By the early 1980s, Porsche’s vision for the future of grand touring was coming into sharp focus with the 928. Originally conceived in the early 1970s as a potential successor to the 911 amidst growing concerns about stricter US safety and emissions regulations, the 928 quickly evolved into something much more. It wasn’t just a regulation-compliant car; it was a technological and design marvel, especially the refined and powerful 1983 Porsche 928s.
The Porsche 928 broke from tradition, abandoning the rear-engine, air-cooled philosophy that defined the 911. Instead, it embraced a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, powered by a robust V8. When the 928 debuted in 1977, it was met with both admiration and skepticism. Purists questioned the departure from Porsche’s heritage, but the automotive press and public were largely captivated by its futuristic design and advanced engineering. By 1983, with the introduction of the 928S, Porsche had honed its grand tourer into a truly formidable machine.
![Side view of a red 1983 Porsche 928S parked on a scenic road. Alt text: Sleek red 1983 Porsche 928S showcasing its iconic silhouette and ‘telephone dial’ wheels, embodying 80s automotive design.]
The 1983 Porsche 928S marked a significant step up in performance and refinement. While the initial 928 boasted a 4.5-liter V8 producing 219 horsepower, the ‘S’ variant received a larger 4.7-liter engine. This increase in displacement resulted in a notable power boost, pushing output to around 296 horsepower. This translated to exhilarating performance figures. The 1983 Porsche 928S could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds and achieve a top speed of around 146 mph. This made it, at the time, one of the fastest production cars available in America, a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess.
Beyond raw power, the 1983 Porsche 928S benefited from Porsche’s relentless pursuit of handling excellence. The innovative “Weissach Axle” rear suspension, a multi-link design, was crucial in making the 928 a remarkably balanced and stable car, especially at high speeds. This sophisticated suspension system mitigated the snap oversteer tendencies common in many performance cars of the era, making the 928S both thrilling and surprisingly forgiving to drive.
The interior of the 1983 Porsche 928S was equally impressive, designed for luxurious high-speed cruising. The cabin was appointed with high-quality materials, including supple leather seats that offered both comfort and support. The ingenious tilting instrument binnacle, which moved in conjunction with the adjustable steering wheel, ensured optimal visibility of the gauges for drivers of different sizes. All the amenities expected of a high-end grand tourer were present, creating an environment that was both sporty and opulent.
![Interior view of a 1983 Porsche 928S, highlighting the leather seats, dashboard and iconic steering wheel. Alt text: Plush interior of a 1983 Porsche 928S with leather upholstery, showcasing the luxurious and driver-focused cockpit typical of Porsche grand tourers.]
The design of the 928, penned by Tony Lapine, Porsche’s design chief at the time, was intentionally forward-thinking. Lapine believed that cars that were instantly liked often aged poorly. The 928’s long, sloping hood, wide stance, and distinctive “telephone dial” wheels were indeed different from anything else on the road. The use of aluminum for the doors, hood, and front fenders, combined with steel and polyurethane body panels, was advanced for its time, contributing to both weight reduction and safety. The integrated 5-mph bumpers were seamlessly incorporated into the design, a testament to Porsche’s commitment to blending safety and aesthetics.
While the 928 continued to evolve with larger engines and further refinements throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, the 1983 Porsche 928S occupies a special place in the model’s history. It represented a high point in the early evolution of the 928, delivering a potent combination of power, handling, luxury, and groundbreaking design. Even today, a well-maintained 1983 Porsche 928S remains a highly capable and rewarding grand tourer, a true testament to Porsche’s vision and engineering excellence of the era. It stands as an icon of 1980s automotive performance and a reminder of Porsche’s willingness to innovate and push boundaries beyond the celebrated 911.
