EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

the engineers and designers at Gunther Werks (gunther werks.com), based in Orange County, Calif., have built off the brilliance of the Porsche 993—the last air-cooled car in the marque’s 911 line—and made it even more sublime.

“The 993 is considered by all Porsche enthusiasts to be the best 911 variant made to date,” says Gunther Werks’ CEO, Peter Nam. “The performance and beautiful design of the 993, combined with new technology, are ingredients for success.”

The remastering begins with a 993 donor vehicle that must be a street-legal example from 1994 through 1998. Gunther Werks then crafts a hand-built body—considerably wider than the original one— composed entirely of carbon fiber (save for the doors and mirrors). The contemporary coupe carries a 4-liter naturally aspirated air-cooled engine—from Oregon-based Rothsport Racing—that puts out 431 hp and generates

320 ft lbs of torque. Also part of the power train is a custom Getrag G50 6-speed manual transmission.

“One of the reasons I wanted to take on this project was to inspire the younger generation to learn how to drive a manual transmission,” says Nam. “I want this car to be something my young son can enjoy 10 years down the road.”

Only 25 examples of the 400R will be made by Gunther Werks, each starting at $525,000—not including the original 993. Deliveries will start at the beginning of 2018. —VIJU MATHEW