Gunther Werks, a California-based restomod shop known for reworking Porsche’s 993-generation 911, has introduced its newest creation: the GXR-Evo. The car debuts in an era where horsepower often exceeds 1,000, yet this model produces 455 horsepower.
That output may seem modest, but the GXR-Evo is far from ordinary. The company describes it as the purest expression of its vision, designed to excel on racetracks while sharpening driver skill.
The engine that screams at 9,000 rpm
The GXR-Evo’s core is a 4.0-liter, air-cooled flat-six developed with Rothsport Racing. It replaces conventional butterfly valves with a slide-valve throttle body, a modification intended to improve responsiveness. The engine produces 455 horsepower and revs to 9,000 rpm.
A six-speed Getrag manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Aerodynamic elements—including a front splitter, canards, vented arches, a high-downforce wing, and carbon-fiber rear windows—enhance stability. The entire body is made of carbon fiber to minimize weight.
Suspension uses three-way adjustable dampers, while Brembo racing brakes and motorsport-grade ABS ensure strong stopping power. Magnesium wheels, a straight-pipe exhaust, a Kevlar racing seat, and a fully configurable Motec display complete the track-ready setup. A roll cage comes standard, leaving little doubt about the car’s purpose.
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A one-ton Porsche with a seven-figure price tag
The GXR-Evo’s most striking feature may be its weight: just 1,082 kilograms. That matches the curb weight of a modern compact hatchback, but in a 911 built for racing. Gunther Werks will produce only 15 units, each priced at $1.35 million. Buyers must provide their own donor 993, and taxes are additional.
To emphasize exclusivity, each owner receives a custom racing simulator from MYSIM. The simulator is tailored to match the handling of their specific car. It’s an unusual perk compared to typical dealer incentives.
The company calls the GXR-Evo the ultimate track-focused version of the air-cooled 911 and the most extreme example of its approach. That approach values precision and lightness over raw power. In a time when horsepower numbers keep climbing, a Porsche with this level of engineering might seem modest in output. But when that car weighs under a ton and is engineered for the track, its performance speaks for itself.
For drivers who view the experience as a dialogue between car and driver, the GXR-Evo offers a distinct language. The focus isn’t on power alone, but on how effectively it can be used. At $1.35 million, only a select few will have the chance to engage in that conversation.
