928 4.5L 1978-82

The original 928 design was showcased in both 1978 and 1979, featuring a body without front and rear spoilers. During this period, early 928s were equipped with either 15-inch or 16-inch "phone dial"-style wheels. However, as the 1980s progressed, most 928s adopted 16-inch slotted "flat disc" wheels, with additional wheel options available.

Under the hood, the 928 boasted a front-mounted, water-cooled V8 engine that drove the rear wheels, employing the transaxle principle. Initially, the engine displaced 4.5 liters and utilized a single overhead camshaft design, delivering 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) in Europe and slightly less, 222 PS (163 kW; 219 hp), for North American models due to emissions regulations.

To achieve balanced front-to-rear weight distribution, Porsche incorporated a transaxle into the 928's design. Despite its heft, the performance of early models rivaled that of the contemporary 911. Initially, the majority of 928s produced in 1978 and 1979 featured a 5-speed manual gearbox, with the 3-speed automatic being less common. However, as production progressed, automatic transmissions became increasingly prevalent, with over 80% of all 928s ultimately equipped with automatic transmission.

Crafted under the direction of Wolfgang Möbius and Anatole Lapine, the body of the 928 utilized aluminum for doors, front wings, fenders, and bonnet to reduce weight. The underlying chassis was constructed from galvanized steel. Notably, the car featured a spacious luggage area accessed via a large hatchback. Innovative polyurethane elastic bumpers, integrated into the nose and tail, were covered in body-colored plastic, enhancing visual appeal and reducing drag. Completing the distinctive aesthetic were pop-up headlamps, which maintained visibility even when retracted, adding to the 928's shark-like appearance.