45 years ago Porsche wowed the world with the introduction of the groundbreaking 928 grand tourer during the 1977 Geneva Motor Show. Equal parts refined and rowdy, the 928 was a delightful machine from the word go, and it was a massive step in a different direction for the brand. Originally developed to take over for the aging but iconic figurehead 911, the 928 eventually developed into an icon of its own. That model kicked off a legendary run of V8-powered Porsches that still lasts today.
The 928’s V8 was the heart of that car, and a massive component of the Porsche dealership showroom, from 1977 all the way to 1995, growing in size and power output basically each year, ultimately ending up as a 5.4-liter dual-overhead cam beast known as the GTS.
With the end of the 928 lineup, Porsche didn’t again produce a V8-powered car for the road until the kickoff of the extremely successful Cayenne SUV. Several different V8s have since been produced for various Cayenne and Panamera models, including some with turbochargers and others still with power-adding hybrid units.
Speaking of V8s and hybrids, perhaps the most technologically impressive car to ever come from the German manufacturer, the 918 Spyder, is powered by an eight cylinder engine laid out in a V. With a combined 887 horsepower on tap, the 918 is among the quickest and fastest Porsches of all time. is there nothing a mega V8 can’t do?
Naturally, Porsche V8s have been at home on the race track for decades. The most recent Porsche LMP2, the RS Spyder, was powered by a V8, and the upcoming LMDh/GTP that doesn’t yet have a name will be powered by a turbocharged V8.
And Porsche chose to celebrate its V8-ness with this wonderful video. The best way to deliver a proper ode to the V8 is by giving them to Patrick Long and letting him rip around a race track for a while. Just go watch some big Porsche hustle. And if you have one of your own, maybe hustle it a little yourself. Go ahead. We won’t be jealous.