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Anatole Lapine, the Porsche designer behind iconic Porsche models such as the 924, 944 and most notably, the 928 passed away at his home in Germany last week; less than one month before his 82nd birthday. On top of his contributions with the above mentioned Porsche models, Lapine helped put Porsche on the automotive map with his designs for over two decades. Lapine first started out in the automotive industry as an apprentice at Daimler-Benz, just after the Second World War. He was later enticed by General Motors to come to the United States in 1952 to work for them in the advanced body engineering department. General Motors then transferred him back to Germany to work at Opel

Porsche designers have always been known as the laziest people when it comes to drawing a new car and by the looks of the new 928, I think they haven't used up a sheet of their drawing paper, neither do they ever need to sharpen their pencils. This is going to be the replacement of the 928 which was built between 1977 and 1995 and it will pose some form of competition in the Gran Tourer market as it will be up against the Ferarri 599 and the Aston Martin DB9. And 'stiff competition' it may be, this Porsche looks terribly uninviting and boring. Its conveniently based on the current Panamera which is disappointing news since its not the best looking car there is out there, but when you give it a proper look, it doesn't look too bad, yet it still isn't a great piece of design. Essentially, this is a two-door version of the Panamera with a shortened wheelbase. It still has enough space for 4 and maybe even a golf-bag which you will struggle to stuff in the 911, but not in this. The 928 will be powered by engines lifted from the Panamera with a 4.8 litre V8, while turbochargers are still in the mix but not confirmed, Porsche's new GT car is estimated to produce between 400 to 500 bhp and only the range topping model will come with 4WD. Well this version won't be out till 2012, so in the meantime, Porsche lovers who want a 2 door Panamera which isn't as ugly as the Panamera, get this one. The new Porsche 928.