TeamSpeed gets an eyeful of Gunther Werks’ reborn Porsche 993.
It’s been a long time since the 993 version of the Porsche 911 came and went, so most people are familiar with what it looks like. However, chances are you’ve never seen a 993 like the Gunther Werks 400R … until now.
TeamSpeed editor Manuel Carrillo recently got an opportunity to scope out the re-imagined 993 at Pirelli PZero World in Los Angeles. Clearly, he was impressed. “Gunther Werks calls their new 400R ‘An icon remastered.’ One look at this vehicle in person, and you’ll discover how remastery becomes mastery,” Carrillo said. “This coach-built car evokes emotions I never knew I could derive from staring at a 993, and I’m madly in love with the 993.”
It’s easy to see why he had an emotional experience. Just look at the 400R. The original 993 — with its sleek lines and voluptuous hips — was a looker to begin with. Gunther Werks keeps the same general shape, but lightens it by using carbon fiber composite for its body panels, roof, deck lid, giant rear wing, and other parts.
The 400R is obviously not a stock 993, but it’s not a tastelessly wild departure from the car upon which it’s based. It simultaneously shows Gunther Werks’ passion and respect for the modern Porsche classic. According to the company, it created a 993 version of the 911 GT3 RS.
The 400R’s interior features carbon fiber seats covered with natural-grain leather and Alcantara, red seat belts, and no rear seats. The shift knob is connected to a 993-spec Getrag G50 modified with custom gear ratios and an upgraded shift linkage.
A new differential with carbon clutches gets the 400R’s power to the rear wheels. As its name implies, the 400R has 400+ horsepower, as well as 330 lb-ft of torque, thanks to its hand-built, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six.
If you happen to see a 400R in person, consider yourself lucky. Gunther Werks is only going to make 25 of them.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
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