Nardone Automotive’s modern interpretation of Porsche’s original grand tourer features carbon-composite bodywork and a 294kW V8.
A French start-up has unveiled its reimagining of the Porsche 928 sports car, which the company says will go on sale in 2024.
Nardone Automotive has taken Porsche’s iconic 1970s grand tourer and applied a modern technological lens to bring it into the 21st century.
The Porsche 928 was originally designed as a replacement for the now-iconic Porsche 911. In production from 1978 to 1995, the 928 was powered by a succession of naturally-aspirated V8 engines starting with the original’s 4.5-litre unit.
By the time production wound down almost two decades later, displacement had grown to 5.4 litres. Around 61,000 of Porsche’s take on the grand tourer were produced.
Now, Nardone Automotive has applied the modern blowtorch to Wolfgang Mobius’ original design with bodywork constructed almost entirely of carbon composite. Pop-up headlights adorn the front, while massively flared rear guards blend into a light bar out back that not only serves as a nod to the original, but remains true to Porsche’s current design philosophy.
The forged 18-inch alloy wheels also pay homage to the original’s 16-inch gullideckel (manhole cover) rims. The new wheels wear the latest Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres.
Under the bonnet, Nardone has kept the original’s formula with a naturally-aspirated V8 with a target output of 294kW. That’s 37kW more than the last 928 GTS to roll off the production line in 1995 and an astonishing 117kW more than the original 928 from 1978.
The engine is managed by modern ECU (engine control unit) and is mated to the original 928’s five-speed manual gearbox, albeit modified to a six-speed manual with a limited-slip differential.
Underneath are newly-designed front and rear axles and electronically-controlled adaptive dampers, complemented by upgraded brakes and adaptive electric power steering.
The cabin has been given a modern overhaul with a dashboard designed to incorporate contemporary technologies. A brushed aluminium centre console houses a re-skinned version of Porsche’s Communication Management (PCM) media system, designed specifically for retro-fitting into older models.
Apple CarPlay, displayed on a discreet screen, is standard as is a premium sound system.
The seat design is classic Porsche while the interior has been trimmed in a blend of Foglizzo leather and Alcantara.
The car was revealed to the public at last week’s Milan Design Week before heading to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK later this month.
Pricing is still to be confirmed, but the company expects deliveries to start in 2024.
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