Electric Cars

Lanzante has introduced its new 95-59 model, a stunning homage to the legendary McLaren F1, at Monterey Car Week. This vehicle, built upon the foundation of a McLaren 750S, represents a fusion of historical racing glory and contemporary high-performance engineering. With a central driving position and two rear passenger seats, it faithfully recreates the iconic three-seat layout of the original F1, while delivering a significant power boost and advanced aerodynamic enhancements.

The Lanzante 95-59 first garnered attention with its global debut as a production-intent styling concept at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Following its initial reveal in the UK, the three-seat marvel has been showcased at various prestigious automotive events across North America, continuing its journey from a prototype to a highly exclusive production model. The vehicle's development underscores Lanzante's dedication to channeling its 1995 Le Mans victory into a modern, road-legal supercar, offering a unique blend of heritage and cutting-edge performance.

At its core, the 95-59 draws inspiration from Lanzante's historic 1995 Le Mans win with the No. 59 McLaren F1 GTR. While it begins with the chassis of a McLaren 750S, the bespoke bodywork, interior arrangement, and sophisticated aerodynamic details transcend a typical tuner modification, elevating it to the realm of a meticulously coachbuilt machine. The interior boasts a carbon-fiber structure, accented with luxurious materials and purple highlights across the dashboard, seats, and steering wheel, emphasizing its custom craftsmanship rather than being a mere factory upgrade.

Under the hood, the Lanzante 95-59 retains the McLaren 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, but with substantial upgrades by Lanzante, increasing its output from the 740 horsepower of the donor 750S to an impressive 850 horsepower. This immense power is managed by a seven-speed paddle-shift transmission. Production of this exclusive model is limited to just 59 units, directly referencing the racing number of the Le Mans-winning F1 GTR. This limited run positions the 95-59 among other highly anticipated modern F1 tributes, such as Gordon Murray’s forthcoming supercar and Lanzante’s own P1 GT homage.

A notable feature of the 95-59 is its optional high-downforce aero package, which includes a prominent fixed rear wing and an integrated roof air intake. This design choice deliberately mirrors the enhanced aerodynamic configuration offered for the original F1 models. The result is a striking silhouette that evokes the aggressive appearance of an endurance racer, distinctly differentiating it from a standard 750S. This aerodynamic focus, combined with a reported starting price of approximately £1,020,000 (around $1.3 million USD before taxes), confirms that the 95-59 is targeted at discerning collectors seeking a tangible, contemporary continuation of the McLaren F1 legacy, prioritizing functional aerodynamics and coachbuilt artistry over subtle stylistic nods.

This car is poised to captivate collectors who desire a hands-on extension of the McLaren F1 narrative, with Lanzante emphasizing custom design and functional aerodynamics beyond a mere cosmetic package. The prototype's ambitious promise remains to be fully realized in its production form, both on the road and on the track.

Rumors are circulating regarding the eventual discontinuation of the Porsche Taycan by 2030, even though the luxury automaker has yet to officially confirm such plans. Several media outlets, notably the German business publication WirtschaftsWoche, indicate an internal consensus to gradually cease production of Porsche's pioneering electric sedan. This decision is reportedly driven by a decline in sales, as market trends show a growing consumer preference for electric SUVs.

Currently, the Taycan continues to be assembled at Porsche's Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen facility. CEO Michael Leiters has publicly assured that there are no immediate intentions to withdraw the model from production. This discrepancy between speculative long-term strategies and official statements has left both loyal Taycan owners and those monitoring Porsche's electric vehicle development uncertain about the future trajectory of the brand's EV lineup.

Porsche's Future Production Strategy for the Taycan

Initial reports from WirtschaftsWoche, subsequently cited by news agencies like Reuters, assert that Porsche's management and its works council have provisionally agreed to discontinue Taycan production by 2030. This proposed arrangement outlines a phased withdrawal rather than an abrupt halt, allowing for several more model years and potential updates to the Taycan, which first debuted in 2020. However, sales figures reveal a notable downturn, with global deliveries dropping from approximately 41,000 units in 2023 to around 16,000 in 2025, and only about 6,000 in the first half of 2026. This decline coincides with an observed shift in consumer interest towards electric SUVs, such as Porsche's Macan EV. Speculation also suggests a possible integration of the Taycan and Panamera platforms, potentially leading to a future electric Panamera succeeding the current Taycan.

The decreasing market enthusiasm for the Taycan, coupled with the rising popularity of high-riding electric vehicles like the Macan EV, underscores the dynamic nature of the electric vehicle market. For prospective buyers considering a Taycan, these long-term forecasts are crucial to keep in mind, even as new models remain available through dealerships. The reported agreement, if finalized, would mark a significant strategic pivot for Porsche in its electric vehicle offerings, prioritizing models that align more closely with evolving consumer preferences and market demands.

Porsche's Official Stance on the Taycan's Longevity

Despite persistent rumors, Porsche's official communications have not confirmed any definitive end date for the Taycan. As highlighted by Electrek, based on recent remarks from CEO Leiters, the company maintains that there are no short-term plans to cease production of the Taycan. German broadcaster tagesschau echoed this, noting Porsche's refusal to corroborate reports of a 2030 discontinuation for the Stuttgart-produced model, reinforcing Leiters’ earlier statements. This consistent message from Porsche aims to reassure current and potential customers that the Taycan remains a vital part of its lineup for the foreseeable future.

Reports further indicate that Porsche has abandoned prior considerations to relocate Taycan assembly from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen to Leipzig. Instead, the vehicle is expected to continue production in Stuttgart until its potential phase-out, aligning with discussions about the Taycan’s market timing relative to Porsche's broader EV expansion and shifts in its 2026 sales mix. For existing Taycan owners, these developments do not imply a cessation of support. The ongoing situation prompts questions about Porsche’s allocation of development funds, particularly concerning the future of electric 718 Cayman and Boxster models, and whether a 718 EV will eventually materialize. Porsche's strategy emphasizes a cautious, responsive approach to market changes, balancing existing commitments with future innovations.