Gunther Werks F-26 Brings Raw Power to a Classic Slantnose Shape

Photo credit: Top Gear
Top Gear recently took the F-26 from Gunther Werks for a spin and came away convinced of what a beast of a car it truly is. The F-26, based on the 993 generation Porsche 911, gives the iconic slantnose design a makeover, filling it with a lot of the technology you’d expect in a high-end supercar that works just as well on the track as it does on the road.

Every panel and door in the car is constructed of carbon fiber. The original pop-up headlights have been replaced with fixed ones that just slice through the air. They’ve also added some substantial ventilation to keep the car’s air-cooled 4.0-liter flat six (designed in partnership with Rothsport Racing) cool, which now produces 1067 horsepower (on E85) or 880 (on standard high-octane), with 750lbft of torque. Not only that, but the airflow over it has been more than doubled when compared to a regular engine in order to keep temperatures down. To add to the loudness, they’ve installed a large 6-speed manual transmission with a limited slip differential that sends everything to the rear wheels.

The F-26 is also not particularly heavy, weighing only 2750 pounds thanks to the carbon panels, magnesium wheels, and some clever wiring choices. The front suspension is double wishbone, with multilink in the back, and electronic JRZ dampers are used to absorb bumps. Big ceramic discs, 381mm up front and 355mm at the back, are clamped down by six-piston and four-piston calipers, all wrapped up in some 18inch wide Continental tires.

Inside, the exposed carbon fiber is offset by some beautiful leather and Alcantara in the seats and headliner. The wheel is a robust piece of kit, with a fighter jet-inspired wing design that feels natural in the hands, and a wooden knob on the shifter adds a touch of luxury. There’s a beautiful dramatic red roll cage running through the car, as well as a Porsche vintage radio that blends in with the rest of the style and includes Apple CarPlay.

Production is limited to only 26 units total, and each one is built to order. However, this does not imply that each one is made using the same old parts; instead, the F-26’s owners have complete control over their vehicle, so each one is unique.