Originally featured in a September 1983 publication, this review highlights the iconic 1983 Porsche 928S, celebrating its enhanced driving experience with the debut of a four-speed automatic gearbox. Renowned for its exceptional prowess at high speeds, this model offers a blend of power and refinement. Despite its formidable presence, the 928S maintains a surprising level of fuel efficiency. This article delves into the intricate details of its engineering, from the robust V-8 engine to its sophisticated suspension, offering a comprehensive look at what made this vehicle a benchmark in automotive design.
A Deep Dive into the 1983 Porsche 928S Automatic: Performance and Innovation
In the realm of high-performance automobiles, the 1983 Porsche 928S stands out as a true masterpiece, a machine meticulously crafted for the enthusiast. While it thrives at exhilarating speeds exceeding 90 mph, a domain where few vehicles and even fewer drivers feel truly at ease, the 928S excels, transforming competent drivers into seasoned professionals and experienced racers into legends. However, its demeanor changes in the urban landscape, where its considerable size and assertive nature make it feel somewhat less agile. This is not a vehicle for the casual driver; it demands and rewards a quarter of one's full attention to the driving experience.
A significant innovation for this model year is the introduction of a four-speed automatic transmission, a robust partner to Porsche's celebrated V-8 engine. This new offering directly replaces the previous three-speed automatic, improving upon its flexibility and low-rev cruising capabilities, which were notable limitations in the earlier version. This Mercedes-Benz-engineered transmission, encased in an aluminum housing crafted by Porsche, features a direct-in-fourth gear design. Unlike some American counterparts, it foregoes a lockup torque converter and an overdrive top gear, opting instead for a 2.20:1 final-drive ratio. One surprising omission, however, is the lack of lever-activated first gear selection, a feature often found in Mercedes' own V-8 models with their famously precise, snaking shift gates that allow for active, manual gear engagement. Despite this, the immense power and torque generated by the 928S's engine mean that a manual kickdown is seldom crucial, with most first gear engagements handled by the throttle.
Porsche equipped the 928S with an exceptionally rigid chassis, a wonderfully responsive and refined engine, and an advanced independent suspension system complemented by four-wheel disc brakes. The harmonious interplay of these components sets a new benchmark for road vehicles, fundamentally altering a driver's perception of motoring. The unparalleled stability at high speeds, combined with an excellent driving position and comfortable seating (thanks to an adjustable steering wheel and instrument cluster), allows the 928S to confidently outperform other vehicles in its elite class. The 928S boasts a 0-to-60 mph acceleration time of 7.0 seconds and a remarkable top speed of 142 mph. Curiously, a switch from Pirelli P7 tires to Goodyear NCTs resulted in a slight reduction in traction limits, with skidpad cornering dropping from 0.81 to 0.76 g, and 70-0 mph braking distance increasing from 180 to 197 feet. Yet, the NCTs offer improved ride comfort. Visually, the car's B-pillars and low rear roofline somewhat obscure outward visibility, presenting a minor drawback. Impressively, despite its formidable performance, the 928S achieves a respectable 17 mpg in both EPA and real-world testing, a commendable figure considering the extraordinary capabilities it offers.
Comparing the 928S to its contemporaries, particularly the Corvette, reveals a stark truth: the additional investment in the Porsche delivers a significantly elevated level of satisfaction and engineering excellence.
The Porsche 928S: A Timeless Testament to Automotive Excellence
Reflecting on the 1983 Porsche 928S, it's clear that this vehicle was more than just a car; it was a statement. The introduction of the four-speed automatic transmission didn't dilute its driver-centric philosophy but rather broadened its appeal, making its formidable performance more accessible without compromising its essence. This blend of raw power and refined engineering serves as a powerful reminder that true innovation lies not just in breaking boundaries, but also in enhancing the user experience. The 928S challenges us to reconsider what a high-performance vehicle can be: not just a speed machine, but a meticulously crafted extension of the driver's will, offering a profound sense of connection and control that few cars, then or now, can truly match.