Porsche

In the wake of the 1970s oil crisis, Porsche executives, including owner Ferdinand Porsche, were beginning to consider adding a more fuel-efficient luxury touring car to the line-up. There were concerns about the slumping sales of the 911 in the mid-1970s which seemed to confirm that the model was approaching the end of its economic life cycle. The 928 debuted at the 1977 Geneva Motor Show before going on sale later that year. Although it won acclaim for its comfort, power and futuristic design, sales were slow. Prices were much higher than that of the 911 and the 928's front-engined, water-cooled design alienated many Porsche purists.