► Built by motorsport specialists RML
► 900bhp, all-carbon body, massive downforce
► Only 10 will be built
A Porsche 911 GT3 RS can lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in six minutes 49.3 seconds. British motorsport engineering firm RML has set itself the rather ambitious target of beating that time with a car based on the 992.1-generation 911 Turbo S, the RML P39 40SE you see here.
The Turbo S isn’t necessarily the best starting point for building a ‘Ring weapon. It’s more of a cruise missile to the 992 GT3 RS’s fighter jet, as evidenced by its comparatively leisurely seven minutes 17 seconds ‘Ring time. But RML thinks it has unlocked the car’s potential with the P39 40SE.
The most obvious change over the standard Turbo S is the new bodywork. Made entirely from carbonfibre, RML says the look is inspired by the current generation of Le Mans Hypercars. The P39’s panels are stretched and pumped in every direction; you’ll immediately spot the roof scoop that feeds air to the rear-mounted engine, the lack of a back window and the gigantic rear spoiler. There are more subtle changes, as well. The front and rear track are widened and even the wheelbase has increased by 25mm.
Active aero front and rear features, plus the driver can activate a drag-reduction system. The suspension drops to increase high-speed downforce, as well. None of it’s just for show, either. RML claims the P39 generates 662kg of downforce at 150mph – over half a ton more than the standard 911 Turbo S generates. At 177mph, downforce is an immense 923kg.
There’s extra power, too. Upgraded turbos, intercoolers, manifolds and catalytic converters, a new ECU and a unique Inconel exhaust liberate 900bhp from the 3.8-litre flat-six engine, up from 641hp in the Turbo S. 0-60mph and 0-100mph have increased by only a few tenths, but that’s not the key to unlocking a fast lap.
Add it all together and RML claims the P39 40SE can lap the Nordschleife in six minutes 45 seconds. That was achieved in pre-production simulations – we’ll have to wait and see what it can achieve in real life.
It’s not just about lap times. Switch the P39 out of track mode into tour mode, and RML reckons it’s pretty much as comfortable for a long haul as the Turbo S. Racing seats with four-point harnesses are fitted and the back seat is ditched for a half-cage. RML’s own shade of Ruby Red paint and bespoke forged alloy wheels are available as options.
RML (which stands for Ray Mallock Ltd.) is one of the UK’s most successful motorsport firms. It has built and run touring cars, prototypes and rally cars with huge success all over the globe. It’s also a highly respected design and engineering consultancy working with a vast array of racing teams and OEMs. It branched out into low-volume road cars a few years ago when it launched the RML Short Wheelbase, an homage to the iconic Ferrari 250GT SWB based on the 550 Maranello.
The RML P39 40SE marks the firm’s 40th anniversary. Just 10 will built at a cost of £495,000 plus local taxes and a donor car. Form an orderly queue.