Increased sales of Porsche's 928 model during the mid-1980s prompted executives to consider adding another large, sporty touring vehicle to their lineup, this time a 4-door that could serve as a more practical, but equally powerful and exciting alternative to the 928.

Porsche engineer Dr. Ulrich Bez was put in charge of the project, and was told that the vehicle should be luxurious and comfortable, but also offer a sporting nature superior to that attained by the large saloon cars built by their competitors, such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

After Ulrich Bez left Porsche in September 1991, the project lost momentum.

The severe slump in 928 sales made executives re-think the idea's viability, and low overall profits during the 1989 to 1991 model years meant that it would be far more risky for the company to build than had been anticipated during development.

A rear-view photograph of the prototype (silver color, 17 inch Cup II wheels, unregistered licence plate BB-PW 989) is published in the German classic car magazine Motor Klassik.