Owner's Musings
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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.
I believe this car boasts the highest output of any 928 ever made. The exhaust note is unforgettable,
and the brakes and handling are dimensionally superior to any other 928 I have ever driven - and that
is no small number. 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 I have seen indicated speeds
well above 300kph under controlled conditions. 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. Apart from oil changes, the usual scheduled servicing (belts, plugs,
etc), a replacement Bosch Silver battery and a set of new tyres (Bridgestone Pole Position), it remains
100% original. I believe it would be foolish to modify any part of the car, as this would probably devalue
it significantly. Someday it could end up back at the factory - perhaps even ending its days on display in
the Porsche museum, who knows?
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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?
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Additional info is available
here at TheAutobahn.com
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Dr. M. Whitfield
Johannesburg, South Africa.
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