The last air-cooled 911 is going down in history as the most-desirable, collectable and unattainable of all the rear-engined Porsches of modern times.
What if Porsche kept working on the 993 without the concerns about noise, emissions or safety? That pocket-rocket size machine before it grew new crash structures, heavier chassis details and feel-dulling insulation throughout?
The result might be something like the new Guntherwerks 400R. This concept debuted at the Quail to raves among the most hardcore car enthusiasts in the world. Guys who have a half-dozen supercars in their collections at any one time.
They absolutely love it.
What is so special? Well, by taking a resto-mod philosophy a bit wilder than fellow 911 specialist Singer. Purity of the exterior and OEM appearances are less critical here. More modern upgrades are welcome for the 400R — and the result looks nearly future-proof.
Gorgeous at all times, and especially so behind the wheel. The 400R is a preview of a 25-unit production run in early 2018. The saddest part of all is that each 400R will cannibalize a civilian 993.
We’re pretty sure the car world will forgive this injustice — as long as they can rip up the gears with the jumbo 4.0-liter boxer six!
Buying a 400R might seem silly versus the new 700HP GT2 RS. Pricing might be similar at around 300k a pop. Luckily, the purity of the 993 is not replicable via any modern car — even a Porsche. There is, it seems, a substitute?
2017 Guntherwerks 400R
GUNTHERWERKS UNVEILS BESPOKE 400R CONCEPT AT THE QUAIL, A MOTORSPORTS GATHERING
Garden Grove, Calif. (August 18, 2017) – Guntherwerks, a company dedicated to remastering the iconic Porsche® 993, held the global reveal of its highly-anticipated concept, the 400R, at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on August 18. The company will begin producing a limited run of the concept later this year.
Hand-built and re-engineered from the ground up for the most discerning clientele, the 400R is built on a Porsche® 993 platform, which is considered by many to be the pinnacle of the 911®. The 400R incorporates modern technology, while still maintaining the essential components of the original car that inspired so many enthusiasts. The body has been widened extensively with the bumpers massaged to blend seamlessly to produce a unique silhouette, while still remaining instantly recognizable as a 993.
Each 400R is equipped with a 4.0L naturally aspirated air-cooled engine, hand-built and meticulously tested by Rothsport Racing to produce over 400hp and 330lb/ft. No stone has been left unturned with the 400R. From its top-of-the-line coilovers, massive 315/30/18 rear tires and adjustable aerodynamic capabilities, the 400R is truly a performance-built machine.
The 400R’s interior is customizable, but fastidiously upgraded with leather and Alcantara options, fixed bucket seats that pay homage to the vintage 993 race cars, a carbon fiber rear seat delete, a half cage behind the driver’s head and a classic 5-dial dashboard with a rev counter in the middle.
“Aesthetically and technologically, the 993 is considered by many multiple decade Porsche aficionados as the last real Porsche,” said car collector and Porsche enthusiast, Peter Nam, CEO of Guntherwerks. “With the 400R, we set out to build a car that incorporated modern technology while still appealing to the enthusiasts who covet these cars today. In essence, the 400R is the car we imagine Porsche would have built if the advanced technology within the 400R was available.”
Only 25 examples will be made, with first customer deliveries expected by early 2018. Customers can supply their own road-legal 1994-1999 993 Series Porsche® 911® Coupe for the basis of the Guntherwerks 400R conversion. Alternatively, Guntherwerks can source a suitable donor car that can be used as the basis of their 400R remanufacture.
About Guntherwerks
Based in Southern California, Guntherwerks was founded on the principles of passion, performance and a drive to embed modern technologies into a classic masterpiece. Specializing in the development of air-cooled 911s®, the company is currently working on the limited run production of the 400R. The Guntherwerks 400R is a modern interpretation of Porsche’s last air-cooled 911®, the 993. Regarded by many as the pinnacle of the 911®, the team at Guntherwerks has worked tirelessly to retain the driving experience offered by the original car, while evolving its DNA. For more information please visit http://guntherwerks.com/ or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Guntherwerks is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed nor, in any way, affiliated with Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche, AG. The Porsche® name and crest, 993® and 911® are trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, and any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.