PORSCHE 911

words - Gautam Sharma
German customiser/motorsport specialist conjures up an eminently modern take on almost-40-year-old car
discount new cars  » Get the best price on a new Porsche

Yes, yes, the rebodied/modernised old Porsche 911 caper has been done before, but when the results turn out this appealing, it’s worth a closer look.

The bewinged Porker pictured alongside is the handiwork of Germany-based DP Motorsport, which has taken a 1973 model-year 911 and treated it to a comprehensive makeover that increases power and reduces weight to yield what appears to be a formidable road-and-track car.

Stuffed in the snow-white 911’s bulging derriere is a 3.6-litre flat-six (air-cooled, of course) with twin 50mm downdraft carburettors and a programmable advance curve double fuse – a combo that’s good for a healthy, if not earth-shattering, 228kW. Drive is relayed to the rear wheels by a G-50 gearbox and limited-slip differential.

What makes the modest power significant, however, is the fact that the DP Motorsport-prepped 911 weighs just 870kg (without fuel), where the 1973 donor car tipped the scales between 1080 and 1335kg, depending on its spec and equipment level. By comparison, the latest 991 Series weighs at least 1415kg.

The massive diet is the result of a carbonfibre front bumper and bonnet, fenders, doors, rear fender flares, rear bumper and rear spoiler. Further weight savings come from Plexiglas windows and tail-lamp lenses, along with a carbonfibre roof panel and lightweight air-conditioner cover and underbody protection.

Maintaining its look of authenticity, the car rides on Fuchs wheels (9x15-inch at the front and 13x15-inch at the rear) shod with 225/50-15 and 345/35-15 tyres front and rear respectively.

Complementing the engine transplant and weight savings are a set of DP coilovers, adjustable stabilisers and Uniball bushings. The braking system was sourced from the 964 Series 911 (1990-93) and subsequently upgraded by DP Motorsport’s boffins.

Inside, there are 935 bucket seats, a carbonfibre dashboard, a varnished sports steering wheel, black Alcantara trim and a welded safety cage.

Other features befitting the DP Motorsport 911’s focused nature include a 25-amp gel battery starter, a smaller windshield cleaning liquid tank, lightweight electric interior airing system and a middle oil cooler with frontal ventilation.

The official PR blurb doesn’t mention a price, but we’d be surprised if there’s much change left over from 150,000 euros.

Read the latest news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...

Powered By Motoring.com.au Published : Monday, 21 November 2011
Disclaimer:
In most cases, motoring.com.au attends new vehicle launches at the invitation and expense of vehicle manufacturers and/or distributors.

Editorial prices shown are a "price guide" only, based on information provided to us by the manufacturer. Pricing current at the time of writing editorial. Pricing prior to editorial dated 25 May 2009 may refer to RRP. Due to Clarity on Pricing legislation, RRP for those editorials now means "price guide". When purchasing a car, always confirm the single figure price with the seller of an actual vehicle.

^ If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away No More to Pay", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges. Please confirm price and features with the seller of the vehicle.

Opinions expressed with motoring.com.au editorial material are those of the writer and not necessarily Carsales.com Ltd. motoring.com.au editorial staff and contributors attend overseas and local events as guests of car manufacturers and importers.

Click here for further information about our Terms & Conditions.

Latest