A remarkable new creation has emerged from the workshops of Gunther Werks, a firm renowned for its masterful reimagining of vintage air-cooled Porsche 911s. This latest marvel, dubbed Project F-26, represents the company's inaugural venture into the distinctive 'Slantnose' design, an iconic, albeit polarizing, facet of Porsche's past. Making its grand debut at Monterey Car Week, this limited-production vehicle fuses the timeless allure of the original Slantnose with contemporary engineering and an astonishing 1,000 horsepower. It embodies a perfect synergy of heritage and innovation, offering a unique blend of nostalgic aesthetics and blistering performance, meticulously crafted for a select few automotive enthusiasts.
The Porsche Slantnose 911, a product of the 1980s, was an adventurous design experiment inspired by the marque's racing triumphs with the 935. Its flat, elongated front end was a striking departure from convention, eliciting mixed reactions but ultimately cementing its place as a distinctive, highly sought-after road car option. This bold design statement, a testament to Porsche's willingness to push aesthetic boundaries, continues to resonate with car aficionados decades later.
Until recently, Gunther Werks, a specialist in bringing air-cooled 911s back to life with unparalleled precision, had not ventured into the Slantnose territory. However, the unveiling of Project F-26 at The Quail during Monterey Car Week signaled a new chapter. Peter Nam, the visionary founder of Gunther Werks, articulated the company's motivation, stating that the Slantnose is a "bold icon from Porsche’s past." He emphasized that the timing was opportune to re-envision it through the lens of modern craftsmanship and engineering, effectively bridging historical reverence with next-generation performance for today's discerning drivers.
The nomenclature 'Project F-26' reflects both its strictly limited production run of 26 units and its aerodynamic inspiration drawn from fighter jets. While paying clear homage to the Porsche 935 race car and its road-going Slantnose counterparts, the F-26 is built almost entirely from carbon fiber. This advanced material is utilized for key body components, including the nose, doors, and rear panels, contributing to an impressive curb weight of approximately 2,700 pounds. The original Slantnose's pop-up headlights have been replaced with fixed units, a modification that enhances both airflow and reduces weight. The exterior is further distinguished by a towering carbon-fiber rear wing, sharply squared-off fenders, and newly designed side air intakes, collectively completing its aggressive yet sophisticated transformation.
At the heart of the F-26 lies a formidable 4.0-liter air-cooled twin-turbo flat-six engine, meticulously developed in collaboration with Rothsport Racing. This powerhouse generates an astounding 1,000 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque, with power channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential for optimal control. An innovative race-derived flat fan handles cooling, doubling the airflow of a standard 911 fan to ensure consistent temperature distribution across all six cylinders. Further performance enhancements include a carbon fiber airbox, a re-engineered intercooler plenum, integrated blow-off valves, and lightweight charge pipes. The exhaust system features a 935-style design with external wastegates, contributing to its raw, unadulterated auditory experience.
The chassis has been comprehensively upgraded, featuring an extended wheelbase at the rear for enhanced stability. The front suspension incorporates a sophisticated double-wishbone setup, complemented by adaptive JRZ dampers and motorsport-grade ABS. The vehicle rides on magnesium Turbo Twist monoblock wheels, shod with high-performance Continental ExtremeContact Force tires, sized 295/30R18 at the front and 335/30R18 at the rear, ensuring exceptional grip and handling.
The interior of the F-26 seamlessly blends track-inspired functionality with refined artisanal details. Exposed carbon fiber accents underscore its lightweight construction, while bespoke leather and Alcantara trims provide a luxurious feel. A meticulously crafted wooden shift knob harks back to Porsche's rich motorsport heritage, adding a touch of classic elegance. The retro-inspired dashboard thoughtfully integrates a Porsche Classic radio with Apple CarPlay functionality, achieving a harmonious balance between nostalgic charm and contemporary convenience. Given the exclusivity and advanced specifications, although pricing has not been officially disclosed, it is anticipated that each of these highly personalized 26 units will command a price tag in the million-dollar range before any optional customizations.
This exclusive automotive creation represents more than just a car; it's a profound statement that bridges different eras of automotive design and engineering. By taking inspiration from a unique and debated chapter in Porsche's history, Gunther Werks has not merely revived a classic silhouette but has imbued it with a potent, modern soul. The Project F-26 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of bespoke craftsmanship and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence, setting a new benchmark for restomodded performance vehicles and captivating a new generation of collectors with its extraordinary blend of past and present.