The Next Chapter: THE OPEN-TOP, AIR-COOLED Driving Experience
“If I don't do a good job, I get out. I can't compromise,” Günter F. Wendt once said. His official title was Pad Leader, a German American mechanical engineer who was noted for his work in the United States spaceflight program, having worked on the Mercury, Gemini & the Apollo programs. Known for his uncompromisingly strict approach and meticulous attention to detail in the pursuit of perfection, nothing was overlooked by Wendt, and as such he was welcomed by astronauts and earned their respect. It was these relentless principles of no compromise and perfection that mirrored our very own ethos that inspired our company name. Gunther Werks was born.
Beginning in 2017, Gunther Werks was initially a skunkworks project under the roof of Vorsteiner, a company that has spent nearly two decades innovating and producing carbon fiber components for customizing the world's top performance marques. Assembling a team of Porsche enthusiasts, the task was simple in theory yet ambitious: craft the ultimate performance project from the air-cooled generation.
With a no-expense spared approach, 30 years of technological and engineering advances are applied to remaster the last 911 of the air-cooled era. The goal is to substantially reduce the curb weight, increase power dramatically, improve suspension and handling dynamics, and produce the finest materials inside and out to standards that rival the finest manufacturers, while providing the highest level of performance on the road and around any circuit. Each upgraded part of the 993 Remastered by Gunther Werks must be stronger and lighter than the component it replaces, with an emphasis on performance and outright speed.
Gunther Werks designs, develops, fabricates, and assembles restoration projects for the air-cooled Porsche 993 platform, commissioned individually to each client. The end result of this dedication is exceptional. A 2,600-pound curb weight, a power-to-weight ratio that competes with modern supercars, a sculpted body that modernizes a classic design, handling that rivals new Porsche models, and an analog driving experience like nothing else.
Donor cars are stripped to the bare frame, and rebuilt utilizing pre-preg carbon fiber body panels that are designed and crafted in-house. With a square track front and rear, the 993 Remastered by Gunther Werks mimics the setup of aircooled racing cars of the 1990s, while reducing the understeer that 993s were notorious for exhibiting. Creating a unique and impactful shape takes inspiration from several sources. Wide hips and flatter upper fender lines spotted on the legendary 959, and front fascia cues from the iconic Carrera GT, the shape has to be period-correct while appearing to be one that could have been produced at the factory in the 1990s.
Working with Rothsport Racing, Gunther Werks preserves the existing engine in the supplied 993, but replaces every major component for optimal performance. Initially targeting 400 BHP from a 4.0-liter engine, the end result is a handbuilt engine that achieves greater than 430 BHP and 340 lb-ft of torque, with a 7,800 RPM redline. Retaining Porsche's Getrag G50 transmission, the Gunther Werks team has updated the gearbox with closer ratios, a lighter flywheel, a stronger single-plate clutch, and a 40% locking limited-slip differential. The result is improved response and performance, a more precise feel, and greater flexibility when revving the engine to higher RPMs and exhibiting more enthusiastic driving.
In revising the current 993 chassis to accommodate an open cockpit, Gunther Werks has taken extensive steps to avoid the common side effect of removing the roof, which typically reduces torsional rigidity. Stiffening the chassis has been extensively undertaken by employing advanced reinforcement concealed by the new carbon fiber Speedster top and tonneau cover. Customers now also have the choice to upgrade to revised five-spoke wheels which feature center locking mechanisms to improve strength and unsprung weight. As part of Gunther Werks' continued partnership with Eisenlohr Racing and JRZ Suspension, the Speedster features an all-new advanced dynamic suspension system.
Additional exterior enhancements include a lower rake glass windscreen, with an option to delete the glass entirely. Updated front fascia now integrate a carbon front spoiler to improve aerodynamics, and a new lightweight single-skin bonnet that is lighter. The rear of the Speedster features a revised duck tail with a ram air scoop and all-new 3D-printed Inconel exhaust tips. Other exterior upgrades include billet aluminum side view mirrors, streamlined lightweight door handles, and an updated front led reflector system.
Interior improvements are comprehensive, with a new carbon fiber dash, a redesigned pedal assembly and a revised carbon fiber floor panel system. To accommodate the lower windscreen, Gunther Werks developed a hollow carbon fiber seat shell featuring lightweight cushions applied directly to shell while lower seat placement reduces drag and lowers the center of gravity.
As Gunther Werks' production of coupe commissions is limited to 25 examples, Gunther Werks plans to commission only 25 Speedsters worldwide.