Sept. Issue of Automobile Mag. Features 928 as "Collectible Classic"
08-02-2009, 09:19 PM
#17
Rennlist Member
08-04-2009, 11:00 PM
#18
I've read the piece in the September issue of Automobile. The author, Don Sherman, was actually one of the biggest fans of the 928 when it was introduced. Challenged to pick the 'best car' in 1978, here's what Dyno Don had to say ...
“The best car in the world is the Porsche 928… This one does everything for me. The 928’s heritage is cast in brilliant accomplishments; its future has been planned with astute confidence. This car was conceived during this decade’s darkest hour, and yet, so far, it stands as the next ten years’ brightest hope.
“…consider this car’s blueprint … While everyone else talks about the war against weight, Porsche has won a 68-pound victory with aluminum body panels. The front-engine, rear transmission chassis layout dates to the dawn of automotive time, but the concept has never worked so well. The 928’s V-8 engine is a brilliant collection of ideas that others have abandoned prematurely. Only Porsche has shown the resolve to perfect die-cast aluminum cylinders, powdered metal connecting rods, and 8200-rpm hydraulic lifters… The 928 design meets all present laws of the land with none of the usual compromises. The race track, the wind tunnel, prior achievements and frankly admitted prior mistakes all make their fair contribution.
“A few of the 928’s peers enjoy absolutely mind-boggling specifications, only to deliver a rude disappointment when driven. This Porsche, however, has a way of anticipating your needs and exceeding them. A few cars will corner at 0.75 g; the 928 does it in the wet. No one knows if the future will forever relegate us to 55 mph, but, whether or not, the 928 is ready with 90 mph in reserve. The comfort, the mountain roadholding, the city traffic manners and the sheer usability of this car move you to try and find a flaw. I’m convinced there aren’t any."
Hardly faint praise, as far as I can tell.
And, really, is the rear styling the high point of this car? Luckily I never see it when I'm driving.
“The best car in the world is the Porsche 928… This one does everything for me. The 928’s heritage is cast in brilliant accomplishments; its future has been planned with astute confidence. This car was conceived during this decade’s darkest hour, and yet, so far, it stands as the next ten years’ brightest hope.
“…consider this car’s blueprint … While everyone else talks about the war against weight, Porsche has won a 68-pound victory with aluminum body panels. The front-engine, rear transmission chassis layout dates to the dawn of automotive time, but the concept has never worked so well. The 928’s V-8 engine is a brilliant collection of ideas that others have abandoned prematurely. Only Porsche has shown the resolve to perfect die-cast aluminum cylinders, powdered metal connecting rods, and 8200-rpm hydraulic lifters… The 928 design meets all present laws of the land with none of the usual compromises. The race track, the wind tunnel, prior achievements and frankly admitted prior mistakes all make their fair contribution.
“A few of the 928’s peers enjoy absolutely mind-boggling specifications, only to deliver a rude disappointment when driven. This Porsche, however, has a way of anticipating your needs and exceeding them. A few cars will corner at 0.75 g; the 928 does it in the wet. No one knows if the future will forever relegate us to 55 mph, but, whether or not, the 928 is ready with 90 mph in reserve. The comfort, the mountain roadholding, the city traffic manners and the sheer usability of this car move you to try and find a flaw. I’m convinced there aren’t any."
Hardly faint praise, as far as I can tell.
And, really, is the rear styling the high point of this car? Luckily I never see it when I'm driving.
