2019 Porsche 935: A Track toy for Purists

In far 1976, Porsche engineers developed a racing coupe Porsche 935, based on the 911 model and designed specifically for FIA’s Group 5 races. Two years later, the company built an extreme race version of the 935, which, due to its elongated shape, was dubbed “Moby Dick”. The same year, Porsche decided to shut down its race car business, resulting in сessation of all the works and refinements with regard to the 935.

Many years have passed, and in September 2018, as part of the Porsche Rennsport Reunion VI event at Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, the Germans demonstrated a new coupe cup race car, the Porsche 935, which is the ideological successor of the legendary 935/78 Le Mans race car model from the late ’70s.

Only 77 copies of the 935, which looks more like a collector car, will be produced. That’s considering the fact that all 935 owners can take part in PCA Club Racing events and Track Days.

Exterior

The car received a spectacular exterior, manifesting details and stylistic solutions of both modern and classic Porsche models.

The “face” of the 935 is represented by compact headlights, massive on-hood air intakes, and a powerful front bumper, complemented by a race splitter. Branded proportions of Porsche cars are instantly discernible in the 935’s profile, with its unique circular wheel arches and stylish aerodynamic rims in bright red finish.

The rear is flaunting with formidable dimensional taillights, a massive spoiler, and a rugged rear bumper with distinctive aerodynamic elements, large air duct sections, and a couple of horizontal exhaust “barrels.”

Performance and specs

We know that a weight-optimized bodyshell of the 935 is an aluminum-steel composite frame, while external add-on parts are made of carbon-fiber Kevlar to reduce the total weight.

Beneath the carbon-fiber two-door body is a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat engine (with a 180-degree angle between the cylinder banks), from the 911 GT2 RS, that delivers 700 HP @ 7000 rpm, 553.2 lb-ft, and a non-compromised 7-speed Porsche PDK transmission, transmitting traction to the rear wheels through an LSD (Limited Slip Differential) with electronic control. The automatic transmission also has a rigid mount and is additionally equipped with a powerful active oil cooler.

The original exhaust system of the German supercar is made of titanium with a compact catalytic converter, approved by the German Motor Sport Federation regulating authority, DMSB (Deutscher Motor Sport Bund e.V.). LED brake lights are taken from the Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1), The Porsche 919 Hybrid, and the interior is stylized as the Porsche 917. The weight of the 935 is 1380 kg against 1470 kg of the original GT2 RS.

Since the 935 is designed primarily for club racing, the standard equipment includes an FIA-FT3 compliant 115-liter fuel tank, designed to protect the pilot from damage during a collision, massive air inlets with integrated LED headlights in 4-point design, rear wing with lights integrated into endplates, aerodynamically optimized side mirrors, 6-point safety harness, air jack system (3 jacks), removable escape hatch in roof, distinctive wheel arch air vents, and an integrated fire extinguishing system. All these features result in spectacular aerodynamics and increased downforce at the front axle.

As with the GT2 RS, the 935 has rigid Uniball rear bearing joints. McPherson struts at the front are complemented by forged lower arm levers. Both axles are added with reinforced transverse torque rods, as well as race shocks with three-step adjustment.

Internally ventilated steel brake discs (380 mm in diameter), which are equipped with six-piston and four-piston calipers on the front and rear axles respectively, are responsible for slowing down the race fireball. For comparison, the GT2 RS has carbon-ceramic brakes with 410 and 390 mm diameters. But the 935 is still noticeably lighter than its chassis donor – 1380 kg against 1470 kg. The calipers are six-piston at the front and four-piston at the rear on both race cars.

According to experts from MechanicFAQ, the manufacturer decided not to disclose the height of the ground clearance yet. However, that’s, actually, visible to the unaided eye – the ground clearance ranges from around 100 to 120 mm.

It’s easy to assume that the coupe is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), traction control, and other systems designed to assist the driver, but the manufacturer decided to keep the complete list in secret… for now.

Interior

The interior of the new Porsche 935 demonstrates the Spartan interior, most elements of which, including the safety frame, again, “migrated” from the Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

In front of the driver, there is a carbon fiber race wheel with a pit-lane speed limit button, a modern combination of various gauges with a couple of compact analog dials, and a large LED display. The boost gauge has a vintage finish. The central part of the dashboard contains several auxiliary buttons and an AC control unit.

At the driver’s disposal is a Recaro sports chair with an integrated headrest, 6-point seat belts, excellent side support, and a vintage wood-decorated transmission selector. An additional right-front passenger seat can also be installed optionally.

Porsche 935 Specifications

Weight and Dimensions

• Weight – 1380 kg;
• Length – 4,865 mm;
• Width – 2,034 mm (incl. side mirrors);
• Total Height – 1,359 mm;
• Wheelbase – 2.457 mm.

Engine

• 3.8l water-cooled 6-cylinder aluminium twin-turbo rear-mounted boxer flat engine;
• Capacity – 3,800 cc, 515 kW (700 HP) @ 7000 RPM (est);
• Stroke – 77.5 mm;
• Bore – 102 mm;
• 4-valve technology with camshaft adjustment and valve-lift switchover.

Transmission

• 7-speed PDK transmission with rigid suspension and short throw;
• Dual mass flywheel;
• Internal pressurized oil lubrication with active oil cooling;
• Limited-slip differential optimized for racing.

Rims and Tires

• Front Axle – solid light-alloy forged wheels, 11.5J x 18 offset 15.3 with center-locking; nut; Michelin transport tires 29/65-R18;
• Rear Axle – solid light-alloy forged wheels, 13J x 18 offset -10 with a center-locking nut; Michelin transport tires 31/71-R18.

Brake System

• Two separate brake circuits for front and rear axles;
• Adjustable via brake balance bar system;
• Racing brake pads;
• Optimized brake cooling ducts;
• Front Axle – six-piston aluminum monobloc racing brake calipers with anti-knock-back piston springs; steel internally ventilated brake discs, 380 mm in diameter;
• Rear Axle – four-piston aluminum monobloc racing brake calipers with anti-knock-back piston springs; steel brake discs, internally ventilated with 355 mm diameter, racing brake pads, optimized brake cooling ducts

Electronics

• Instrument cluster with an integrated data logger, sport Chrono watch, and boost gauge in a vintage finish;
• CFK multifunction steering wheel with pit speed limiter and quick-release coupling;
• PSM (Porsche Stability Management) with ABS, Traction Control, and adjustable ESC (Electronic Stability Control);
• Porsche Track Precision Race App;
• Lightweight lithium-ion (Li-Fe-Po-) battery, 60 Ah, leak proof, mounted in the passenger footwell;
• Emergency cut-off switch (inside and outside);
• Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS);
• Integrated lap trigger;
• Air conditioning.

Price

The manufacturer does not conceal that the 2019 Porsche 935 is not suitable for use on public roads but, at the same time, it’s a non-homologated race car. The minimum price for a sports car is €702,000.

To understand the pricing of the Porsche 935 and its accessories, you can contact a famous collector, Manny Khoshbin. He bought his supercar for $829,000. Delivery, as well as a minimum set of replacement parts and accessories (fuel funnel and hub nut head) which cost $52,000 and $43.300 respectively. The classic Martini livery cost Khoshbin $27,500.

By the way, the 935 has a factory Agate Grey finish, with the optional Martini livery. If you don’t like any of the two finishes, Porsche offers a “naked” alternative. Refusing body paint application is a bold idea, but the result is truly impressive – the car looks truly brutal.

Previously it was announced that in October 2020, at the Sotheby’s auction in London, a collection of 240 rare cars of Najib Khan, convicted for tax fraud in the US, goes up for auction.

Dale Lomas is an automotive fan, journalist, photographer, racer, Ring Taxi driver and he runs the largest unofficial Nürburgring fan site BridgeToGantry.com.