UK-based RML Group unveiled the P39 40th Special Edition, a Porsche-based hypercar with a limited production of 10 units. The model is built upon the 992.1 Turbo S but features a bespoke bodywork entirely made of carbon fiber, alongside significant performance upgrades. As suggested by its name, the P39 40SE was created to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the engineering firm. One of the main goals of the project is to lap the Nurburgring in an estimated 6:45 minutes, 4 seconds faster than the Porsche 992 GT3 RS and a full 32 seconds faster than the 992 Turbo S donor car.
Michael Mallock, CEO of RML Group, said
that their goal with the P39 40SE was to create a car that will “comfortably
eclipse a GT3 RS at the Nordschleife while being relaxing and easy to drive all
the way home again”. The bespoke carbon fiber body of the P39 40SE is inspired
by the current crop of Le Mans Hypercars. The only carry-over parts from the
911 appear to be the lightning units, the mirrors, the greenhouse, and the door
handles. The model features wide fenders, a longer tail, active aero components
with DRS (Drag Reduction System), and bespoke forged wheels measuring 20 inches
at the front and 21 inches at the rear.
Overall, the P39 40SE is 170 mm longer and 90 mm wider than the 911 Turbo S. The tracks
have been widened by 100 mm, and the wheelbase has been stretched
by 15 mm. The new bodywork generates an impressive 923 kg of downforce at 285 km/h, compared to the 204 kg of the standard 911 Turbo S. Even at 241 km/h, the P39 40SE generates
662 kg of downforce, surpassing the 617 kg figure
of the GT3 RS.
Besides the Track Mode, the driver also
has access to a Tour Mode. This increases the ride height via hydraulic
actuators, and softens the dampers, making it more suitable for road use. The
interior features new sport seats with four-point safety harnesses, while the
rear bench has been replaced by a half roll-cage. Last but not least, RML
upgraded the twin-turbo 3.7-liter flat-six powertrain to produce an impressive
900 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. This represents a
healthy increase of 259 hp and 200 Nm over a
stock 911 Turbo S, made possible by “a new ECU, upgraded turbos and
intercoolers, new manifolds and catalytic converters, plus a tuned Inconel
sports exhaust”.
Predictably, all the aforementioned
upgrades don’t come cheap. According to RML, the conversion alone will set you
back £ 495,000 (US6 45,022) before taxes, in addition to the cost of a Porsche 911
Turbo S donor car. Thankfully, the company can source these for you if
requested. The first of the 10 units of the P39 40SE is already being built at
RML’s engineering centre at Wellingborough.