Porsche 928

According to Wikipedia, Porsche 911 sales were falling in the early-to-mid-1970s.  Management became concerned that the line had about completed its run, and that a replacement was needed.  Rear and mid engine locations were ruled out for various reasons mentioned in the link.  The option chosen was a V-8 motor in the front driving the rear wheels.

This drastic, non-Porsche layout shocked fans of the marque even though they had received some advanced notice in the form of similar (though lesser) Porsche 924.  Production of 928s began in 1977 and marketing started in 1978, the line remaining on the market into 1995.  Ironically, 911 versions continue to be built and sold to this day.

Gallery

Auction photo of a 1978 Porsche 928.  The nose retain a whiff of the feeling of 911s, but the rest of the car contains new design language partly shared with the 924.  The styling is difficult to fault.

A for-sale photo of a 1978 928.  The high roofline curve was required because 928s had a 2+2 seating arrangement (though the rear seating was fit only for small children).

Same car: trunk lids were not practical, given the packaging, so access was by hatchback.

As with Porsche 914s and 924s, headlight housings pivoted upwards when the lights were tuned on.  This caused aerodynamic disturbances.  Made the car look ugly, too.  I do not have a source for this photo, available on many web sites.