The Porsche S1 could emerge as a new flagship hypercar with a reported starting price of around €500,000, or approximately $575,000 at current exchange rates. According to Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper, Porsche may be developing the S1 on its own platform rather than using a reskinned Audi Nuvolari or Lamborghini Temerario.
Porsche S1 Could Debut in October
Reports from Germany suggest Porsche could preview several new models next month. The Porsche S1 may be shown to investors on October 7 during the company’s Capital Markets Day.
The rumored hypercar could potentially be joined by the 992 GT2 RS, the 992.2 GT3 RS, the gas Macan replacement, the 718 sports cars, and/or Porsche’s flagship SUV.
While the reported six-figure price is notable, the most intriguing part of the S1 rumors is its alleged eight-cylinder boxer engine. Regional pricing would vary depending on taxes.
Porsche S1 Reportedly Not Based on the 911
According to the report, Porsche is developing the S1 as a standalone hypercar unrelated to the rear-engine 911. That layout could make it easier for Porsche to use a boxer-eight engine.
Porsche has previously confirmed the existence of flat-eight engines. A few years ago, eFuels project manager Marcos Marques said a 5.0-liter eight-cylinder boxer engine with two turbochargers had been fitted into the chassis of a 718 Cayman.
That prototype produced 750 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, with a 9,000-rpm redline. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a manual transmission.
The engine did not enter production because Porsche felt the timing was off. The report suggests that Porsche’s push toward becoming more upmarket, selling fewer cars to make more money, could make a low-volume hypercar a potential fit.
Rumored Flat-Eight Could Deliver a Different Kind of Hypercar
The reported S1 could potentially use an evolution of the earlier prototype engine with even more power. At the same time, the report notes that ultra-elite buyers are looking for more engagement and theater.
A rear-wheel-drive, manual hypercar capable of reaching 9,000 rpm or higher would fit that description. If the S1 does become the flat-eight-powered car described in the report, it could also face a direct rival from Ruf’s upcoming supercar.
Porsche Could Also Revisit the 919 Street Idea
Another possibility involves Porsche’s previous work on a Le Mans-inspired road car. Nearly ten years ago, the company revealed the 919 Street, although it was only a full-size clay model.
Since then, Porsche has developed the 963 Le Mans Hypercar on a spec chassis. The company has also converted one into a semi-road-legal hypercar called the 963 RSP, demonstrating that a racecar-like road car is possible.
However, the 919 Street-style approach is considered less likely in the report. A racing car has much higher noise, vibration and harshness limits, while its layout would be uncomfortable for more than one occupant and make entering and exiting the vehicle less graceful.
Porsche Has Not Confirmed the S1
Porsche has not officially confirmed that it is developing a flat-eight hypercar, a Le Mans-inspired road car or anything else described in the reports.
Still, more detailed reports are emerging from Stuttgart, while the rumored Porsche S1 remains unconfirmed.
