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 400 Nm (295.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4100 rpm. The engine featured multi-port manifold fuel injection and a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allowed for a high compression ratio of 10.4:1, contributing to its strong performance. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
Performance figures for the 928 4.7 S are impressive for its era. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in approximately 6.4 seconds, while 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) took 6.7 seconds. The car boasted a top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 5 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 3.9 kg/Nm further highlight the car’s performance capabilities. The engine oil capacity is 7.5 liters (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) and requires a specific oil specification. The cooling system holds 16 liters (16.91 US qt | 14.08 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Porsche 928 is instantly recognizable for its sleek, aerodynamic coupe body style. Designed by Harm Lagaay, the 928 featured a distinctive pop-up headlight design and a long, sloping hood. The car’s body is constructed primarily of steel, with aluminum used for certain panels to reduce weight. The 928 4.7 S offered seating for four passengers, although the rear seats were relatively small.
The 928 4.7 S was well-equipped for its time, offering features such as power windows, power steering (hydraulic), and an anti-lock braking system (ABS). The suspension utilized a double wishbone configuration at both the front and rear, providing a comfortable yet controlled ride. The car’s interior was characterized by its luxurious appointments, including leather upholstery and wood trim. Tire size was 225/50 VR16 for both front and rear wheels, mounted on 7J x 16 inch rims. The 928’s design prioritized both aesthetics and aerodynamic efficiency, contributing to its high-speed stability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Porsche |
| Model | 928 |
| Generation | 928 |
| Type (Engine) | 4.7 S V8 (310 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1985 |
| End of production | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban | 16.7 l/100 km (14.1 US mpg, 16.9 UK mpg, 6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 11.93 l/100 km (19.7 US mpg, 23.7 UK mpg, 8.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 310 Hp @ 5900 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 4100 rpm (295.02 lb.-ft. @ 4100 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6394 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M28.22 |
| Engine displacement | 4664 cm3 (284.61 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78.9 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 16 l (16.91 US qt | 14.08 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1550 kg (3417.17 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1890 kg (4166.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 340 kg (749.57 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 86 l (22.72 US gal | 18.92 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4447 mm (175.08 in.) |
| Width | 1836 mm (72.28 in.) |
| Height | 1282 mm (50.47 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2500 mm (98.43 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1521 mm (59.88 in.) |
| Front overhang | 1005 mm (39.57 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 942 mm (37.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 15° |
| Departure angle | 19.6° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 225/50 VR16 Rear wheel tires: 225/50 VR16 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 16 Rear wheel rims: 7J x 16 |
