Imagining the Porsche Nebula 928: A Vision of Retro-Futurism

Unique ONES - The concept of exploring alternate realities has fascinated people for years. From sci-fi movies to modern-day superhero blockbusters, the allure of “what could have been” captivates our imagination. This same idea now spills over into the automotive world, and even luxury car makers like Porsche are partaking in the conversation. At the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival of 2023, Porsche presented an intriguing concept car that transports us to an alternate timeline, posing an interesting question: What if the Porsche 928 had continued production beyond its discontinuation and evolved alongside the 996?

The 1978 Porsche 928, reimagined for the 2000s with the Nebula 928 concept, was showcased at SXSW 2023. (Picture from: HypeBeast)

The Porsche 928, for those who may not be familiar, was no ordinary sports car. Originally intended to replace the iconic 911, it debuted in 1977 and aimed to introduce a new chapter for the German automaker. Despite its ambition, the 928 never quite took the 911’s place. Instead, it developed a legacy of its own as a powerful, front-engined V8 grand tourer. Its unique design, such as the transaxle layout and rear-mounted gearbox, gave it an exceptional driving balance, while quirky features like rear sun visors only added to its distinct character. It even gained fame alongside Tom Cruise in Risky Business, solidifying its place in pop culture. Production ran for nearly two decades, concluding in 1995.

Tom Cruise behind the Porsche 928 wheel while stared in the Hollywood movie titled 'Risky Business' in 1983.. (Picture from: Autoblog)

At the time of the 928’s discontinuation, the automotive landscape was shifting. The Porsche lineup was making room for models like the 986 Boxster and the 996, a water-cooled 911 that represented a new direction for the brand. The 928, while loved by a devoted fanbase, had become somewhat outdated compared to the evolving sports car market. 

This retro-futuristic Nebula 928 concept car is striking, with a metallic mauve exterior that feels fresh and bold—a far cry from the earth tones that dominated the 1970s and 1980s. (Picture from: TheAutopian)

Competitors like the Jaguar XJS and Aston Martin DB7, both built on older platforms, persisted in the market, but the rise of more modern, profitable models marked the end of the road for the 928. Yet, what if Porsche had continued its development into the new millennium? And artists Daniel Arsham and Khyzyl Saleem have embraced this speculative question through their creation of the Nebula 928.

This retro-futuristic Nebula 928 concept car adorned with soft curves and organic shapes nod to late-1990s design sensibilities, reminiscent of works by Luigi Colani. (Picture from: CarMagazine)

Their vision, displayed at this 2023’s SXSW, imagines what a Y2K version of the 928 might have looked like, blending old-school craftsmanship with futuristic design elements. This art car is striking, with a metallic mauve exterior that feels fresh and bold—a far cry from the earth tones that dominated the 1970s and 1980s. Porsche has always been known for offering vibrant color options, and this shade feels like a natural progression of the bold palettes seen in the 1990s.

The Porsche Nebula 928 concept is finished with metallic exterior paint in Y2K purple while the interior opens up to reveal a matching complementary shade. (Picture from: TheAutopian)

The 928 Nebula keeps some key elements of the original model intact, such as its iconic pop-up headlights, but introduces completely reimagined front and rear fascias. The soft curves and organic shapes nod to late-1990s design sensibilities, reminiscent of works by Luigi Colani. There’s even a touch of technology-inspired creativity in the car’s aesthetic, such as the front air intakes that resemble ports seen on high-end audio equipment from that era.

The bold purple theme from the exterior fully carries over into the interior with an exaggerated steering wheel and gearshift knob, emphasizing a more conceptual approach.. (Picture from: TheAutopian)

Of course, as an art car, not everything about this 928 is grounded in practicality. The six-spoke wheels, reminiscent of the 1989 Porsche Panamericana concept. While these elements might not work for day-to-day driving, they contribute to the overall vision of this alternate-reality 928, which focuses more on artistic interpretation than practical design.

The Porsche Nebula 928 keeps some key elements of the original model intact, such as its iconic pop-up headlights, but introduces completely reimagined front and rear fascias. (Picture from: TheAutopian)

The boldness extends to the interior as well, where the purple theme from the exterior carries over in full force. It’s not just a dash of color here and there; it’s a full embrace of the hue, creating an interior that’s as visually striking as it is unconventional with the exaggerated steering wheel and gearshift knob reflect a more conceptual approach. This whimsical take might not appeal to everyone, but it certainly grabs attention and sparks conversation, much like the car itself.

 

At the back, there is an illuminated Nebula badge with a fancy font, and a large rear wing reminiscent of the one used in the 996 GT3. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The Nebula 928 isn’t just about what could have been; it’s also a celebration of what was. Often seen as a lesser-known Porsche, the 928 is an underappreciated classic. It may not have been air-cooled like the revered 911, nor did it feature a rear-engine layout, but it was a technologically advanced car for its time. With innovations in aerodynamics, suspension, and handling, the 928 deserves its place in Porsche’s storied history. | whekFLSyaTY |

In this way, the Porsche Nebula 928 bridges the past and the future, blending nostalgia with modernity. It invites us to reconsider the 928’s role in Porsche’s evolution, while also playing with the notion of alternate realities—an idea that seems more relevant now than ever. Through this creative concept, Porsche has given fans and car enthusiasts alike a new perspective on a beloved but often overlooked model. What if the 928 had continued? We may never know for certain, but this art car offers a glimpse into what that reality could have been, all while celebrating the legacy of a true classic. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THEAUTOPIAN | CARSCOOPS | HYPEBEAST | CARMAGAZINE | AUTOBLOG ]

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