Gunther Werks Unveils Its Fastest 911 Yet Without A Single Turbo
Discover the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo, a 455-hp naturally aspirated 993 restomod with a 2,386-lb dry weight, manual transmission and just 15 examples planned.
Key Takeaways
- The Gunther Werks GXR-Evo is a track-focused, naturally aspirated restomod based on the Porsche 993-generation 911.
- Its Rothsport Racing-developed 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six produces 455 hp and revs to nearly 9,000 rpm.
- The GXR-Evo weighs 2,386 pounds dry, making it one of Gunther Werks’ lightest 993-based coupes.
- Production is limited to 15 examples worldwide.
- The car uses a heavily reworked Getrag G50 six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, magnesium center-lock wheels and motorsport-focused suspension and braking hardware.
- Its carbon-fiber body and extensive aerodynamic package include a large fixed rear wing, front splitter, dive planes, rear diffuser and rear shark-fin stabilizer.
- The interior is configured for track use, with a carbon-Kevlar racing seat, six-point harness, roll cage, MoTeC instrumentation, helmet cooling and electronic fire suppression.
- Every GXR-Evo is accompanied by a custom racing simulator designed to mirror the car.
- Gunther Werks has not announced a public price for the GXR-Evo.
What Is the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo?
The Gunther Werks GXR-Evo is a limited-production, track-focused restomod based on the Porsche 993-generation 911. It represents an especially aggressive interpretation of the air-cooled 911 platform, combining a naturally aspirated high-revving flat-six with extensive carbon-fiber bodywork, motorsport hardware and a heavily revised chassis.
Gunther Werks is a California-based company specializing in bespoke re-engineered versions of air-cooled Porsche 993s. The company’s current programs include naturally aspirated, turbocharged and highly specialized 993-based vehicles. Gunther Werks’ official website describes its process as reengineering and remastering donor vehicles, including their powertrains, carbon-fiber bodywork and interiors.
The GXR-Evo is positioned much closer to a dedicated track machine than a conventional road-oriented restomod. Its low weight, large aerodynamic elements, racing seats, harnesses and roll cage all point toward circuit use, although the available road-legal status and exact operating restrictions should be confirmed with Gunther Werks for individual markets.
How Much Power Does the GXR-Evo Make?
The GXR-Evo is powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six developed with Rothsport Racing. The engine produces 455 hp and revs to nearly 9,000 rpm.
The high-revving engine is a major part of the GXR-Evo’s character. Rather than using turbocharging to produce its power, the car relies on naturally aspirated displacement, extensive engine development and a high operating speed.
The combination of 455 hp and a 2,386-pound dry weight gives the GXR-Evo a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 5.24 pounds per horsepower. That figure helps explain the car’s performance potential, although Gunther Werks has not published official acceleration or top-speed figures that should be treated as definitive.
How Lightweight Is the GXR-Evo?
The GXR-Evo has a stated dry weight of just 2,386 pounds. Achieving that figure requires extensive use of lightweight materials, most notably carbon fiber.
The body is constructed from carbon fiber, while other components are selected or engineered with weight reduction in mind. The car also uses magnesium center-lock wheels and a stripped-down interior rather than retaining the equipment and comfort features normally found in a production 993.
Road & Track reports that the GXR-Evo is approximately 210 pounds lighter than previous Gunther Werks coupes, highlighting how aggressively the company has approached weight reduction with this project.
What Transmission Does the GXR-Evo Use?
The GXR-Evo sends its power to the rear wheels through a reworked Getrag G50 six-speed manual transmission. The gearbox is derived from the 993’s G50 unit but has been extensively modified for the demands of the GXR-Evo.
The use of a manual transmission is consistent with Gunther Werks’ focus on maintaining an analog driving experience. The combination of rear-wheel drive, a naturally aspirated engine and a high-revving powerband gives the driver direct control over the car’s performance rather than relying on an automatic or dual-clutch transmission.
The GXR-Evo’s transmission is also part of a broader chassis package that includes motorsport-oriented suspension components, high-performance brakes and lightweight wheels. The result is intended to prioritize response and control on a circuit rather than comfort.
How Does the GXR-Evo Handle?
The GXR-Evo is engineered around track performance, with a suspension and aerodynamic package designed to provide greater control at high speeds.
The car uses three-way adjustable dampers, revised suspension geometry and Brembo Pista brakes. Magnesium center-lock wheels further reduce unsprung weight, while the wider bodywork accommodates the hardware required for the car’s performance-focused setup.
A major part of the handling package is the aerodynamic system. The GXR-Evo has a prominent front splitter, dive planes, rear diffuser and a large fixed rear wing. A rear shark-fin stabilizer also contributes to the car’s high-speed aerodynamic package.
The rear wing is not simply a styling element. Its purpose is to generate additional aerodynamic load over the rear axle and improve stability when the car is being driven quickly. The exact downforce figures, however, have not been published in the information currently available and should not be estimated as official specifications.
What Does the GXR-Evo Interior Include?
The GXR-Evo’s interior is heavily oriented toward track driving rather than conventional luxury.
Equipment includes a Racetech carbon-Kevlar racing seat, a six-point Schroth harness and an eight-point roll cage. The cabin also uses a MoTeC digital display and a quick-release steering wheel, giving the driver access to motorsport-oriented controls and instrumentation.
The car includes additional equipment intended for serious circuit use, including an electronic fire-suppression system and a helmet-cooling system. These features reinforce the GXR-Evo’s focus on high-performance driving rather than everyday transportation.
The exact interior specification can vary with the bespoke nature of Gunther Werks vehicles, so individual customer configurations should be distinguished from the equipment identified as part of the GXR-Evo program.
What Is the GXR-Evo’s Aerodynamic Package?
The GXR-Evo has one of the most aggressive aerodynamic designs among Gunther Werks’ 993-based coupes. Its carbon-fiber body is reshaped around the car’s track-focused mechanical package and incorporates multiple components designed to manage airflow.
- Large fixed rear wing: Provides additional rear aerodynamic load at speed.
- Front splitter: Helps manage airflow beneath the front of the car.
- Front dive planes: Add aerodynamic load and contribute to front-end stability.
- Rear diffuser: Helps manage airflow exiting beneath the vehicle.
- Shark-fin stabilizer: Contributes to aerodynamic stability around the rear of the car.
- Carbon-fiber bodywork: Reduces weight while allowing Gunther Werks to create the wider and more aggressive body design.
The result is a substantially more aggressive aerodynamic package than that of a standard Porsche 993. However, Gunther Werks has not published a complete aerodynamic data sheet with verified downforce figures, so claims about exact downforce should not be presented as confirmed specifications.
How Many GXR-Evo Cars Will Be Built?
Gunther Werks plans to produce just 15 examples of the GXR-Evo worldwide. The limited run makes the car considerably rarer than a normal production Porsche 911 and places it firmly in the collector-focused segment of the restomod market.
Each vehicle is individually built rather than mass-produced. Gunther Werks’ broader business model centers on bespoke 993-based automobiles, with customers able to specify numerous aspects of their vehicles.
Does the GXR-Evo Come With a Racing Simulator?
Yes. Each GXR-Evo comes with a custom racing simulator designed to complement the car.
The simulator is intended to replicate the GXR-Evo’s appearance and provide an additional way for owners to practice driving and familiarize themselves with circuits. It is described as being constructed using materials including aluminum and carbon fiber.
MYSIM, the simulator manufacturer, offers bespoke racing systems ranging from professional-oriented equipment to fully customized builds. MYSIM’s official simulator lineup confirms its focus on high-performance and bespoke racing simulation systems.
How Much Does the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo Cost?
Gunther Werks has not announced an official public price for the GXR-Evo in the information currently available.
Because only 15 examples are planned and the car is extensively re-engineered and individually configured, it should be treated as a bespoke collector automobile rather than a conventional production sports car with a standard dealership MSRP.
Any specific GXR-Evo price quoted without an official Gunther Werks announcement should therefore be treated as an estimate or reported figure rather than confirmed pricing.
GXR-Evo Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Base vehicle | Porsche 993-generation 911 |
| Engine | 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six |
| Engine development | Rothsport Racing |
| Power | 455 hp |
| Redline | Nearly 9,000 rpm |
| Dry weight | 2,386 lbs |
| Transmission | Re-engineered Getrag G50 six-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Body | Carbon fiber |
| Wheels | Magnesium center-lock |
| Brakes | Brembo Pista |
| Dampers | Three-way adjustable |
| Rear wing | Fixed |
| Production | 15 units worldwide |
| Price | Not publicly announced |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-revving 455-hp naturally aspirated flat-six
- Very low 2,386-pound dry weight
- Extensive carbon-fiber construction
- Six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive
- Serious motorsport hardware and aerodynamic development
- Extremely limited production of 15 cars
- Custom racing simulator included with each vehicle
Cons
- Production limited to only 15 examples
- No official public pricing announced
- Track-focused interior sacrifices everyday comfort
- Extensive racing equipment makes it less practical than a conventional 911
- Official acceleration, top-speed and aerodynamic downforce figures have not been published
How Does the GXR-Evo Compare With Other Gunther Werks Models?
The GXR-Evo sits within Gunther Werks’ broader family of heavily re-engineered Porsche 993-based vehicles, but it takes a different approach from the company’s turbocharged programs.
Gunther Werks currently lists the naturally aspirated GWR program alongside its turbocharged Turbo and F-26 programs. The GXR-Evo’s defining combination is its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter engine, very low weight and track-focused aerodynamic and chassis package. Gunther Werks’ official website identifies GWR as its naturally aspirated 993 performance program, while its Turbo and F-26 programs pursue substantially different powertrain configurations.
That makes the GXR-Evo particularly relevant to enthusiasts who prioritize throttle response, a high-revving engine and a manual gearbox over the outright power available from a turbocharged engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo have?
The GXR-Evo uses a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six developed with Rothsport Racing. It produces 455 hp and revs to nearly 9,000 rpm.
How much does the GXR-Evo weigh?
The GXR-Evo has a stated dry weight of 2,386 pounds. Its low weight is achieved through extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight components.
How many GXR-Evo cars will be produced?
Gunther Werks plans to build 15 GXR-Evo examples worldwide.
What transmission does the GXR-Evo use?
The GXR-Evo uses a re-engineered Getrag G50 six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
Is the GXR-Evo naturally aspirated?
Yes. Its 4.0-liter flat-six is naturally aspirated and produces 455 hp. It does not use turbochargers.
Does the GXR-Evo have a rear wing?
Yes. The GXR-Evo uses a large fixed rear wing as part of its track-focused aerodynamic package.
Does the GXR-Evo have racing equipment?
Yes. Its interior includes a Racetech carbon-Kevlar racing seat, six-point Schroth harness, eight-point roll cage, MoTeC instrumentation, helmet cooling and electronic fire suppression.
Does every GXR-Evo include a racing simulator?
Yes. Each of the 15 planned GXR-Evo cars comes with a custom racing simulator designed to complement the vehicle.
How much does the GXR-Evo cost?
Gunther Werks has not publicly announced an official price for the GXR-Evo. Any specific figure reported without confirmation from the company should be treated as unverified.
Is the GXR-Evo a Porsche?
The GXR-Evo is a Gunther Werks re-engineered automobile based on the Porsche 993-generation 911. It should not be described as a new Porsche factory model. Gunther Werks extensively modifies the donor vehicle’s body, powertrain, chassis and interior to create its own bespoke 993-based automobiles.