Gunther Werks’ 400R Travels 5,700 Miles Across the U.S.
Epic trek served as reliability test during GoldRush Rally, with 400R stopping in 11 cities on its way from Boston to Las Vegas.
Gunther Werks, a company dedicated to remastering the iconic Porsche 993, recently announced that one of its bespoke 400R models completed a grueling 5,700-mile public reliability test while participating in the 2018 GoldRush Rally. The vehicle stopped in 11 major cities on its way from Boston to Las Vegas, where it was reportedly subjected to intense testing throughout multiple on-track events. Along the way, spectators also received an opportunity to get a firsthand look at the limited-production model.
As 2018 marks the 10th anniversary of the GoldRush Rally, it seemed like the perfect event for Gunther Werks to showcase the reliability of its 430-horsepower air-cooled 400R. Throughout its journey, the vehicle was subjected to everything from 110 degree temperatures in the Arizona desert to ferocious rain storms across the Midwest. The Rothsport-built motor thrived even as its intake devoured Colorado’s thin mountain air during the 400R’s ascent of Vail Pass, reaching over 9,000 feet in elevation. Due to Gunther Werks’ extensive testing, the air-cooled vehicle performed flawlessly throughout the 11 day torture test.
Throughout the event, the vehicle participated in multiple track events at venues such as M1 Concourse in Detroit and also the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, affectionately known as the Brickyard. During these events, the car was given a thorough shakedown right after coming off of the street. No track specific preparation was performed, minus the necessary safety checks, in order to assess real-world conditions. The car performed impeccably and matched the pace of the several of the world’s fastest modern supercars without requiring any additional maintenance or modifications.
During the rally, the 400R was piloted by Chad Phelps, an avid Porsche enthusiast and collector with a plethora of HDPE and track day experience. Throughout his lifetime, Phelps has owned over 100 Porsche vehicles, primarily air-cooled classics and the ultra-performance models. Due to his experience, Gunther Werks selected him to drive the 400R for an accurate assessment of the vehicle’s abilities on the road and the racetracks where they stopped during the rally.
“The power is very linear, progressive and predictable while maintaining the ability to coerce your body into the seat back,” said Phelps. “There’s truly no other motor like it in the world. The transmission feels at home on the street and the track because the gear ratios are perfect. In sixth gear, with the exhaust in hush mode, the car can be the exemplary highway cruiser however when you hit the backroads or the track it comes alive and the cabin fills with raw, unbridled engine noise. Overall, the car ran perfectly, which for an air-cooled motor is amazing considering we went from sea level to 10,667 feet with temperatures well over 100 degrees in some areas.”
“At Gunther Werks, we designed the 400R to be a true driver’s car. In doing so, it needed to be able to handle real-world conditions so owners can do just that, drive them whenever they feel,” said Peter Nam, founder of Gunther Werks. “Each 400R client will spec their 400R to match their unique style and we want to make sure they can drive them anyway they see fit. Whether it’s a track day in the desert, a cross country road trip or simply a visit to the grocery store, our customers can, and should, drive their bespoke creations.”
