Project F-26: Gunther Werks’ 1,000-Horsepower Air-Cooled Porsche 911 Masterpiece

 In the world of Porsche 911 enthusiasts, there exists a unique subculture that venerates the last generation of air-cooled engines, and no company caters to that niche quite like Gunther Werks. Based in Huntington Beach, California, Gunther Werks has made a name for itself by meticulously remastering classic 911s, transforming them into extreme performance machines while retaining the soul and driving dynamics of the originals. Their latest creation, the Project F-26, represents the zenith of this philosophy. Unveiled during Monterey Car Week 2025, the F-26 immediately captured attention due to its unapologetically aggressive styling, fighter-jet-inspired interior, and, most importantly, its staggering performance figures. Built on the bones of a 993-spec 911—the last of the air-cooled Porsches—the F-26 is far more than a restomod; it is a reimagining of what the classic 911 could be if modern engineering were applied without compromise. The project’s name, F-26, not only references the total number of units to be produced but also hints at its fighter jet inspiration, evoking speed, precision, and aerodynamic intent. This combination of historical homage, futuristic engineering, and extreme exclusivity makes the F-26 one of the most compelling Porsche reinterpretations of the modern era, blending nostalgia and next-generation performance seamlessly.

Powertrain: The 1,000-Horsepower Heart

Underneath the F-26’s 935-inspired bodywork lies a mechanical marvel that pushes the boundaries of what an air-cooled flat-six can achieve. Gunther Werks partnered with Rothsport Racing to co-develop a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine capable of producing a jaw-dropping 1,000 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque. This is more than double the output of a standard 993 Turbo and represents one of the most potent air-cooled engines ever installed in a street-legal Porsche. Power is transmitted exclusively to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, ensuring a raw, unfiltered driving experience reminiscent of the golden era of sports cars. The engine is cooled by a race-derived flat fan, which Gunther Werks claims can move twice the air of a conventional vertical fan, ensuring that the F-26 can sustain its performance even under extreme track conditions. Beyond sheer numbers, the integration of the engine with a bespoke chassis and advanced suspension allows the car to remain balanced and predictable, despite the monstrous output. The combination of high horsepower, lightweight construction, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics makes the F-26 a machine that demands respect, concentration, and skill from its driver. There is no published 0-62 mph figure, and perhaps that is for the best, as the experience is more about holding onto the car and reveling in the symphony of turbocharged air-cooled fury than measuring acceleration in numbers.

Chassis and Handling: Precision Engineering Elevated

The foundation of any high-performance car is its chassis, and Gunther Werks has taken extraordinary steps to ensure the F-26 excels in this regard. The 993 base chassis has been extensively reinforced, boasting a claimed 200 percent increase in rigidity compared to the stock platform. Such enhancements not only improve handling precision but also allow the car to handle the immense power and torque of the new engine without flexing or compromising driver feedback. The wheelbase has been slightly stretched by 1.2 inches to improve balance and stability, while a hydraulic steering system, custom suspension arms, and adaptive JRZ dampers provide a nuanced blend of responsiveness and comfort. Motorsport-spec ABS and advanced traction control further enhance driver confidence, particularly when exploring the F-26’s upper limits on road or track. Combined with the car’s 1,225 kg curb weight, these engineering interventions yield an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 2.8 pounds per horsepower. Such figures are reminiscent of modern hypercars, yet the F-26 retains the analog, tactile engagement that defines air-cooled 911s. Every corner, throttle input, and steering correction is transmitted directly to the driver, creating a machine that feels alive, reactive, and demanding. Gunther Werks has successfully bridged the gap between classic Porsche sensibilities and contemporary performance engineering, resulting in a car that rewards precision, daring, and skill in equal measure.

Aerodynamics: The Slantnose and 935 Inspiration

Visually, the F-26 is immediately recognizable thanks to its striking slantnose front end, a homage to the Porsche 930 Turbo and the legendary 935 race car. This design choice is more than aesthetic; it is rooted in aerodynamic functionality. The carbon fiber front end integrates fixed headlights, reminiscent of the original pop-up units, while directing airflow efficiently over the car’s body and toward the intercoolers. Massive NACA ducts on the rear quarters feed cool air to the turbocharged engine, ensuring optimal thermal management. The high-downforce rear wing, forged from carbon fiber, stabilizes the car at speed and complements the aerodynamic balance of the front-end design. Gunther Werks has clearly drawn inspiration from the 1970s 935, a race car that secured over 100 victories, including an overall win at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans despite competing outside the top class. By incorporating these elements, the F-26 not only pays tribute to Porsche’s racing heritage but also ensures that its performance envelope is supported by a comprehensive aerodynamic philosophy. Every vent, panel, and surface has been designed to maximize efficiency, minimize drag, and enhance downforce, allowing the car to maintain composure under the immense acceleration, cornering, and braking forces it can generate.

Braking and Wheels: Stopping Power in Extremis

With performance of this magnitude, braking becomes as critical as acceleration, and Gunther Werks has spared no expense in this area. The F-26 is equipped with massive carbon-ceramic brakes, featuring six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear. This setup provides exceptional stopping power, minimal fade under repeated heavy braking, and remarkable pedal feel. Complementing the braking system are 18-inch magnesium wheels, wrapped in Continental tires sized 295/30R-18 in the front and 335/30R-18 in the rear. These tires provide the necessary grip to translate the F-26’s colossal output to the asphalt, while the lightweight wheels contribute to reduced unsprung mass and improved handling precision. Adaptive suspension dampers further enhance ride quality and control, allowing the car to balance comfort on public roads with the responsiveness needed on a track. In combination, these elements create a holistic performance package where braking, grip, and chassis dynamics are perfectly harmonized. The result is a 911 that not only accelerates like a rocket but can also decelerate, change direction, and communicate with the driver at a level of sophistication rarely found in a remastered classic.

Interior: Fighter Jet Inspiration Meets Porsche Heritage

Step inside the F-26, and the cockpit is a carefully curated blend of nostalgia, modernity, and tactile indulgence. The interior features leather and Alcantara throughout, contrasted with exposed carbon fiber that reinforces the car’s high-performance character. The steering wheel, inspired by the wing-angle profile of a fighter jet, provides an aggressive and ergonomic interface for the driver, while the wooden gearknob pays homage to classic racing Porsches of decades past. The cabin layout is purpose-driven, minimizing distractions while maximizing driver engagement. Every control, dial, and tactile surface is designed to provide immediate feedback and a sense of connection to the car’s mechanical heart. Unlike some modern restomods, the F-26 does not shy away from analog purity; it keeps the manual gearbox, mechanical throttle, and hydraulic steering, ensuring that even with its extreme performance, the car remains profoundly engaging. This interior philosophy reinforces Gunther Werks’ mission: to bridge the past and future, to marry classic Porsche character with next-generation engineering in a way that respects both.

Exclusivity: The Art of Scarcity

Exclusivity is at the core of the F-26’s identity. Gunther Werks has committed to producing only 26 units, each priced at $1,570,000. Such limited production ensures that the car will be coveted by collectors and enthusiasts, while reinforcing its status as a modern “ultra-obtanium” object. The limited run also enables Gunther Werks to maintain meticulous quality control and personalization, tailoring each vehicle to its owner’s preferences while maintaining the technical integrity of the project. This scarcity echoes the ethos of classic Porsche few-offs and one-offs, where rarity and desirability are part of the allure. For those fortunate enough to acquire one, the F-26 is not merely a car but a statement of connoisseurship, taste, and an appreciation for automotive engineering that transcends mass-market trends. It is a collector’s object, a road-going race car, and a tribute to Porsche’s air-cooled legacy all in one, designed for a niche audience that values both performance and history.

Legacy and Influence: Bridging Past and Future

The Project F-26 is more than just a restomod; it is a bridge between eras. By taking the air-cooled 993 as its foundation and infusing it with contemporary engineering, extreme performance, and fighter-jet-inspired design, Gunther Werks demonstrates that nostalgia and innovation can coexist without compromise. The car pays homage to the 930, the 935, and the golden age of Porsche racing, while simultaneously pushing technical boundaries that many modern hypercars aspire to but few achieve. Its combination of analog engagement, monstrous output, and aerodynamic sophistication sets a new benchmark for what a remastered classic can accomplish. The F-26 is poised to influence future restomod projects, showing that attention to detail, technical ingenuity, and respect for heritage can produce vehicles that are both thrilling to drive and historically resonant. Gunther Werks has succeeded in crafting a car that is unmistakably a Porsche 911, yet entirely its own statement in the modern performance landscape.

Conclusion: The Phenomenon of F-26

In summary, the Gunther Werks Project F-26 is not merely a high-performance car—it is a testament to the enduring allure of the Porsche 911, the creativity of modern engineering, and the art of scarcity. With its 1,000-horsepower twin-turbo flat-six, manual gearbox, advanced chassis, and fighter jet-inspired design, it embodies everything that makes air-cooled Porsches iconic, while simultaneously pushing the envelope of what is possible in a modern restomod. Its rarity, extreme performance, and meticulous engineering make it an instant collector’s dream, while its analog engagement ensures that driving it remains an emotional and visceral experience. As automotive enthusiasts, we are reminded that cars like the F-26 are what keep the spirit of the classic 911 alive in an era increasingly dominated by electrification and mass production. The F-26 is a phenomenon not just for what it can do on the road, but for what it represents: the fusion of history, artistry, and uncompromising performance, captured in a single, breathtaking automobile.