A 9000-RPM Engine from Ssangyong Truck Powers This Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Car

These details were disclosed by the builder, Nick Mitchell, affiliated with Mitchell Race Xtreme based in Kiwiland. Some may recognize this workshop as the entity responsible for fitting an IndyCar V8 engine into a Ferrari 458 GT3. This particular vehicle was crafted for Deon Cooper, an individual associated with the New Zealand branch of Ssangyong—a relatively less prosperous Korean automaker that once made 90s Hyundai models appear superior to Hondas in comparison. Preceding its acquisition, Ssangyong’s New Zealand division, under Cooper’s leadership, endeavored to bolster the brand’s prominence with a spec racing series featuring its Actyon Sports pickup truck. MRX was appointed as the designated team to undertake the engineering responsibilities for this project. This context will prove to be significant shortly.

Approximately one year ago, MRX was in the process of restoring a 1980 Porsche 911 SC (930) for Cooper, who visited a Porsche dealership to collect some parts. During his visit, he noticed a cage-enclosed shell situated in an open area on the dealership’s premises—an ill-fated 997 GT3 Cup that had undergone a disastrous crash. The vehicle had been stripped down for spare components, leaving its skeletal structure to be reclaimed by nature. Subsequently, he inquired with MRX whether they could integrate a Ssangyong framework underneath it and also approached the dealership to inquire about the price of the shell. The responses were affirmative and surprisingly cost-effective, respectively. As a result, the Ssanger (alternatively known as the FrontPorch) came into existence.

Mitchell embarked on the task of refurbishing the Porsche body to be compatible with a Ssangyong ladder frame. To achieve this, he replaced the damaged sheet metal with new material and excised the frame rails located forward and aft of the cockpit. This modification prepared the frame to be united with a boxed frame sourced from a 2015 Actyon Sports donor vehicle, albeit with a section removed in the middle to align with the Porsche’s wheelbase. Such grafting operations are frequently deployed in the construction of custom off-road vehicles; nevertheless, Mitchell was astonished at the seamless interconnection between the two components.

“The compatibility between these components was incredibly close, resembling a match made in heaven,” he remarked.

While the outer shell remains distinctly Porsche, the internal components closely resemble those found in one of the Actyon Racing Series track trucks. It retains its double-wishbone front suspension (with revised upper mounting points for enhanced geometry) and coil-sprung solid rear axle—albeit now utilizing coilovers at allThe intersections of four. The brakes have been increased in size as well, though the steering remains Ssangyong, along with much of the drivetrain. If you can even categorize it under Ssangyong to begin with, anyway.

The Actyon Sports did not utilize a powerplant designed in Korea nor a GM LS3 V8 engine. Instead, Ssangyong introduced Mercedes M111 four-cylinder engines, specifically the 2.3-liter units found in ’90s C- and E-Classes. The engine underwent a thorough transformation for specifications racing, producing 240 horsepower as it revved up to 9,000 rpm. In this truck—car, contraption, whatever you may call it—it will be paired with a six-speed Quaife sequential transmission.

Naturally, now that the intended racing series seems to be defunct, the only remaining option for the Ssanger to compete is Lemons. This may seem evident, but it brings some confusion if you are acquainted with the derelict racing competitions. These events are meant to pit cars valued at $500 against each other, constructed from ordinary road vehicles, not purpose-built race cars. The Ssanger appears to lean more towards the latter category.

However, since the Ssanger is essentially a Porsche body on a truck framework, rather than a 911 Cup car, it aligns with the correct ethos. It is also advantageous that Lemons NZ’s regulatory body NAZCAR (yes, indeed) offers a division for “Limes”—vehicles that are too swift for Lemons. This not only fosters inclusivity and provides a platform for the most competitive individuals to vie but also aids in optimizing the number of participants.

Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to observe how Lemons responds to this enhanced Ssangyong, both in New Zealand and the United States. Mitchell mentions the possibility of transporting the vehicle to the States for a race at Laguna Seca, where the Ssanger would undoubtedly dazzle with its agility, potentially outpacing its opponents.

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