Porsche history · 1977–1995
Porsche 928: History, Specs & What to Know
By CarWhere Research · Updated
The Porsche 928 is a front-engine V8 grand tourer that premiered at the 1977 Geneva show and was built until 1995. It was Porsche's first V8 car and, in 1978, the only sports car ever voted Car of the Year by international motoring journalists. Porsche built about 61,000, ending with the 350 PS 928 GTS.
The 928 was radically different from the 911: a liquid-cooled V8 at the front, a transaxle gearbox at the rear and a passive rear-steer suspension Porsche called the 'Weissach axle'.
Instead, the two ran side by side for 18 years. The 928 grew from 4.5 liters to 5.4 liters through the S, the 32-valve S4, the GT and finally the GTS, before Porsche retired its front-engine cars in 1995 to concentrate on the 911 and the Boxster.
928 history: what changed, year by year
- 1977 — World premiere at the Geneva show; V8 with up to 240 PS depending on market.[1]
- 1978 — Voted Car of the Year, the only sports car to receive the title; US sales begin.[1],[2]
- 1979–1980 — 928 S shown at the IAA and launched a year later.[1]
- 1981 — Special series of 140 cars in Meteor Metallic.[1]
- 1986 — 928 S4 with 320 PS.[1]
- 1989 — 928 GT with 330 PS.[1]
- 1991 — 928 GTS with 350 PS replaces the S4 and GT.[1]
- 1995 — Production ends after about 61,000 cars.[1],[2]
How many 928s were made?
| Model / variant | Years | Units | What the figure counts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 928 | 1977–1995 | ≈ 61,000[1] | total builtPorsche says 'around 61,000'. |
| 928 | — | 140[1] | special series |
More model-by-model totals: Porsche production numbers.
928 variants and engines
| Variant | Years | Engine | Power | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 928 | 1978–1982 (US) | 4.5 L SOHC 16-valve V8 | up to 240 PS[1],[3] | US 219 hp. |
| 928 S | 1983–1986 (US) | 4.7 L, then 5.0 L 32-valve V8 | 234–288 hp (US)[3] | |
| 928 S4 | 1987–1991 (US) | 5.0 L DOHC 32-valve V8 | 320 PS[1],[3] | US 316 hp. |
| 928 GT | 1989–1991 | 5.0 L DOHC 32-valve V8 | 330 PS[1],[3] | US 326 hp. |
| 928 GTS | 1991–1995 | 5.4 L DOHC 32-valve V8 | 350 PS[1],[3] | US 345 hp. |
Full trim-by-trim figures (US hp, torque, 0–60, weight, launch MSRP): Porsche 928 specs.
928 engine and drivetrain facts
What to check before you buy a 928
- The 928's V8 uses a timing belt; ask for dated invoices for the belt, tensioner and water pump.
- Electrical systems and climate control are complex on these cars; test every switch, gauge and the central warning system.
- Variants differ widely in value: the GT and especially the GTS command premiums, so confirm the model from the VIN or chassis number and factory record.
- Ask for records of work on the gearbox, clutch and torque tube, and have a specialist who knows the 928 inspect the car.
How to verify a 928's factory options
US 928s built from the 1981 model year carry 17-character VINs, so a build sheet can check for factory paint, interior and options. Earlier cars use short chassis numbers, and Porsche's Certificate of Authenticity is the factory record for them.
Earlier cars with short chassis numbers are covered by Porsche's own record instead — see the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity guide.
See a 928's factory options from its VIN.
For US-market cars with a 17-character VIN (1981 and later), the CarWhere build sheet lists the factory paint, interior and option codes recorded for that VIN. $9.99, and the free availability check shows whether build data exists before you pay.
Porsche 928 FAQ
How many Porsche 928s were made?
Porsche says about 61,000 928s were built between 1977 and 1995.
Was the Porsche 928 Car of the Year?
Yes. In 1978 international motoring journalists voted the 928 Car of the Year; Porsche notes it is the only sports car ever to win the title.
What engine is in a Porsche 928?
A front-mounted, water-cooled V8 — Porsche's first. It started at 4.5 liters (up to 240 PS) and ended as a 5.4-liter 32-valve unit with 350 PS in the 928 GTS.
What years was the Porsche 928 made?
From 1977 to 1995. The GTS, built from 1991, was the final version.
Related Porsche history
Specs, production and buying research
Sources
Production counts, power outputs and dates on this page come from the sources below. Where sources disagree, the page says so or uses Porsche's own figure.
- Time lapse: Porsche's transaxle models — Porsche Newsroom
- Porsche Historical Background: 1948-2025 — Porsche Cars North America (Porsche Newsroom)
- Porsche 928 specs (US-market figures, each sourced on the page) — CarWhere Research
Independent reference published by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG. Porsche, 911, Carrera, Targa and Boxster are trademarks of their owner.