Porsche’s elite Sonderwunsch program has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive customization, giving life to some of the most extraordinary and inspired vehicles ever to grace the asphalt. From the sleek nostalgia of the 993 Speedster and the playful pop-culture nod of the Buzz Lightyear GT3 RS to the heartwarming tribute of the 911 Sally Carrera, the division thrives on turning enthusiast dreams into tangible reality.
Now, the company’s latest one-off creation reaches deep into the brand’s storied motorsport archives to honor one of the most legendary silhouette race cars in history: the slantnose (Flachbau).
Porsche Creates a Radical One-Off Inspired by Le Mans Racing Heritage
Developed over the course of three intensive years for one exceptionally discerning client, the 911 GT2 ‘Flachbau RS’ stands as a pinnacle of bespoke automotive craftsmanship. Built upon the formidable foundation of the 911.2 911 GT2 RS, this unique machine is the collaborative triumph of designers and engineers hailing from Porsche, Porsche Motorsport, the Weissach development center, and racing powerhouse Manthey-Racing.
The primary aesthetic and aerodynamic inspiration for this project draws directly from Porsche’s legendary 935/78 Le Mans racer affectionately and memorably nicknamed “Moby Dick” due to its massive tail and sweeping white aerodynamic bodywork.
Porsche’s Sonderwunsch team brought these legendary design elements into the modern era with extensive changes to the front fenders, headlights, bumpers, rear wing, aerodynamics, and interior. The result is one of the most radical and technically advanced creations ever produced by the Sonderwunsch program.
Key Performance Specifications
Beneath its radically altered skin, the Flachbau RS retains the heart of a track-eating titan. Its core specifications highlight a brilliant blend of raw power and lightweight agility:
- Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 3.8-Liter Flat-Six
- Power Output: 700 Horsepower
- Torque: 553 Pound-Feet
- Transmission: Seven-Speed PDK Dual-Clutch
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
- Top Speed: 211 Miles Per Hour
- Weight Reduction: 70 Pounds Lighter Than the Standard GT2 RS Weissach Package
A Modern Interpretation of ‘Moby Dick’
The most striking visual transformation occurs at the front end, setting the Flachbau RS apart not only from a standard GT2 RS, but from virtually every modern production Porsche on the road. The engineering team fitted completely redesigned front fenders featuring flatter wheel arches and integrated slatted louvers.
These louvers serve a vital aerodynamic purpose, venting trapped air from the wheel wells to actively reduce high-pressure buildup inside the arches at high speeds. Furthermore, a brand-new front bumper incorporates subtle, highly efficient aerodynamic canards developed in collaboration with Manthey.
Perhaps the most radical departure from contemporary Porsche design language lies in the headlights. Abandoning the signature round lighting units that have defined the 911 family for decades, the Flachbau RS utilizes three ultra-thin LED elements stacked vertically.
- The low- and high-beam units measure less than 1.5 inches tall.
- The daytime running lights measure less than 0.8 inches.
This unorthodox lighting arrangement successfully lowers the visual center of gravity, granting the car a menacing, hunkered-down stance that serves as a direct visual callback to the original flat-nosed 935 endurance racers of the late 1970s.
The tribute to “Moby Dick” extends seamlessly to the vehicle’s paintwork and exterior detailing. The one-off creation is sprayed in a meticulously developed, authentic shade of Grand Prix White, a traditional Porsche racing color originally introduced in 1974.
To create sharp visual contrast, the white bodywork is accented by matte black surfaces and raw, exposed carbon-fiber components. Most notably, a distinctive U-shaped graphic adorns the front hood, serving as a direct historical homage to the iconic livery worn by the Martini-sponsored 935/78 at Circuit de la Sarthe.
Relentless Focus on Aerodynamics and Weight Savings
Porsche’s engineers did not stop at cosmetic styling updates. The Flachbau RS underwent a comprehensive aerodynamic overhaul, highlighted by a completely bespoke rear wing featuring unique S-shaped mounts directly inspired by the ultra-extreme 911 GT3 R Rennsport.
Aerodynamic Downforce and Adjustability
- The rear wing sits nearly two inches higher than the corresponding wing found on a GT2 RS equipped with the optional Manthey Kit.
- It can be manually adjusted across three distinct positions, allowing drivers to tailor rear downforce levels to specific track layouts and driving preferences.
- In its most aggressive High Downforce setting at a terminal track speed of approximately 211 miles per hour, the car generates a staggering 1,221 pounds of downforce on the rear axle.
- Depending on the chosen wing angle, this represents roughly a 2 to 3 percent increase in rear-axle downforce compared to a standard GT2 RS running the comprehensive Manthey aerodynamic package.
To balance this immense rear downforce, the car incorporates specialized Manthey aerodynamic hardware, including an aggressive front splitter, a thoroughly revised flat underbody, and an optimized rear diffuser. Additionally, carbon-fiber aerodynamic disc covers on the rear wheels work to effectively minimize aerodynamic drag at speed.
Porsche Cuts Weight Without Sacrificing the GT2 RS’s Power or Dynamic Character
- The complex Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system was completely excised, replaced instead by a clean, minimalist, leather-trimmed storage cubby.
- The factory audio system was stripped out entirely to eliminate dead weight.
- A significant portion of the vehicle’s interior sound insulation and heavy floor carpeting was removed, embracing a raw, track-focused ambiance.
Interestingly, the powertrain remained completely untouched per the explicit request of the commissioning customer. The car utilizes the exact same twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-six engine found in the factory GT2 RS, producing an uncompromised 700 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
Alexander Fabig, Porsche’s Vice President of Product Offering & Individualization, explained the thinking behind the project. According to Fabig, the goal was to preserve the GT2 RS’s distinctive driving character while giving it the unmistakable appearance of a Flachbau.
He acknowledged that transforming the car was a major engineering challenge, particularly since the powertrain remained untouched at the customer’s request. The team ultimately focused on capturing the spirit of the legendary 935 while maintaining the car’s safety, modern technology, and road-legal status.
The Flachbau RS Faces Rigorous Testing Before Becoming a Truly Unique Porsche Creation
Before the Flachbau RS was cleared for delivery, it underwent an exhaustive testing regime to ensure structural integrity and high-speed stability. The prototype successfully completed 50 grueling laps around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, surpassing the scrutiny of spy photographers who spotted test mules late last year.\
Furthermore, punishing laboratory endurance testing subjected the bespoke rear wing to simulated mechanical loads equivalent to 93,200 miles of aggressive customer driving.
While Porsche remains tight-lipped regarding the exact financial cost of this bespoke Sonderwunsch transformation, the total investment is undeniably astronomical. For context, previous high-profile custom Porsche charity projects such as the Toy Story-themed art cars achieved staggering auction values reaching $3.0 million.
However, money alone cannot replicate this specific machine. Emphasizing the true philosophy of the program, Porsche representatives confirmed that while they will evaluate similar ultra-exclusive client requests in the future, no other customer will ever receive a 911 with this exact body shape. True to form, the Flachbau RS remains an absolute, peerless original.
