Nicole

Unfortunately, I find that a lot with US designs. Somehow it often feels the designers went home before their job was finished. Very sad. Because it's not the lack of ideas, it's the lack of [taking the time for] proper implementation.

In case of the Pacer vs. 928, you can see how a similar idea can be implemented with two totally opposite outcomes. Unfortunately, the Pacer ruined the whole idea for many people. Once they saw the bad implementation, they dismissed the better solution because of its relation to the bad one.

It's like Diesel engines in cars - GM ruined the reputation so badly that most people will not go near a diesel car. They are totally missing out on a great experience, as the new turbodiesels are light years apart from what they have in mind.

TJS

I have one! Why did they build the brake pipes from aluminium but the fuel lines from steel? As a result lots of sharks get crisped each year as the fuel lines fail through rust.....

Rufus Sanders

Why is the dash made of such crap? And, did you really think anyone would use the "intesive Washer" - Ruf

Nicole

Uh... I've read a statement of a Porsche qualitiy engineer before, who said their materials are not chep, but sometimes perceived as cheap by some customers...

Anyway, the cracking seems to be a hot country only problem, as I have seen pretty old and high mileage 928s in Germany that did not show any cracking. Not sure about Canada versus US - might be similar.

Do the Corvettes of similar vintage not show any cracking? I don't know... maybe at the time the plastics were just not as good, yet, or their emphasis was more on look and feel than on the ability to last endlessly.


In regards to the intensive washer - imagine you drive on the Autoibahn to a meeting 300 miles away. The bugs could seriously compromise your visibility, or at least you'd have to clean your windshield at the next gas stop - in your fine business suit. Now imagine you could fix this with the flick of a switch...

I've never owned a 928 in Germany, but I'd use that system if it was my everyday driver - even here in the US.

In fact, Bill and I were in a situation where it would have come in really handy, had I filled it... We were drivingi back from Sharks in the Hood and passing Klamath Lake. There were so many bugs that by the time we crossed the border into California we could no longer see where we were going. So we stopped for a Cappuchino and a clean windshield...

IcemanG17

Why didn't you race it?????

zrated s4

I'm told by a few designers who studied under Wolfgang Mobius (exterior stylist/designer of the 928) at the Art Center of Design in Vevey, Switzerland, that he he was indeed inspired by the Pacer. Proportions are everything. It doesn't matter if a model is wearing Versace, Valentino, K-mart, or Bag Lady, if her proportions are right - she's HOT!!!

CaseyH

I don't know...the plastic that holds the armrests on seems pretty cheap. I would've expected something of a much higher quality for what this car cost back in the day.

Vilhuer

Just one or two questions, for now.

- Did Porsche make any early cars with '77 chassis number. If, yes where are they now as they don't seem to be around anymore.

danglerb

I bought a 86 Lincoln Mark VII right after I traded in my 81 928 on a 944T, and generally I preferred the Porsche AC. The Lincoln system is very powerful, but the auto temp frys you when its cold and freezes you when its hot in a max blast fashion, and the regulation skipped the fan that Porsche uses to draw air into a sensor so the Lincoln sensor tends to lag the actual cabin conditions. In the Porsche I tend to set the temp and generally forget about it, and just feel comfortable all the time, only changes the mode from Econo to Ecoldo.

OTOH AC doesn't work in my 83 just yet. Lincoln AC behaves the same as the 86 Mark in wifes 99 Continental, needing fussing with fan speeds etc.

928BC

Why wasn't the rear hatch and sunroof made from aluminium? Why did you make the rear seat backs so heavy? And why not faired head lights....actually what's with the whole head light deal??

Vilhuer

Head lights had to be at certain height from the ground because of US federal rules. To have low fender line meant they had to be pop up versions. To have them be good enough for high speed driving in night time they had to be large. Only way to do it was to keep them visible. Other benefit was that automated car wash cleans them much better than consealed version sused in 924 etc.

Factory did look for fixed solution like in 911. Didn't look good at all on 928 style body. Below is one version under work.



In case you are wondering what they are talking about:

"How about an air intake that looks like a giant *****?"

"Looks good to me."

"Giant ***** on the hood, jaa sehr gut ist masculine"

danglerb

Very funny, but I have been seriously thinking some modern reflector style lamp might be made that fits in the factory location and shines forward nicely without raising up.

Panzer9

One of the great automotive asses of all time

928BC

"In case you are wondering what they are talking about:

"How about an air intake that looks like a giant *****?"

"Looks good to me."

"Giant ***** on the hood, jaa sehr gut ist masculine"



HEH HEH HEH!!!

Bret928

Fat ****!