Gunther Werks F-26 Targets Goodwood’s Hill Climb Record with 1,067 Horsepower

Almost a year ago, Gunther Werks unveiled Project F-26 during Monterey Car Week, and now the Porsche 935 Slantnose-inspired monster is aiming to take the fastest time in its hill climb class at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. An outright record would be nice, but then the F-26’s competition would include Koenigseggs hypercars, track-only McMurtry Spéirlings, and other non-road-legal machines. But don’t think Project F-26 will be slow. Behind the wheel will be ex-F1, NASCAR, and rally racer Scott Speed, and he’ll have 1,067 horsepower and 750 lb-ft of torque under his right foot.

Rare Gunther Werks Project F-26 Has All the Right Ingredients

Thanks to carbon fiber bodywork, the 4.0-liter air-cooled twin-turbo flat-six only has 2,700 pounds to motivate, and the Rothsport Racing co-developed engine sends all of that power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual and a limited-slip differential. As any owner of an air-cooled car can attest, the biggest issue with these engines is keeping them from overheating, sometimes doing so unevenly. To address this issue, a race-derived flat fan more than doubles the airflow of a traditional vertical fan and promises even temperatures across all six cylinders.

GW doesn’t quote any downforce figures, but the mad bodywork is sure to be doing something, and helping the Continental ExtremeContact Force rubber (295/30R18 in front, 335/30R18 at the back) absorb the load is an all-new double-wishbone front suspension with adaptive JRZ dampers. Importantly, there’s motorsport-grade ABS on all four corners, and the wheelbase has been stretched 30 millimeters at the rear to improve weight distribution and center of gravity for the engine. In other words, this won’t handle or perform like a traditional air-cooled Porsche. Sadly, very few members of the public will ever find out, as just – you guessed it – 26 units will be made, all with stunningly crafted, bespoke interiors that belie the old-school silhouette of the exterior.

Gunther Werks Has More to Show

Not expected to take to the hill but showing off in the British summer sun (hopefully) will be the 993-based Gunther Werks Turbo, a twin-turbo, 850-horsepower monster that is also rear-driven through a six-speed manual. This is slightly less likely to be seen on the road than the F-26, with 75 examples being produced. Computer-controlled coilover suspension, beefier roll bars, and Brembo GTR brakes mean this is sure to handle stunningly, too, but it’s kind of a moot point now. These cars are so well-made and therefore so valuable that only a tiny percentage will ever attempt to explore their limits. Perhaps that’s why brands keep returning to the Goodwood Hillclimb, to show owners just what they’re missing.