The Porsche 935 K3 is one of the most iconic race cars of the late 1970s and early 1980s, built by the German motorsport team Kremer Racing based on the Porsche 935 platform. The "K3" designation stands for "Kremer Type 3," as it was the third evolution of Kremer's modifications to the already dominant Porsche 935. The car achieved legendary status after its overall victory at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, becoming the first and only Group 5 race car to win outright at Le Mans.
Key Features of the Porsche 935 K3
1. Engine and Performance
Engine: The K3 is powered by a 3.2-liter flat-six turbocharged engine, derived from Porsche’s road-going 911 and heavily modified for racing.
Power Output: Depending on the setup, the engine produced between 740 hp and 800 hp in race trim.
Top Speed: Over 200 mph (322 km/h), depending on aerodynamics and track configuration.
Transmission: A 4-speed manual gearbox, optimized for endurance racing.
Turbocharging: Utilizing a single or twin-turbo setup, Kremer Racing optimized the engine for reliability and power, critical for endurance racing.
2. Aerodynamics and Bodywork
Lightweight Construction:
The K3 featured a full fiberglass-reinforced body, reducing weight to just 985 kg (2,172 lbs).
Aerodynamic Innovations:
The K3 introduced a smoother, more aerodynamically efficient body compared to the standard Porsche 935.
A signature feature was the faired-in headlights, which reduced drag compared to the exposed headlights of earlier 935 models.
Rear Wing:
The large rear wing provided significant downforce, allowing the K3 to excel on high-speed circuits.
Cooling:
Improved air intakes and ducting enhanced engine and brake cooling for better endurance performance.
3. Chassis and Handling
Suspension: Kremer Racing refined the 935’s suspension to improve grip and handling, incorporating racing-spec dampers and springs.
Brakes: Upgraded to larger, more durable racing brakes to handle the demands of endurance racing.
Tires: Fitted with wider racing slicks, the K3 offered exceptional grip and stability.
4. Interior
Stripped of all non-essential elements, the interior featured only the necessities for racing:
A lightweight racing seat.
Simplified dashboard with essential gauges for engine monitoring.
Roll cage for safety and structural rigidity.
1979 Le Mans Victory
The Porsche 935 K3 made history at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it was driven to overall victory by the Kremer Racing team, including drivers Klaus Ludwig, Don Whittington, and Bill Whittington. This marked the first time a production-derived race car beat factory prototypes at Le Mans, cementing the K3’s place in motorsport history.
Legacy and Influence
The Porsche 935 K3 became one of the most successful cars in Group 5 racing, dominating in various series, including the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft (DRM) and IMSA GT championships. Its combination of reliability, speed, and advanced aerodynamics made it a favorite among privateer teams.
Today, the K3 is a prized collector's item, with its historical significance and race-winning pedigree driving its desirability.
