One of the most emblematic events for Porsche fans is already taking place, the Rennsport Reunion, on the no less emblematic circuit of Laguna Seca, in the state of California, USA. It is the sixth edition of the event that brings together everything that is Porsche competition — in other words, there really is a lot to see…
As if it wasn't enough to absorb decades and decades of Porsche racing cars in the most varied disciplines, this year's edition is marked by the unexpected revelation of a new and also very exclusive Porsche model.
It is a tribute to the Porsche 935/78, better known as “Moby Dick”, recreated for our days and simply called the Porsche 935 …and look at him… Also simply breathtaking.
Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Motorsport and GT CarsThis spectacular car is a Porsche Motorsport birthday gift for fans all over the world. Because this car is not homologated, engineers and designers didn't have to follow the usual rules, and so they had freedom in its development.
Why Moby Dick?
Moby Dick's nickname, a direct allusion to the great white cetacean in the homonymous novel, is due to its elongated shape (to reduce drag), massive fairings and white base color. The 935/78 "Moby Dick" was the third and final official evolution of the Porsche 935, whose goal was just one: to beat Le Mans. It never did, but in 1979, an unofficial Porsche 935, evolved by Kremer Racing, would take the top spot on the podium.
911 GT2 RS serves as the base
Like the original competition “Moby Dick” based on the 911, this recreation is also based on the Porsche 911, in this case the most powerful of them all, the GT2 RS. And as in the past, the 911 is enlarged and elongated, especially the rear volume, justifying the total length of 4.87 m (+ 32 cm) and width of 2.03 m (+ 15 cm).
Mechanically, the Porsche 935 maintains the “fire power” of the GT2 RS, that is, the same twin-turbo flat-six with 3.8 l and 700 hp of power, transmitted to the rear wheels via the well-known seven-speed PDK.
However, on-track performance should be a few steps higher — the 1380 kg is roughly 100 kg lower than the GT2 RS, thanks to a carbon fiber diet; the steel brakes come directly from the competition and incorporate six-piston aluminum calipers; and of course the unique aerodynamics.
The highlight goes to the huge rear wing, 1.90 m wide and 40 cm deep — Porsche however does not mention downforce values…
the past revisited
If the 935/78 “Moby Dick” is the direct reference for this new Porsche 935, the German brand “sprinkled” its new machine with references to other historic competition machines.
Also from the 935/78, the aerodynamic wheels; from the 919 Hybrid, the LED lights on the tail wing terminations; the mirrors are those of the current 911 RSR; and the exposed titanium exhausts are inspired by those of the 1968 908.
The interior hasn't escaped the sea of references: the laminated wooden gearshift knob is a reference to the Porsche 917, 909 Bergspyder and the latest Carrera GT. From the 911 GT3 R (MY 2019) you get the carbon steering wheel and the color digital instrument panel behind it. In addition, the Porsche 935 can be equipped with air conditioning, as well as a seat for one more passenger.
Only 77 units
As you would expect, the Porsche 935 will be something very exclusive indeed. Porsche defines it as a race car, but it is not approved to participate in any competition, as well as it is not approved to drive on public roads.
Only 77 units will be produced, at a base price of €701 948 (excluding taxes).
Subscribe to our Youtube channel.