The Porsche 928, an iconic sports car that left an indelible mark on automotive history, was introduced in 1977 as a grand tourer. It was an ambitious departure from Porsche’s traditional rear-engine, air-cooled sports cars, instead opting for a front-engine, water-cooled layout. The 928 had many notable achievements, but one of the most intriguing questions surrounding it is: how many horsepower did the first Porsche 928 produce?
The initial Porsche 928, known as the 928S, was powered by a 4.5-liter V8 engine. This engine was a significant departure from the six-cylinder motors commonly seen in Porsche’s sports cars at that time. The V8 engine was designed by Ernst Fuhrmann, who aimed to create a powerful and refined machine that perfectly balanced sportiness and comfort.
The first Porsche 928 produced a respectable 237 horsepower. Although this figure may seem moderate by today’s standards, it was impressive in the late 1970s. The 928S could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.9 seconds, showcasing its performance credentials.
Most notably, the 928S featured cutting-edge technology for its time. It was the first production car to feature a fully galvanized steel body, providing exceptional corrosion resistance. Moreover, it incorporated numerous advanced features, such as an independent rear suspension, an innovative Weissach axle system for improved rear-wheel steering, and revolutionary aerodynamics that minimized drag.
In 1979, Porsche introduced the more potent 928S with a larger 4.7-liter V8 engine. This increase in displacement resulted in a power boost to 310 horsepower. The upgrade allowed the car to reach 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars of its era.
As Porsche continued to refine the 928, various engine options were introduced, including a 5.0-liter V8 and even a 5.4-liter V8 in later iterations. These upgrades further increased performance and horsepower, reaffirming Porsche’s commitment to continuous improvement.
The Porsche 928 was not just about raw power; it was designed to be a practical and luxurious grand tourer. It featured a spacious interior, comfortable seating, and a host of amenities that included power accessories, air conditioning, and leather upholstery.
The 928’s success was not confined to its performance on the road. It holds a prominent place in automotive design history as well. Its distinctive wedge-shaped silhouette, pop-up headlights, and smooth lines continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors to this day.
In conclusion, the initial version of the Porsche 928, the 928S, produced 237 horsepower. It set the stage for a lineage of increasingly powerful variants, each contributing to the 928’s reputation as a performance-driven grand tourer. The 928 solidified itself as a timeless classic through its unique design, innovative technology, and unrivaled driving experience.