In less than six weeks, British automotive engineering specialists Lanzante will unveil the TAG Championship by Lanzante, a pinnacle of Formula 1 performance adapted for the road. This lightweight marvel combines the iconic Porsche 930 Turbo body with an ultimate motorsport powerplant, resulting in a limited collection of just three cars. The debut of the first car will take place at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Stripped to the bare essentials, the TAG Championship models honor the three consecutive titles won by McLaren in the 1980s, powered by Porsche-built TAG engines with genuine race heritage. Each car is named after the driver and year, celebrating a significant period in motorsport history.
An evolution of the previously displayed TAG Turbo by Lanzante, the Championship model pushes the boundaries further. The earlier model was a modern reinterpretation of a one-off car by McLaren, combining the 1980s Porsche 911 with a TAG-branded, Porsche-built, V6 twin turbo Formula 1 engine.
The TAG Championship by Lanzante pays tribute to the immense power and performance of the golden era of Formula 1, using cutting-edge motorsport technology and extensive carbon fiber to minimize weight. This results in the TAG Championship weighing just 920kg—over 430kg lighter than the original 930 Turbo donor car.
Each road-legal model features a genuine Formula 1 engine, specifically the TAG TTE P01 1.5-litre V6 twin turbo, which powered McLaren to three consecutive world titles with Niki Lauda and Alain Prost. The debut car, Championship ’85, boasts an engine that raced from 1984 to 1986, achieving two podiums for Prost in 1985, the year he won his first world championship.
Reengineered and built by Cosworth with certification from McLaren, the 1980s power units include upgrades such as new pistons, conrods, valves, valve springs, revised cams, a new airbox, cooling system, exhaust system, and lightweight titanium turbos. These enhancements contribute to an engine that revs to 10,250rpm, produces 625hp, and reaches a top speed of 200mph. Power is delivered through a custom Porsche 993 six-speed gearbox with bespoke ratios, maintaining driveability on regular fuel and road legality.
The TAG Championship models focus on Formula 1 heritage, with subtle interior and exterior details reflecting this legacy. In contrast to the TAG Turbo by Lanzante, which closely matched the original McLaren car, the Championship models feature a stiffened Porsche 930 Turbo chassis, motorsport technology, and extensive carbon fiber use.
The body panels, including the bonnet, doors, front wings, splitter, roof, bumpers, and rear wing, are crafted from Formula 1-grade carbon fiber. Upgrades include a bespoke full carbon ceramic braking system, a new Formula 1 wiring loom, and a Cosworth ECU.
The paintwork is a nod to Prost’s 1985 helmet design, with exposed carbon mirroring the MP4/2B racecar style. Larger versions of the original racecar’s black wheels, built by Dymag, now feature 18-inch magnesium and carbon rims with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
Inside, the weight-saving measures continue with the removal of several comfort features. The stripped-out interior includes a rollcage, lightweight climate control, carbon-backed Recaro seats with BOSS-branded six-point harnesses, and a Personal-branded suede steering wheel with white stitching.
Specs
- Engine: TAG TTE P01 1.5-litre V6 twin turbo
- Transmission: Porsche 993 six-speed gearbox with bespoke ratios
- Electronics: Cosworth ECU, Raychem Formula 1 wiring loom
- Chassis: Porsche 930 Turbo with bespoke rollcage
- Braking System: Porsche 930 Turbo braking system with carbon ceramic discs (322 x 31 front / 322 x 27 rear); bespoke pedal box
- Wheels and Tires: 18-inch Dymag magnesium and carbon rims, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (235/40R18 front, 275/35R18 rear)
- Fuel Tank: Motorsport bag tank, 80 litres
- Lighting: New LED headlamps with integrated indicators
- Weight: 920kg, excluding fuel and driver
The TAG Championship by Lanzante will make its public debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed on Thursday, July 11.
Source: Lanzante
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