Insanity on Wheels: Porsche 930 Turbo with a 625-HP F1 Heart and 200-MPH Top Speed
When one mentions the Porsche 930 Turbo, visions of an era-defining sports car that set the road ablaze come to mind. But Lanzante, the British motorsport magicians, have taken it to another stratosphere by placing a repurposed Formula 1 engine under the hood, churning out an awe-inducing 625 horsepower and capable of topping out at 200 mph. Welcome to the TAG Championship - a meticulously crafted vehicular masterpiece limited to just three units.
The Heart of a Champion
The original Lanzante TAG Turbo was renowned for its twin-turbo 1.5-liter V6 engine, originally designed by Porsche for Formula 1. While in its racing guise it exceeded 1,000 hp, Lanzante had previously 'detuned' it to a no less formidable 503 hp for usability. Now, with the TAG Championship, they've dialed it up to a screaming 10,250 rpm redline, delivering a fierce 625 hp directly to the rear wheels. If that doesn’t quicken your heartbeat, what will?
More Than Just Raw Power
Yet, it's not all brute force. Lanzante meticulously curated the TAG Championship to be true to its race-bred lineage. It boasts genuine TAG TTE P01 engines from the McLaren cars which clinched three consecutive world titles. For those who love a storied history, the first of these exclusive three will be unveiled as Championship '85 at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, named after Alain Prost’s title-winning season.
Engineering Marvels
This beast weighs in at a remarkably light 2,028 lbs, shedding roughly 948 lbs compared to the original 930 Turbo. Such weight savings come from utilizing carbon fiber for almost every component, from the hood to the rear wing. Cosworth, not one to be left in the shadows, implemented a host of upgrades to the engine – new pistons, connecting rods, valve springs, redesigned cooling systems, and aerospace-grade titanium turbo housings, which alone cut weight by 17 pounds.
F1 Technology in a Road Car
The marriage of race technology to road practicality is where the TAG Championship truly stands out. The Formula 1 wiring loom and the bespoke Cosworth ECU deliver the kind of precise control typically reserved for the asphalt of Monaco or Suzuka. The engine tech is paired with an all-new exhaust system that's sure to deliver a symphony of mechanical rapture, while carbon-ceramic brakes provide stopping power to match.
Luxury Meets Performance
While performance is paramount, Lanzante has not ignored the creature comforts. A stripped-back yet exquisitely crafted interior awaits, from carbon-backed Recaro seats to BOSS-branded harnesses. Gone are heavy electric motors for windows and mirrors, replaced by lightweight alternatives ensuring comfort without sacrificing them on the altar of weight reduction.
A Homage to History
Aesthetically, each TAG Championship car pays homage to its racing roots, with paintwork that nods to the McLaren race cars and driver's helmets from their championship-winning seasons. Dymag’s magnesium and carbon wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires make sure that this potent cocktail of engineering excellence meets the tarmac efficiently.
Come July 11, all eyes will be on Goodwood as the first example roars into view, showcasing that this is not just a car; it’s a legacy on wheels. Each unit a salute to the titans of Formula 1 and a testament to Lanzante’s unparalleled commitment to automotive perfection.
Conclusion
In the world of high-performance, road-legal exotics, the Lanzante TAG Championship Porsche 930 Turbo is a groundbreaking symphony of F1 technology, respect for history, and modern engineering genius. With only three units to ever grace the roads, it's not just a car but an exclusive piece of automotive history waiting to be claimed by the few who dare to own it.