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RML P39: A Le-Mans Inspired Hypercar Designed To Break Records

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

by Khris Bharath on October 17, 2024, 11:00

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

RML P39: A Le-Mans Inspired Hypercar Designed To Break Records storyboard - image 195788

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.

Feature P39 40th Special Edition 992.1 Turbo S
Power (PS) @ RPM 912 (900BHP) @ 7,300RPM 650 (641BHP) @ 6,750RPM
Max Torque (lb-ft) 738 @ 4,500RPM 591 @ 2,500-4,000RPM
0-60 mph (sec) 2.4 2.6
0-100 mph (sec) 4.5 5.3
Top speed (mph) 205 205
Nordschleife Lap 6:45.00 min 7:17.00 min

More Than Just a Track Toy

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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

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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:

Feature RML P39 40SE Tutthill GT1 Kalmar 9x9 Oilstainlab HF-11
Base Model Porsche 992.1 Turbo S (993) Porsche 911 (993) Porsche 911 Custom-built hypercar platform
Engine 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six 4.0-liter, N.A. flat-six 3.0-liter Turbo /3.8-liter twin-turbo / 4.0-liter N.A. flash-six 4.5-liter flat-six / Electric
Power 912 hp 600 bhp Upto 900 hp 650-860 hp
Torque 737 lb-ft 516 lb-ft Upto 737 lb-ft  885 lb-ft
Transmission 8-speed PDK 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT 6/7-Speed Manual / DCT 6-speed Manual
Drivetrain AWD RWD RWD / AWD RWD
Downforce 2,034 lbs at 177 mph Not specified > 3,000 lbs 1,800 lbs
Curb Weight - 2,645 lbs 2,755 lbs <2,000 lbs
Production Limited to 10 units Limited to 22 units Limited to 27 units Limited to 25 units
Price $645,000 $1.5-2 million est. Starts at $2.15 million Starts at $1.85 million

Where Is Porsche’s Next Halo Supercar?

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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.

As Porsche continues to focus on electrictrifiction with models like the 718 EV, it begs the question, could the all-electric Mission X potentially become their flagship supercar or hypercar? Well, it remains to be seen whether it will be able to capture the same level of excitement and performance as the legendary Porsche supercars of the past like the 918 Spyder, the Carrera GT, and the 959.

Khris Bharath

Khris Bharath

Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio