Porsche 928 Noise Test Car: Tuning Silence with Unusual Design

Weird ONES - When we explore the vast world of the internet, we often stumble upon cars with shapes that seem almost too bizarre to be real. Among these unusual discoveries is a vehicle that stands out not only for its unconventional design but also for its purpose. This strange and unique creation hails from one of the most prestigious car manufacturers in Stuttgart, Germany – Porsche. It may seem almost impossible to imagine Porsche, known for sleek, high-performance cars, producing something that looks so outlandish. But that’s exactly what we find here.

The Porsche 928 Noise Test Car. (Picture from: Motor1)

At first glance, this car resembles the classic Porsche 928, a model that many are familiar with. However, what makes this car extraordinary is the pipes protruding from both the front and rear, along with massive tubes and radiator. This strange appearance wasn’t simply for show. According to Porsche, this car was built as part of a project to meet increasingly strict regulations. As a company focused on creating high-performance vehicles, Porsche faced unique challenges. One such challenge was ensuring that their cars adhered to noise regulations without compromising on their performance. High-powered vehicles naturally tend to produce louder exhausts and have wider, noisier tires.

This unusual Porsche came into existence in the late 1980s when the company needed to create a prototype to address noise concerns. Built in 1989, this one-off test car was based on the Porsche 928 and served as a tool for measuring sound levels. The unique design might make it look like something straight out of a dystopian film, but every detail had a specific purpose.

The Porsche 928 Noise Test Car. (Picture from: Motor1)

The engineers at Porsche wrapped parts of the vehicle in cotton wool, an approach that might seem odd at first, but it was done to reduce noise. By wrapping the car in this material, they were able to minimize the noise from key components like the engine, intake, and exhaust. This car was essential in testing different tire compounds to see how they impacted noise levels. To make room for these modifications, some of the vehicle's components were relocated outside the car’s body, which added to its unusual appearance.

Up front, the radiator was placed ahead of the bumper, and two large hood scoops were added to house fans for engine cooling. On top of the hood sat a large barrel where the intake process took place. Cables ran from the barrel to the enclosed engine bay, while the car’s visibility suffered greatly due to the extreme modifications. The rear window view was almost nonexistent because of a huge muffler that blocked most of the glass. This custom exhaust system included dual, hand-welded exhaust pipes that extended to the top of the car and pointed backward.

The Porsche 928 Noise Test Car. (Picture from: Motor1)

The bulging wheel arches were another notable feature, allowing the car to accommodate various tire and wheel combinations. The 928 was fitted with low-profile tires wrapped around alloy wheels from a previous generation Porsche 911. These changes weren’t just for aesthetics but to aid in the extensive testing Porsche was conducting.

But why did Porsche choose the 928 as the base for this test vehicle? The answer lies in its quieter nature compared to other models. The air-cooled 911 was too loud for the job, while the 924 and 944 models had their own limitations. The 928, with its balance of power and quieter engine at lower rpm, was the perfect candidate. Porsche’s mechanics, like Harald Mann, who had decades of experience working on test benches, knew the 928 was the right choice for this project.

The Porsche 928 Noise Test Car. (Picture from: Motor1)

Testing wasn’t as simple as it might seem. Initially, Porsche used a skidpad, but over time the surface changed, and they had to build a new noise measuring track. This track was constructed with standardized asphalt to ensure accurate and consistent results. During the tests, the 928 was equipped with slick tires and achieved a noise level of 63 dB during a flyby test at 31 mph, far below the legal limit of 74 dB at the time. Since no videos of this car can be found, here’s a video about the 928 exhaust sound and acceleration instead.

Though the car might not win any beauty contests, its functional design played a crucial role in helping Porsche adhere to regulations. The strange appearance was a small price to pay for ensuring that their cars met legal noise requirements. Today, this odd-looking vehicle is a part of Porsche’s history, resting in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Despite its peculiar looks, it’s a reminder of the lengths Porsche went to in refining their vehicles and staying ahead of the ever-evolving automotive industry standards. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 ]

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