Porsche motorsport preparer and restomod builder Tuthill has revealed a radical new Porsche-based road car inspired by the homologation specials created for the GT1 endurance racing class of the 1990s. The new car is called the GT ONE and it was unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week. It was created after a discussion between Richard Tuthill and film producer, car collector and Tuthill client Elliot Ross.
‘The FIA GT1 class enabled manufacturers to create stunning race cars. We have taken the best bits but focused on producing a wonderful road car,’ explained Richard Tuthill.
It’s no coincidence that the GT ONE resembles the dramatic aerodynamic bodywork of the Porsche 911 GT1 Straßenversion (street legal version), of which just 15 examples were built for homologation purposes between 1996 and 1999. The 911 GT1 would go on to win Le Mans in 1998 after a tumultuous beginning to its racing career.
The GT ONE’s carbonfibre bodywork was penned by California-based car designer Florian Flatau, who also designed Singer’s ACS and DLS Turbo models. The bodywork has been shaped with performance in mind, with aerodynamic surfaces such as the underfloor and wings optimised with CFD technology. The bodywork encases an FIA-based rollover protection system and a more radical aero package has been developed for track use.
Beneath the dramatic motorsport-inspired bodywork is a 4.0-litre flat-six engine that is available in both turbocharged and naturally aspirated specifications. The naturally-aspirated version is said to be inspired by Tuthill’s high-revving 911K engine and develops 500bhp while the turbocharged version promises an output of ‘over’ 600bhp.
The FIA GT1 class enabled manufacturers to create stunning race cars. We have taken the best bits but focused on producing a wonderful road car
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through either a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or an equivalent manual ‘box. Tuthill says the car weighs just 1200kg, which means the most powerful version should have a power-to-weight ratio of around 500bhp per-tonne – about the same as a McLaren 720S
Complementing the aerodynamic bodywork and high-performance powertrain is double wishbone front and rear suspension, carbon ceramic brakes and bespoke brake calipers. Much-needed grip will be provided by Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber.
Tuthill says the car will take 3500 hours to manufacture and that just 22 examples are planned for production. Pricing and the production schedule are yet to be disclosed.
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