The 1982 Porsche 928 "Jet-Car" is a highly unique, custom-engineered grand tourer that swaps its factory V8 engine for a Boeing T50 turboshaft helicopter engine. Originally designed to power the 1960s-era Gyrodyne QH-50 drone to hunt submarines, this compact turbine engine surprisingly fits directly into the Porsche's front engine bay.
Key Specifications & Performance
- Engine: Boeing T50-BO-10 / T50 Turboshaft Jet Engine
- Horsepower: Rated between 300 to 365 hp (depending on the installation tune
- Torque: An immense 700+ lb-ft of torque, giving it massive low-end pulling power.
- Top Speed: Approximately 160 mph.
- Weight: The T50 turbine actually weighs less than the original Porsche aluminum V8.
- Fuel Type: It can run flexibly on diesel, jet fuel, or standard aviation fuel.
Engineering and Quirks
- Daily Drivability: Despite the extreme modification, the car is fully functional and was once heavily daily-driven.
- Retained Comforts: The builder managed to keep the factory air conditioning fully functional.
- Drivetrain: Power is routed from the high-RPM turbine through a custom reduction gearbox down to the car's automatic transmission.
- Fuel Economy: It yields anywhere from 17 to 20 mpg under normal driving conditions.
- Sound Experience: Rather than a traditional exhaust note, the car emits an unmistakable, high-pitched jet turbine whine when accelerating.
Video of the car running and driving:
