Porsche 928GTE

Version : 928 S4 Club Sport, GTE (One-off Prototype). GTE was an abbreviation for Gran Turismo Executive; the name was assigned by the factory and the badging seen on the car was produced specifically for it at the factory. Model year : 1988 VIN : WP0ZZZ92ZJS841486 Engine number : M28/41 81J 00925 (SP). This engine was a unique development for this specific car and is rated well in excess of 360hp. Colour : Indischrot Colour code : L80K Interior : Black leather, with red piping and black/red tennis cloth inserts. This interior is specific to this car. Date of factory roll out : 1988 Mileage : > 50 000 km

Partial Equipment Codes

C00: No delivery; Germany. Not intended for or built as a customer car. 018: Sport steering wheel, black leather, red stitching 139: Seat heating system 298: Catalyst together with manual transmission 326: Radio Blaupunkt Berlin IQR 88 383: Sport seat left, electrical vertically adjustable 387: Sport seat right, electrical vertically adjustable 650: Electrical sliding roof

Some of the standard S4's features were deleted in order to reduce weight, as was the case with the limited run "SE" cars. Examples include the rear airconditioner hardware, underbonnet soundproofing and the forward-rearward electric seat adjustment motors.

Modifications

None. All components were made by (or for) Porsche themselves. The bodywork is also unique to this specific car, as are the "928 GTE" and "CLUB SPORT" markings on the rear bumper, which are actually factory-supplied graphics.

Notes

This is a unique prototype, intended as an evolution of the CS as a "Gentleman's Express". This evolution would eventually lead to the 928 GT and GTS models, though without the Club Sport suspension, etc. The bodywork (front and rear bumpers, side skirts), side mirrors, the exhaust and the interior are specific and unique to this car only. It was fitted from new with 17" Cup design rims.

Built as a one-off prototype in 1988, the GTE (or Gran Turismo Executive as it was later named by the factory as an afterthought) was mechanically based on a Club Sport but fitted with a high-end luxury interior and a 36O+ bhp engine. Few people seem to know about this car, but it is well documented. The bodywork was also unique and embodies very aggressive ground effects-style aerodynamic components. This car boasts the highest horsepower engine ever fitted to a 928 by the factory, exceeding even the much later (1992-1995) GTS cars which benefitted from a larger, 5.4L engine which made 345hp at the end of its production run. The exhaust note is unforgettable, and the brakes and handling seem superior to any other 928 model. The close-ratio gearbox seems perfect for roadracing any short circuit. The close ratios are exaggerated somewhat by the engine's ability to pick up revs very quickly, regardless of load. The paradox is that the car has amazing top speed capability, and indicated speeds well above 300kph under controlled conditions are easily achieved. The car is driven very seldom due to its rarity and historical significance, and it is kept just the way it was when originally acquired from the factory. It is kept at my South African residence. It is impossible to duplicate and certainly not for sale any time in the near future.

As this model was never offered as a customer car, no menu-style options list was ever compiled. It is the only example ever manufactured, yet is 100% factory built. It is not simply a hotrodded 928 from one of the tuner houses such as Kremer. As a result, it was probably deemed too edgy and specialized for the American market and would never see production.

There are a multitude of differences between the GTE and its production sibling, the Club Sport, though they share many mechanical features. It does not have much in common with the S4, both from a mechanical and cosmetic standpoint. However, it remains easily recognizable as a 928, albeit one on steroids.

The car's performance is quite amazing and not comparable with either the CS or S4. Its output surpasses all other 928s by a substantial margin - easily eclipsing the end-of-run 928GTS.

The car has not been modified in any way since it was originally acquired at the factory during 1988. Even the aftermarket remote CD changer has been fitted using existing mounting points and bolts. Not one hole was drilled into the car for this purpose. Apart from oil changes, the usual scheduled servicing (belts, plugs, etc), a replacement Bosch Silver battery and a set of new tyres (Bridgestone 002 Pole Position), it remains 100% original. The owner believes it would be foolish to modify any part of the car, as this would probably devalue it significantly. Someday it could end up in a museum - perhaps even ending its days on display in Porsche's own collection, who knows?

There is a lengthy special features list in the GTE which includes upholstery, bodywork and mechanical elements. Had it been approved for production, who knows how the market would have responded to this UberPorsche of its day?

The GTE has a unique VIN, differing significantly from all the other 1987 thru 1989 Club Sport and SE cars built. This is probably due to an extended development cycle which was initiated prior to production of the CS and SE series cars.