MOTOR-ZOOM
93 Speedster Gunther Werks returned to Monterey to show off its new and most extreme offering: Project Tornado. The model on display is a heavily “redesigned” Porsche 993 Turbo with an ultra-wide carbon fiber body, a custom interior, and a modified twin-turbo engine that produces up to 700 horsepower.
Starting from the outside, every piece of the body of the Project Tornado except the doors is made of carbon fiber. This makes the body 227 kg (500 lbs) lighter than the original, resulting in a reduced overall weight (2,225 kg). In addition to the weight savings, the redesigned bodywork significantly improves cooling while increasing downforce.
In terms of design, Project Tornado looks like a modern version of the 993 Turbo, with elements from Porsche GT and race cars. The new front bumper has larger intakes and a diffuser, leading air to the vented hood. The wide front fenders have integrated vents, with new side sills leading to the wider rear fenders with large intakes. The lightweight wheels are 18 inches in diameter and combine a carbon fiber circular structure with a magnesium molding in the middle for mounting.
The double-bubble roof is another touch derived from motorsport, but the most eye-catching sight is definitely the rear design. The highlight is the massive whale-tail rear wing with functional air vents. However, there is also a new rear bumper with huge intakes, a large diffuser, and high-rise dual exhaust pipes printed in 3D in Inconel or titanium, reminiscent of the Carrera GT. Of course, Gunther Werks added the bespoke LED taillights that are also used on the 993 Speedster and Coupe.
Inside, everything is covered in carbon fiber or Alcantara, with contrasting color accents. New carbon fiber seats provide maximum support with cushions designed to fit the owner’s body shape. The steering wheel is also carbon fiber while the centre console houses a magnetic tablet holder for wireless charging.
The rear-mounted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six air-cooled engine is built by Rothsport Racing, with a motorsport-derived flat fan (such as Le Mans race cars), liquid cooling, and a Motec engine management system. This increases power output to 600bhp in standard form, or up to 700bhp in race mode, while torque is in excess of 759Nm.
The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear axle, with Gunther Werks promising massive amounts of mechanical grip. The chassis has been tuned to modern standards, with a sophisticated active suspension and Brembo CCMR brakes. Overall, the model is expected to be very fast at Laguna Seca where it will soon be tested, likely challenging the lap times set by the Porsche 918 Spyder and McLaren P1.
Along with the example pictured, the company will also offer a Touring Package for those who intend to use the Project Tornado on the road rather than the track. This package will feature a smaller rear wing, more comfortable carbon fiber seats, a more practical carbon fiber trunk, and a different engine tune.
Gunther Werks didn’t specify production numbers, but according to Autocar, only 25 Project Tornados will leave the factory. Each example will be custom-built to the owner’s preferences, and prices are expected to be close to seven figures. You can watch a video below from YouTuber Mr. JWW who visited the company’s Huntington headquarters.
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