One of the most enigmatic cars in Porsche’s storied history is the 930 TAG Turbo. Long shrouded in mystery, the existence of the Formula 1-engined 911 was for decades, considered a mere rumour. However, the legend is real, and now, it’s making a powerful comeback with even more performance than before.
The original Porsche 930 TAG Turbo originated in the 1980s as a result of McLaren’s Formula 1 team collaboration with Porsche. McLaren, seeking to compete with Renault’s potent turbo engines, partnered with Porsche to develop a unique 1.5-litre twin-turbo V6, a departure from Porsche’s typical engine designs. This TAG-funded and branded engine required a test platform, which became the 911 Turbo, thus creating the 930 TAG Turbo.
In recent years, McLaren’s partner, Lanzante, renowned for their Le Mans victory with the F1 GTR, acquired the remaining TAG Turbo engines. They decided to expand the 930 TAG Turbo’s legacy into a limited production run. This newest version, rebranded as the TAG Championship, is set to debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Cosworth, in collaboration with Lanzante, has reworked the Grand Prix-used F1 engines to enhance drivability on the road. The engines now feature new internals, improved cooling systems, and modern titanium turbochargers. The result is a significant power boost from 503hp to 625hp, with the engines capable of revving up to 10,250 rpm. This formidable powertrain is paired with a modified six-speed manual transmission from a Porsche 993, featuring unique gear ratios, enabling the car to exceed a top speed of 321km/h.
The TAG Championship boasts extensive use of carbon fiber in its construction, resulting in a stripped-down interior that includes a roll cage and Recaro bucket seats. These modifications have reduced the car’s dry weight by over 400kg, bringing it down to a mere 920kg, significantly enhancing its performance.
In terms of aesthetics, the TAG Championship pays homage to its racing heritage with styling cues inspired by the McLaren MP4/2. It features wheels and a steering wheel that echo the design of the iconic Formula 1 car, and its livery is modelled after the helmet of Alain Prost, who won the drivers’ championship in 1985.
Only three of these extraordinary cars will be produced, each celebrating one of the three TAG Championship wins. Given their exclusivity and heritage, it’s no surprise that these magnificent machines are likely already spoken for.
