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Even with ‘just’ 455hp, the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo is an absolute firecracker

It’s “the most extreme expression” of the brand’s philosophy
Front quarter image of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911
PHOTO: Gunther Werks

Gunther Werks is a California-based remasterizer of the Porsche 911—specifically the 993-generation—and has in the past remasterized many fine 993-generation 911s. Here is its latest, and against the tidal wave of horsepower unleashed in California last week, this is a welcome relief.

Because it bears ‘only’ 455hp from its engine. Four hundred and fifty-five! There are electric city cars with more power in 2026. And yet, because Gunther Werks has been remasterizing 993-generation Porsche 911s for years, this GXR-Evo is an absolute firecracker.

Front quarter view of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Rear quarter view of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

At least, it promises to be. “The GXR-Evo represents the purest interpretation of everything Gunther Werks stands for,” said boss Peter Nam. It’s been designed and built as an expensive, 993-shaped tool with which you can deconstruct not just difficult apexes, but also your breakfast.

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That’s in part thanks to the 4.0-liter air-cooled four-cam, twin-valve flat-six developed with Rothsport Racing that lurks within. It comes with a slide-valve throttle body—replacing the butterfly valves—said to improve the accelerator pedal’s response. As mentioned, it makes 455hp and revs to 9,000rpm.

Engine of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Air-cooled flat-six engine of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Those screaming hot horsies are sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed Getrag manual gearbox, and then to each difficult apex via a number of aerodynamic aids. These include a new front splitter, some canards, vented arches, a high-downforce wing, and even carbon-fiber rear windows. Among others, of course.

The body, by the way, is fully carbon-fiber, while elsewhere in the spec, you’ll find three-way adjustable dampers, Brembo racing brakes, “motorsport-grade ABS,” magnesium wheels, a straight-pipe exhaust, a Kevlar racing seat for the driver, a fully configurable Motec display, a roll cage, and other motorsport-spec paraphernalia. Truly, GW needs to drop a more obvious clue that it’s bred for the track.

Roll cage of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Side view of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Here’s the kicker: All in, the thing weighs just 1,082kg. A one-ton Porsche. Just 15 are being built, and in a neat touch, each owner will get a bespoke racing sim from MYSIM that’s individually commissioned and numbered, and is “precisely configured to mirror the dynamics of their individual vehicle.” There’s ‘throwing in an air freshener and six months road tax,’ and then there’s this.

“The GXR-Evo stands as the definitive track-focused evolution of the air-cooled 911 silhouette and the most extreme expression of Gunther Werks’ philosophy ever created,” the company said. The price, unsurprisingly, reflects that expression and rarity: Each car starts at $1.35 million (around P83.32 million), and for that, you’ll have to stump up the donor 993 and add on some taxes, too.

More photos of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo:

Alloy wheel of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Fender fins of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Air intake of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Rear wing of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Tailpipes of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Rear brake light of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Bucket seat of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Controls of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Gearshift of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Cockpit of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Front view of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Rear view of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

Rear quarter image of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo based on the 993-generation Porsche 911

NOTE: This article first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.

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PHOTO: Gunther Werks
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