Lanzante Unleashes the Ultimate Machine: The 930 TAG Turbo Championship Redefined
In the world of high-performance automotive engineering, few names resonate with the same reverence as Lanzante Motorsports. This British team, established in the 1970s, built its legacy through a storied connection with McLaren, notably triumphing at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans with the McLaren F1 GTR. Fast forward to 2018, Lanzante made waves by acquiring a dozen McLaren Formula 1 engines from the '80s, specifically the legendary TAG-Porsche TTE P01 V6. This engine not only dominated tracks but also powered icons like Niki Lauda and Alain Prost to three illustrious F1 Driver's Championships.
The mastermind team at Lanzante, collaborating with Cosworth, ingeniously transplanted these high-revving V6 marvels into the 1980s 911 Turbo chassis, birthing the fearsome 930 TAG Turbo. Here, raw power met refined engineering: the original 1,000 horsepower behemoth was recalibrated to a more tractable 503 horsepower, still formidable yet more manageable for everyday performance. Dropping the weight to about 2,430 pounds further honed its prowess. But the story didn't end there.
The Evolution to Championship Glory
The final chapters in the 930 TAG Turbo saga are arguably the most thrilling. Lanzante has unveiled the final three models in the series—the 930 TAG Turbo Championship cars. These aren't just any special editions; they're the epitome of motorsport supremacy. Starting from the inside out, Cosworth revisited the powerplants, fitting them with new pistons, connecting rods, camshafts, valves, and springs. A new airbox and titanium-bodied turbos collectively shaved 17 pounds, complemented by an Inconel exhaust for optimal breathing and roaring. With a new water-cooled radiator and a state-of-the-art Cosworth ECU that syncs with a bespoke Formula 1 wiring harness, the updated V6 can now howl to 10,250 rpm while delivering a brutal 625 horsepower.
Power isn't the only magic trick here. Driving enjoyment is maximized through a six-speed manual gearbox from the 993-series Porsche 911 RS, further refined with a limited-slip differential. The resulting performance metrics are staggering: a 0-60 mph sprint in approximately 3.5 seconds and a top speed nearing 200 mph, a stark contrast to the original 930's top end.
A Featherweight Speed Demon
Saving weight is a formula one trick, and Lanzante leveraged this to the fullest. The 930 TAG Turbo Championship cars adorn F1-spec carbon fiber body panels, including the hood, roof, doors, and front fenders. Even the rear wing is crafted from this lightweight material. Wheels are now 18-inch Dymag magnesium and carbon units, directly from McLaren's 1980s units, providing a superior platform for upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes to bite into.
The interior is a purist's dream: no climate control, glass windows, power windows, or leather-clad luxury. Instead, you're met with carbon-backed Recaro seats, six-point BOSS harnesses, a suede-wrapped steering wheel, and a roll cage, all encapsulated in a clear plastic greenhouse. The total car weight now taps out at just 2,048 pounds.
Iconic Legends Brought to Life
The soul of these final editions is equally storied. The engine that powered Alain Prost to his 1985 Formula 1 title will headline the first of these epic machines, debuting at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in a livery that echoes Prost's 1985 helmet design with nods to McLaren's famous Marlboro sponsorship. Following this debut, two more models will roll out, each celebrating further legendary moments from Lauda's and Prost's championship history in 1984 and 1986, respectively.
Owning one of these pieces of automotive history certainly isn’t for the faint of wallet, with each expected to command a princely sum well above the $1.4 million price tag of the non-championship editions. Yet, for those seeking unparalleled motoring pedigree, the Lanzante 930 TAG Turbo Championship stands as a trophy-winning screamer infused with Formula 1 DNA, promising not just exhilarating drives, but a direct link to motorsport legend.