2019 Porsche 935

• 1 of 77, Porsche first offered the 935 to customers in 1977
• 700-hp, 553 lb-ft
• 3.8-liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine
• PDK dual-clutch gearbox
• Air Conditioning
• Passenger seat

The original Porsche 935 was a race car developed and manufactured by the German automaker. Introduced in 1976 as the factory racing version of the 911 (930) Turbo and prepared for FIA-Group 5 rules, it was an evolution of the Carrera RSR 2.1 turbo prototype, the second-place overall finisher in the 1974 24 Hours of Le Mans. Beginning with the 1977 season, Porsche offered the 935 to customers entering the World Championship for Makes, the IMSA GT Championship, and in the German Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft (DRM).

In anticipation of 70 years in the US market, since 1950, Porsche set out to recreate an iconic time in racing history with the return of the 935. Developed in total secrecy at Porsche’s Weissach Research and Development facility, the modern interpretation of the 935 was revealed to a stunned audience at Rennsport Reunion VI in California. This spectacular car is a birthday present from Porsche Motorsport to fans all over the world,” said Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Porsche Motorsport and GT Cars, adding “…because the car isn’t homologated, engineers and designers didn’t have to follow the usual rules, and thus had freedom in the development.”

Under the skin, the 935 is fundamentally the 911 GT2 RS production car, which itself is already a well-certified track beast. You do not see much of the original GT2 RS streetcar on the outside of the 935, as the standard RS bodywork is gone, replaced with sculpted carbon-fiber composite. Making this example even more spectacular is the limited production raw carbon finish, which has then been treated to the application of Paint Protection Film on all panels.

With production limited to just 77 units, to commemorate the year of the original customer offering, deliveries of the modern 935 started in June 2019, in time to celebrate Porsche’s 70th Anniversary in 2020. Several classic design touches grace the “second generation” 935’s exterior, turning it into a mini-compendium of modern and historic Porsche race-car parts, with styling that has a striking resemblance to the original 935 from the 1977 season. Additionally, the LED taillights are shared with the 919 Hybrid LMP1 racer, also found on the rear-wing end plates, side mirrors are from the 911 Le Mans winning RSR, and titanium tailpipes harking back to the 1968 908/01. The gearshift knob has a wood design, just like the 917, and the steering wheel is off a 2019 911 GT3 R. The 935 interior features an integrated full cage system, bucket seats, six-point harness, and fire suppression system. It retains the Porsche Stability Management system from the streetcar, which controls ABS, traction control and stability control, albeit being remapped for the 935 to increase stopping power due to larger tires. This entire system can also be individually adjusted as well as completely be turned off.

The spectacular aerodynamics is a completely new development and pays tribute to the Porsche 935/77 Le Mans race car, but with modern refinements. The distinctive wheel arch air vents on the front fairings, which also feature on the GT3 Porsche 911 GT3 R customer vehicle, increase downforce at the front axle. Measuring 1,909 millimeters in width by 400 millimeters in depth, the rear wing lends aerodynamic balance.

In summary, Porsches’ modern day 935 is not intended to fit into any specific racing series, and instead its purpose is to be the best track toy for Porsche fanatics that want the ultimate track day experience.