Gunther Werks has officially revealed its groundbreaking Project F-26 at the prestigious Monterey Car Week. This extraordinary vehicle, a restomod that pays homage to Porsche's iconic Slantnose models while incorporating modern fighter jet influences, is a limited-production masterpiece with only 26 units slated for creation. It blends classic design with contemporary engineering, featuring a lightweight carbon-fiber chassis and a monstrous 1,000-horsepower twin-turbo engine, pushing the boundaries of what a performance vehicle can be. The F-26 is a testament to bespoke automotive artistry, designed for the discerning enthusiast who seeks an unparalleled driving experience that respects heritage while embracing cutting-edge technology.
This innovative machine represents a fusion of timeless automotive heritage and futuristic performance. Every aspect, from its aerodynamic profile to its meticulously crafted interior, reflects a dedication to both form and function. The Project F-26 is not merely a car; it is a statement—a harmonious blend of raw power, precise handling, and exquisite detailing. Its unveiling signifies a new chapter in high-performance restomods, setting a new benchmark for luxury and exclusivity in the automotive world.
A Symphony of Power and Precision: The F-26's Engineering Marvel
The Gunther Werks Project F-26 represents a bold new chapter in automotive excellence, meticulously crafted to blend the cherished legacy of Porsche's classic 911s with the ferocious performance of a modern hypercar. Unveiled to an eager audience at Monterey Car Week, this exclusive creation draws deep inspiration from the legendary Porsche Slantnose designs, particularly the revered 935 and 930 Turbo models, while simultaneously adopting the sleek, aerodynamic principles found in advanced fighter jets. The outcome is a limited-edition marvel, with production strictly capped at just 26 units globally, ensuring its rarity and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts. This vehicle is more than just a nod to the past; it’s a reimagining of what an iconic sports car can achieve when infused with contemporary innovation and an uncompromising pursuit of performance. Its design marries historical significance with a forward-thinking approach, creating a truly unique presence on both the road and the track.
At the heart of the Project F-26 lies a beastly powertrain developed in collaboration with Rothsport Racing: an air-cooled, 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine that unleashes an astonishing 1,000 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. This immense power is channeled through a precise seven-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, offering a pure and engaging driving experience. Built upon a reinforced 993 chassis, the F-26 boasts an entirely carbon-fiber body, contributing to its remarkably light curb weight of approximately 2,750 pounds. This lightweight construction, combined with fixed headlights designed for enhanced aerodynamics and compliance, widened fenders, and a commanding high-downforce rear wing, ensures exceptional agility and stability. Further enhancing its track-ready capabilities are motorsport-grade cooling systems, a sophisticated double-wishbone front suspension with adaptive JRZ dampers, and advanced motorsport ABS. The steering geometry has been flattened to optimize handling and feedback, providing a connection to the road that is both visceral and precise. This combination of raw power, meticulous engineering, and cutting-edge components ensures the F-26 delivers an exhilarating and refined performance, setting a new standard for high-performance restomods.
The F-26's Distinctive Design and Unparalleled Craftsmanship
The design philosophy behind Gunther Werks’ Project F-26 is a masterclass in harmonizing disparate elements: the iconic, angular lines of Porsche's Slantnose models, particularly the 935 and 930 Turbo, and the sleek, purposeful aesthetic of a fighter jet. This dual inspiration is not merely superficial; it permeates every curve and contour of the F-26’s carbon-fiber body. The transformation begins with a reinforced 993 chassis, which serves as the robust foundation for this extreme restomod. The removal of the traditional pop-up headlights in favor of fixed, aerodynamically optimized units not only improves the car's airflow but also updates its appearance while meeting modern regulatory standards. The widened fenders give the F-26 an assertive, planted stance, hinting at its immense power, while the pronounced, high-downforce rear wing is a functional art piece, designed to keep the car glued to the tarmac at high speeds. The meticulous attention to detail in balancing vintage design cues with modern performance requirements creates a visually stunning vehicle that is both a tribute and a revelation.
The interior of the Project F-26 is a sanctuary where luxury meets performance in an exquisite blend of exposed carbon fiber, bespoke leather upholstery, and an Alcantara headliner. Every element within the cabin is thoughtfully curated to enhance the driving experience while providing a sense of exclusivity. The fighter-jet-inspired steering wheel, crafted for optimal grip and control, underscores the vehicle's performance credentials, while the elegantly designed wooden shift knob adds a touch of classic refinement. Modern technology seamlessly integrates into this sophisticated environment, with a Porsche Classic radio featuring Apple CarPlay providing connectivity without compromising the vintage ambiance. This meticulous attention to detail extends beyond aesthetics, encompassing functional upgrades like track-grade cooling systems, a double-wishbone front suspension with adaptive JRZ dampers, and advanced motorsport ABS. These enhancements collectively ensure that the F-26 offers not only breathtaking straight-line speed but also exceptional handling and braking capabilities, making it a formidable presence on both the street and the circuit. The F-26 is more than a high-performance machine; it's a meticulously crafted collector's item, embodying Gunther Werks' commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive artistry and engineering.