--- title: "The Lanzante Porsche 930 TAG Turbo Is a McLaren F1-Powered Widowmaker" description: "These Lazanta Porsche 930 TAG Turbo resto-mods use McLaren Formula 1 engines race-driven by Niki Lauda and Alain Prost." date: "2023-05-02" modified: "2023-05-02" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-lazante-porsche-930-tag-turbo-is-a-mclaren-f1-powered-widowmaker" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Porsche News" tags: - "porsche" - "sports car" --- # The Lanzante Porsche 930 TAG Turbo Is a McLaren F1-Powered Widowmaker ![]() Over the years, there have been several cars to use F1-derived engines. The [Ferrari F50](), [Porsche Carrera GT](), and most recently, the [Mercedes-AMG One](), all have modified F1 piston-pushers. However, only one road-legal car uses actual race-driven Formula 1 engines—Lanzante's Porsche 930 TAG Turbo. In the mid-1980s, Renault's turbocharged V6 engine was kicking ass in F1 and McLaren needed something that could rival it. So it turned to [Porsche](), who—with financial backing from TAG, the famous watchmaker—developed a twin-turbo 1.5-liter V6 that made more than 1,000 horsepower. With that engine, which was designed by Porsche legend [Hanz Mezger](), McLaren drivers Niki Lauda and Alain Prost won three F1 straight driver's championships. And you can get that very engine in a Porsche 930, thanks to Lanzante. > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by Classic Driver (@classicdriver)]() A few years ago, Dean Lanzante—who works with McLaren on racecars, restorations, and high-price builds—decided to buy 11 of McLaren's TAG-Porsche engines. McLaren wouldn't sell the original engine but did sell the 11 engines used throughout the '84-'86 season. So the engines Lanzante is putting in its 930 Tag Turbos were actually used by Mclaren in F1. For example,[ Lanzante's sixth build]() used Niki Lauda's French GP-winning engine. Lanzante is currently building its[ seventh 930 TAG Turbo](), and it's powered by the actual engine that helped Keke Rosberg finish second in the 1986 Monaco Grand Prix. As cool as it would be to drive a full-power F1 engine on the street, Lazante worked with Cosworth to rebuild and re-engineer the engines to make them more usable on the road. They were detuned to 510 horsepower (503 bhp) and 310 pound-feet of torque—probably for a good reason—and a front-mounted water-cooled radiator was added. However, they still rev to 9,000 rpm and have a top speed of 200 mph. Shifting gears is done with a six-speed manual, and a limited-slip rear diff helps power the rear wheels. > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by Lanzante (@lanzantelimited)]() While Lanzante's Porsche 930 TAG Turbos are made-to-order, and customers are allowed a high level of customization, they're kept as period-correct as possible. Inside and out, these TAG Turbos look like mostly stock Porsche 930s, just with 17-inch RUF wheels. Interiors are custom, but only period-correct options are allowed. The chassis and bodies are mostly made from aluminum, and there's also a healthy dose of carbon fiber to keep things extra light, shedding 441 pounds off the stock 930. Thankfully, upgraded coilovers and carbon brakes were added to keep that incredible power-to-weight ratio civilized. Since these 930 TAG Turbos are made-to-order, Lanzante doesn't list the price. But if you have to ask... *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkMNxIlFucU ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()