Find out how RML has built upon the already ballistic 992 Turbo S, and how it compares to a growing line of Porsche-inspired restomod supercars
I had been a bit puzzled by teasers and spy shots of what looked like a mid-engined Porsche for months, and now the wait is over. The teaser turned out to be the RML P39, and it isn’t mid-engined. The spy shots of the mid-engined exotic turned out to be the Tutthill GT1, unveiled at Monterey Car Week earlier this year. Now if you haven’t heard of RML (Ray Mallock Limited), they’re a big deal in British motorsport and they’re now celebrating four decades of their racing prowess with this bold street-legal Porsche racer. This British-built Le-Mans-inspired hypercar takes the already phenomenal Porsche 992.1 Turbo S and injects it with a massive dose of motorsport madness. RML’s aim for the P39 from the onset was to create a versatile hypercar with everyday usability. The result? A track-focused monster that promises to not just demolish lap times and redefine the boundaries of performance, but also offer refined performance for the road. So how exactly have they achieved this? Let’s find out.
The RML P39 pushes the 992.1 Turbo S platform to a whole new level
The RML P39 costs $645,000 before taxes, not including the cost of the donor Porsche 992.1 Turbo S. Only 10 units of the P39 40SE will be built
The RML P39 is available in two variants. The regular model and a 40SE (special edition), which come with some standard features, that are optional on the base trim. The P39’s design language screams motorsport. Borrowing design cues from Porsche’s legendary Le Mans racers of the late ‘90s like the 993 and 996 911 GT1, the widebody stance, the roof scoop, and aggressive aero package leave no doubt about this car’s intentions. But it’s not just about looking the part. Lightweight carbon fiber construction keeps things featherweight, while an F1-style driver-activated DRS (Drag Reduction System) ensures maximum downforce when you need it most. RML claims an estimated Nordschleife lap time of 6:45, making it four seconds faster than the current 992.1 GT3 RS, around the ’ring.
More Than Just a Track Toy
The P39 offers a switchable driving mode system for both track-focused and everyday driving
Don’t let the aggressive looks fool you; the P39 boasts a switchable driving mode system, allowing you to transform it from a track-scorching beast to a comfortable (well, as comfortable as a hypercar can be) machine for everyday driving. Lower the ride height and stiffen the dampers in Track Mode for laser-sharp handling, or raise the ride height and soften things up in Tour Mode for a more relaxed experience.
The P39 40 SE or special edition, will be available exclusively in the ruby-red color, only 10 units will ever be built, making it an instant collector car. The price tag? A cool $645,000 before taxes, not including the cost of the donor Porsche 992.1 Turbo S.($230-250k) But hey, if you’re looking for a truly unique and mind-bending driving experience, money might not be the biggest object.
Comparing the P39 to Other Recent Restomod Porsche Hypercars
The P39 joins a growing trend of resto-mod Porsche hypercars, including the Tutthill GT1, Kalmar 9x9, and Oilstainlab HF-11
The RML P39 40SE is part of a growing trend of resto-mod Porsche hypercars including the likes of the Tutthill GT1,Kalmar 9x9 and more recently the Oilstainlab HF-11. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the other notable contenders that broke cover this year:
Where Is Porsche’s Next Halo Supercar?
The all-electric Mission X could potentially become Porsche’s flagship supercar or hypercar, but it remains to be seen if it can capture the same level of excitement as previous legendary models
While the resto-mod community has been churning out some pretty impressive Porsche-based hypercars, Porsche is noticeably absent from the mid-engine hypercar segment since the discontinuation of the 918 Spyder. This has left a void that smaller, more agile companies like RML have been quick to fill. We also saw this trend with the 911 Dakar, which lagged behind the Singer ACS. At this point, it seems that Porsche is playing catch-up.