During our attendance at ModaMiami, a recent concourse event in Florida, the media was granted an exclusive opportunity to test drive a Gunther Werks Speedster, a meticulously crafted Porsche 911 993 undergoing a complete overhaul.
Think of it as the convertible iteration of the 911 GT3 that Porsche might have produced had the 993 still been in production. While a comprehensive review is forthcoming, our drive through Coral Gables offered insights into Gunther Werks’ ethos, shaped by its founder and CEO, Peter Nam.
The heart of the Speedster beats with a 4.0-liter flat-six engine sourced from Rothsport Racing in Oregon.
Rothsport’s contributions include a twin-map Motec Engine management system, coil-over-plug ignition, individual throttle bodies, a billet crankshaft, and rods and barrels. Reaching a crescendo at 7,800 rpm, it unleashes over 430 horsepower through an H-pattern manual gearbox.
“Gunther Werks will never entertain the idea of an automatic transmission,” affirmed Javier Roque, Gunther Werks Miami’s head of marketing. “If automatic downshift isn’t in the equation, driver aids aren’t either. We won’t compromise the purity of the driving experience.”
Each component is honed to perfection. Power is transmitted by a Getrag G50 six-speed manual transmission featuring bespoke ratios, a mid-weight-mass flywheel, and an upgraded single-plate clutch. A custom-machined aluminum shifter ensures a tactile connection with deliberate throws demanding a firm hand for each gear change.
Mastering the top-hinged clutch pedal requires finesse, aligning with Nam’s vision: the sheer delight of executing flawless upshifts with a rambunctious flat-six echoing behind you. The Speedster eschews traction control, relying solely on mechanical grip from its colossal 335 mm rear tires.
While Gunther Werks unequivocally champions an unadulterated driving experience, it remains open to pragmatic requests. For instance, their forthcoming turbocharged model, boasting over 750 horsepower, necessitates a traction control system.
When queried about incorporating a shift light into the tachometer, aiding drivers in optimal gear changes, Roque responded, “If you’re a privileged client of Gunther Werks, within their domain, you can have almost anything you desire. Ultimately, we value discerning clients who relish driving and cherishing their cars for years to come.”
Without revealing too much from the review, it’s safe to say that the Gunther Werks Speedster lives up to its considerable anticipation.
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