The Porsche 928 is a legendary sports car that has captivated automotive enthusiasts for decades. Known for its sleek design and impressive performance, the 928 was a departure from Porsche’s traditional rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup, and introduced several new design concepts.
But who exactly is responsible for the creation of this iconic sports car? The credit for designing the Porsche 928 goes to a team of talented individuals, with Anatole ‘Tony’ Lapine playing a central role in its development.
Anatole Lapine was a renowned automotive designer and the head of Porsche’s design department during the 1970s and 1980s. Lapine, who was born in Riga, Latvia, in 1930, had a diverse background in the automotive industry and had previously worked at Ford, Opel, and General Motors. His extensive experience and innovative thinking made him the perfect candidate to lead the design of the Porsche 928.
The idea behind the Porsche 928 was born out of necessity. In the late 1960s, Porsche recognized the need for a luxury grand tourer that could compete with other high-performance cars on the market. The company wanted a vehicle that would combine speed, comfort, and cutting-edge design into one seamless package.
Lapine and his team set out to create a unique sports car that would not only set new standards for performance but would also embody Porsche’s unmistakable design language. The result was the Porsche 928, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1977.
The design of the 928 was groundbreaking for Porsche, as it deviated from the traditional rear-engine layout and featured a front-mounted V8 engine. This configuration allowed for a more balanced weight distribution and improved handling characteristics. Additionally, the 928 featured a futuristic and aerodynamic design, with its sleek silhouette, pop-up headlights, and integrated rear spoiler setting it apart from other sports cars of the time.
Lapine’s vision for the Porsche 928 was a success, and the car received critical acclaim for its design and performance. It was often praised for its comfortable interior, smooth ride, and exceptional power, making it a true grand tourer in every sense.
In conclusion, the Porsche 928 was the brainchild of Anatole Lapine and his talented design team at Porsche. Their innovative thinking, attention to detail, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design resulted in a sports car that continues to be regarded as a classic today. Lapine’s legacy lives on in the form of the Porsche 928, a testament to his vision and expertise as one of the industry’s most talented designers.