The challenge
Although based on the 928, the new vehicle would wind
up sporting a variety of extensive modifications and
upgrades. Among the most obvious were the extensive
reconfiguration of the interior appointments, the redesign
of the vehicle’s doors inside and out, and the
appearance of a handsome new trunk for luggage (as a
result of the vehicle’s new convertible top).
The C928’s new interior featured lush Connelly
leather hides out of England, a luxury previously engaged
only by the automakers Rolls Royce and Jaguar. When
in the down position, the new convertible top was skillfully
stored entirely in its own concealed storage compartment—a
feature that is relatively common by today’s standards,
but was nearly unprecedented in the late 70’s
and early 80’s. Engineering a convertible top
was but one hurtle; designing it to disappear into a
totally concealed chamber required extensive engineering,
since none of this existed in the original coupe—or
any other Porsche, for that matter—before now.
Those who knew something about the 928’s new chassis—in
particular, Porsche’s own hardcore engineers—were
all quick to point out that any attempt to modify the
928’s existing chassis (a unibody structure based
on monoblock technology) would be a near-impossible
task.
The result
The turn-key project—during which Carelli Design’s
MESA team assumed responsibility for the entire research,
engineering, eventual vehicle design, and the production
of eight (8) full prototypes (new complete C928 vehicles)—completed
on-time with a final project development cost in excess
of 2.5 million dollars. The project completion was followed
by an enormously successful round of international debuts,
beginning in 1981 at the AutoExpo in Los Angeles California.
Nearly every auto publication from around the world
acknowledged Carelli Design as a new creative powerhouse—having
demonstrated its ability to beautifully style highly
complex products in harmony with their maternal makers.
Why the Carelli Design C928 Porsche?
The company, Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche AG has often been
described as the smallest among auto factories, and
while that might be true within Germany, international
comparisons prove otherwise. At the time of the C928
project, Porsche’s annual production of over 15,000
units (with a work force of some 4200) seems gigantic
when compared to small automakers—particularly
those of Italian and English persuasion, which produce
a mere 50 to 2000 cars annually. Regardless of its size,
the company was simply unwilling to bear the possibilities
of labeling its new 928 model a flop. From the beginning,
truth be told, the introduction of its original 928
coupe received at best a lukewarm reception from its
traditional steadfast 911 market, the very customer
base the 928 was intending to convert. The special limited
series Carelli Design C928 Porsche convertible was a
major attempt to boost—or rather draw attention
to—the 928 product line as a whole. Carelli Design
had already been in the creative spotlight, receiving
positive press on several vehicle prototypes.
The story behind the Carelli Design
C928 Porsche
C928 Porsche highlights
Extensive modifications and upgrades.
The C928 would wind up sporting a variety of extensive
modifications and upgrades. Among the most obvious were
the extensive reconfiguration of the interior appointments,
the redesign of the vehicle’s doors inside and
out, and the appearance of a handsome new trunk for
luggage (as a result of the vehicle’s new convertible
top).
Connelly hides of England. The C928’s
new interior featured lush Connelly leather hides out
of England, a luxury previously engaged only by the
automakers Rolls Royce and Jaguar.
Concealed storage. When in the down
position, the new convertible top was skillfully stored
entirely in its own concealed storage compartment—a
feature that is relatively common by today’s standards,
but was nearly unprecedented in the late 70’s
and early 80’s.
Innovative triumphs. Engineering a
convertible top was but one hurtle; designing it to
disappear into a totally concealed chamber required
extensive engineering, since none of this existed in
the original coupe—or any other Porsche, for that
matter—before now.
A near-impossible task. Those who
knew something about the 928’s new chassis—in
particular, Porsche’s own hardcore engineers—were
all quick to point out that any attempt to modify the
928’s existing chassis (a unibody structure based
on monoblock technology) would be a near-impossible
task.
An extraordinary design opportunity.
Porsche’s annual production of over 15,000 units,
with a workforce of some 4200, seems gigantic when compared
to small automakers—particularly those of Italian
and English persuasion, which produce a mere 50 to 2000
cars annually. Big or small, Porsche appeared to Carelli
Design as a Giant, and for Carelli International’s
founder and CEO, Vittorio G. Carelli, it was the design
opportunity of a lifetime.
Carelli Design assumed responsibility for the
entire project. The turn-key project—during
which Carelli Design’s MESA team assumed responsibility
for the entire research, engineering, eventual vehicle
design, and the production of eight (8) full prototypes
(new complete C928 vehicles)—completed on-time
with a final project development cost in excess of 2.5
million dollars. The project completion was followed
by an enormously successful round of international debuts,
beginning in 1981 at the AutoExpo in Los Angeles California.
Products in harmony with their maternal makers.
The success of the C928 project brought acclamation
and worldwide recognition to Carelli Design’s
C928 MESA team. Nearly every auto publication from around
the world acknowledged Carelli Design as a new creative
powerhouse—having demonstrated its ability to
beautifully style highly complex products in harmony
with their maternal makers.
An unrelenting fascination with Porsche.
The C928 project perhaps would have never seen the light
of day, if it were not for the company’s early
business activities and integral ties with the legendary
automobile manufacturer itself. It may even be said
that it was Vittorio Carelli’s early unrelenting
fascination with the Porsche automobile that Carelli
International exists today.
Today, our company contributes much of its ideology
and engineering principals to those early years influenced
by Porsche methodology and philosophy.
Options, accessories and related
We apologize—this information is no longer made
available.
Technical specifications (Carelli Design C928
Porsche)
General description
Vehicle model: Carelli Design C928 Porsche
Chassis type: two seat convertible
Final unit cost: 80,000.00 (U.S. Dollars)
Quantity of prototypes constructed: 8 units (complete
vehicles)
Engine
No. of cylinders: V-8 water cooled
Displacement: 4.5 liters
Horsepower: 230
Rated at RPM: 5,250
Transmission
Type: 3 speed automatic or 5 speed manual (optional)
Chassis
Front suspension: independent, double A-arms with coil
springs
Rear suspension: independent WEISSACH axle
Steering: power assisted (hydraulic) rack and pinion
Brakes: dual diagonal circuits, calipers front and rear,
disc vented
Stability control: stabilizers front and rear Ø
28/22.5mm
Wheels: 16" alloy front and rear
Tires: Pirelli P7
Frame: C928 triangular space added for rigidity
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 2500mm
Track, front: 1552mm
Track, rear: 1529mm
Length: 4622mm
Width: 1836mm
Weight
Weight: 3290 lbs /1480 kg (with automatic transmission)
Coach
Construction: all steel and aluminum
Exterior: acrylic enamel finish
Interior: Connolly leather and 100% wool carpeting
Seats: 6 way, power operated
Windows: power operated
Safety: central warning system
Convertible top: 2-ply European auto cloth canvas
Performance
Maximum speed: 143 mph
0-60 mph: 7. 5 seconds
Duration 1/4 mile: 15.5 seconds
Warranty
We apologize—this information is no longer made
available.
Ordering information
We apologize—this information is no longer made
available.
Ordering information (related products)
We apologize—this information is no longer made
available.
Other
related products
Footnotes
We apologize—this information is no longer made
available.
Legal information
Legal information
© 1979-2010 Carelli International Corporation.
All Rights Reserved. Carelli Design C928, and the Carelli
C928 logo are registered trademarks of Carelli International
Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other
countries. Porsche, and the Porsche logo are registered
trademarks of Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche AG. Porsche, Porsche
Crest, Porsche Design, and other Porsche product names,
model numbers, logos, commercial symbols, trade names
and slogans are trademarks of Porsche automobiles are
trade dress of Dr. Ing. H.C. F.Porsche AG ("PAG")
and are protected by U.S. and international trademark
laws.
© 1973-2010 Carelli International Corporation.
All Rights Reserved. Carelli, Carelli Design, Vittorio
Carelli, and the Carelli logo are registered trademarks
of Carelli International Corporation or its subsidiaries
in the U.S. and other countries.
We reserve the right of modification to materials and
or specifications without prior notice. Mention of non-Carelli
products is for informational purposes and constitutes
neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Carelli
International Corporation assumes no responsibility
with regard to the selection, performance, or use of
these products.
Revised January 2010
Publication Ref. 8242.9261 EN form 9261.1/V116 |
