Regular readers will know that the 993 Series Porsche 911 sits in a very interesting place when it comes to vehicle hierarchy. It was the last variant to use an air-cooled engine, and many would say it was a lot easier on the eyes than its 996 successor. Either way, Gunther Werks released an ultra-special Speedster interpretation of the German automobile.
Unsurprisingly, this example has been heavily modified to offer very impressive benchmarks in terms of performance and aesthetics. Obviously, at first glance, it would be hard not to notice the omission of the roof – in accordance with the name Speedster. However, while this makes for a great vehicle to look at, it presents a number of technical challenges.
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To fight against the slightest structural rigidity associated with a roof erasure, GW added reinforcements in the negative space where the rear seat compartment of the coupe was previously. A new roll cage and safety hoop system also contributes to the rigidity of the chassis.
Power is supplied by a 4.0-liter flat-six engine rebuilt by Rothsport Racing that develops approximately 435 horsepower (324 kilowatts). Fortunately, there’s a lot more to this hot rod than just a few exterior tweaks and more horsepower; The 993 Speedster features all-new dynamic suspension components supplied by JRZ, accompanied by stiffer and lighter Eisenlohr Racing uprights.
The complete set was powerful enough to set an air-cooled lap record at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Randy Pobst was behind the wheel, pulling the vehicle around the 3.6-kilometer-long race track in just 1 minute 30.99 seconds. If you want to get your hands on such a machine, act quickly because only 25 will be made.
