Porsche unveils retro trackday weapon
Porsche has raided its back catalogue to build a limited run of retro track day machines.
Inspired by the Porsche 935 “Moby Dick” long-tailed racer of 1978, the new Porsche 935 mixes motorsport and heritage like no other car on sale.
Based on the current-generation 911 GT2 RS, the new Porsche uses the same 3.8-litre twin-turbo motor, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive layout as the road car. That means customers have 515kW of power propelling a stripped-back, 1380kg trackway special.
Beyond the droopy bodywork, the new machine features race-spec steel brakes and adjustable suspension, along with heavily revised aerodynamics and a cabin home to a comprehensive roll cage and Recaro safety seat.
Porsche borrowed key equipment from modern racecars, including the steering wheel and front louvres lifted from the 911 GT3 R, wing-mounted LED lights from the 919 Hybrid and side mirrors from the latest 911 RSR.
Other details include titanium exhausts inspired by the 1968 Porsche 908 and a wooden gear knob which pays tribute to a number of cars including the Carrera GT supercar and Porsche’s first Le Mans winner, the 917.
Lightweight aero wheels are similar to low-drag items found on a run of Le Mans machines including the 935, 956 and 962.
Available only for use on racetracks and private roads, the machine features variable traction control and anti-lock brake systems to help keep owners in control of their investment.
Priced from €701,948 ($1.13m) plus taxes, the 935 is the most expensive Porsche currently on sale. Even so, all 77 production examples built for the brand’s 70th anniversary are likely to have sold out.