‘Project F-26' is a $1.5m, 1,000bhp air-cooled Porsche 911 by Gunther Werks
Named after a fighter jet, designed like a slantnose, powered by witchcraft
Skip 15 photos in the image carousel and continue reading
Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures.
1
/
15
A Californian company that specialises in remastering Porsche 911s has unleashed its latest missive. No, not that company, the other one. Not that one either. It's Gunther Werks, and the mad, bad 'Project F-26'. You should be quite afraid.
Because underneath that aggressive, lightly bonkers visage lies a very dark heart. GW has taken the bones of a 993-spec 911 – the last of the air-cooled 911s! – and filled it with so much horsepower it's practically bursting out of its 935-inspired suit.
Advertisement - Page continues below
There's a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre flat-six co-developed by Rothsport Racing, cooled by a 'race-derived' flat fan – apparently able to provide double the air than a regular vertical one – able to produce a cool 1,000bhp.
And 750lb ft of torque. Those horsies and torques are bravely marshalled by a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited slip diff, sending drive to the rear wheels alone. There is no 0-62mph time, but you'll be too busy hanging on to care.
Especially because F-26's chassis has been given enough scaffolding to allow a 200 per cent increase in rigidity over the base 993. It's been slightly stretched, too. There's a hydraulic steering setup, custom suspension arms, adaptive JRZ dampers, motorsport-spec ABS, and advanced traction control (very wise).
READ MORE This is Rezvani's carbon-bodied 600bhp retro Porsche
Elsewhere you'll find massive carbon ceramic brakes all round (six pots up front, four on the back), magnesium 18in wheels, and a bespoke '935-style' exhaust.
Advertisement - Page continues below
Speaking of the 935, GW has fitted carbon fibre body panels and doors, and a bespoke CF front-end with headlights that recall the famous slantnose. Only these aren't pop-ups, but fixed. Still, there's a high-downforce CF rear wing too, and all in, GW reckons on a weight of just 1,225kg.
Looks fairly special inside, too: lots of leather and Alcantara, exposed carbon fibre, a steering wheel that 'draws inspiration from the wing-angle profile of a fighter jet', and a wooden gearknob that doffs its little wooden cap to classic racing Porsches.
'It's our way of bridging nostalgia with next-gen performance for the modern driver,' said Gunther Werks founder Peter Nam. For a selected number of modern drivers, as is the way with such unobtanium: GW is only building 26 of these mad, bad Project F-26 cars, and each one starts at $1,570,000.
Top Gear
Newsletter
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox.
Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Success Your Email*
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Billy Joel closing beloved motorcycle shop amid 'scary' brain disorder health battle
is preparing to part ways with a major passion project as he continues to navigate a serious health condition. The legendary musician, 76, will shut down his Long Island motorcycle shop, 20th Century Cycles, in late September and auction off his extensive collection of bikes later this year, his representative Claire Mercuri confirmed to the Associated Press. The decision comes months after Joel revealed he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), a neurological disorder that affects balance, vision, and hearing. Joel first disclosed his diagnosis in May, sharing that symptoms had been 'exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance.' Under medical guidance, he has been undergoing physical therapy and has been advised to step away from performing. As a result, all of his scheduled shows through July 2026 have been canceled. According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH occurs when excess cerebrospinal fluid accumulates inside the skull and puts pressure on the brain. The condition primarily impacts older adults and is typically treated by surgically implanting a shunt to drain the fluid. Joel's shop in Oyster Bay opened in 2010 and quickly became a destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and tourists alike. The facility served not only as a workshop for restoring and customizing bikes but also as a gallery showcasing his personal collection — which includes more than 75 motorcycles spanning decades and brands such as Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Indian, and BMW. Among the most notable pieces is a rare 1952 Vincent Rapide, a model that can command tens of thousands of dollars at auction. In a 2013 YouTube video filmed at the shop, the singer explained his motivation for opening the space. 'It's basically promoting an aesthetic here. I like older style. I like the automotive style from the '30s to the '60s. I wanted to collect a whole bunch of those kinds of bikes, put 'em in one place and let people see what that era of bike looked like. Because it's starting to be a lost aesthetic,' he told fans. Joel added that the venture was also a way to boost the local economy in Oyster Bay, the upscale waterfront community where he grew up just miles away in Hicksville. 'I've been living in this community for a long time,' he said in the video. 'I actually grew up not far from here. And I'd like to get a little interest going into the town and the village.' The town has embraced him in return. In 2023, part of the street where 20th Century Cycles sits was renamed Billy Joel Way. Joel's passion for motorcycles stretches back decades, though it has not been without risk. In 1982, he was badly injured on Long Island when a car ran a red light and struck his bike, leaving him with a dislocated wrist and an injured thumb. He recovered after a month in the hospital and remained an avid rider, often using motorcycles to participate in charity events supporting causes such as 9/11 first responders and breast cancer research. While Joel has been spending more time in South Florida, he still maintains homes on Long Island, including a Centre Island estate currently listed for $29.9 million. A date for the auction of his motorcycles has yet to be announced. Billy's illustrious career as a musician began back in the mid-1960s, which led to the release of debut studio album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971). But it failed to gain any real traction until after the success of his follow-up, Piano Man (1973), that peaked at number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Adult Contemporary singles chart. Now an established name on the musical landscape, Joel became a million seller with the release of Streetlife Serenade (1974), but his commercial breakout making him a bonafide star came with the release of The Stranger (1977), which featured the hit singles Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Just The Way You Are, She's Always a Woman, The Stranger, and Only The Good Die Young. He would go on to release a 13th album - Fantasies & Delusions (2001) - that features classical compositions from Joel, a first for him during his career. With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Billy Joel is one of the world's best-selling musical artists, and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
Auto Blog
3 hours ago
- Auto Blog
This Is The Cheapest V8-Powered SUV You Can Buy Right Now
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. View post: This Might Be The Most Beautiful Aston Martin DBS We've Ever Seen View post: Amazon Has an 'Excellent' Cordless Drill for 40% Off, and It's 'Simple to Operate' Only three invite-only units of the Gunther Werks GWX will be built, blending bespoke 993 styling with a 440-hp flat-six goodness. A tariff fight has left Hyundai's Santa Cruz stranded, leaving dealers empty-handed and customers waiting for trucks parked just a few hours away. Accessible V8s are rare, but here's one of them In recent months, the V8 engine has had a bit of a revival. Dodge's CEO hinted that the Hemi V8 would be returning to the new Charger, while Jeep will be expanding the availability of its V8 across its range. Before that, Ram reintroduced the V8 engine option for its 1500 pickup. What hasn't changed is that the average V8-powered vehicle is pretty pricey to buy. That brings us to the subject of this piece: If you want a practical SUV but are desperate for the roar of a V8, what's the cheapest model you can buy, and how much is it? 2026 Dodge Durango GT Is The Cheapest V8 SUV Dodge just announced that the Hemi V8 engine is now standard across the entire 2026 Durango lineup, replacing the previous V6 on lower trims. With an MSRP of $42,495, that makes the 2026 Dodge Durango GT the cheapest V8-powered SUV you can buy right now—pictured above is the 2025 Durango GT, as Dodge hasn't yet shared images of the updated GT. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation. The GT has a slightly detuned version of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, but it still packs a punch with 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque; that's 22% more power and 50% more torque than the previous V6. Not only does it sound a lot better, but the 0-60 time drops from 7.4 to 6.2 seconds. For even more power, the Durango R/T produces 475 hp and 470 lb-ft from its Hemi V8, and still costs under $50,000. Nothing else in the segment comes close to that kind of power. Most three-row rivals have turbo-fours or V6s making under 300 hp. Mazda will sell you a 340-horsepower I6 version of its CX-90, but that costs over $50k. A Practical SUV With Cool Styling Source: Stellantis Not only is the base Durango GT quicker than its rivals, but it's also practical and not boring to look at, despite how long it has been around. It has 33.5 inches of third-row legroom, which is not class-leading but fine for kids. The cargo area behind the third row measures 17.2 cubic feet, rising to 43.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Dodge hasn't yet released the full specification sheet for 2026 Durangos, but it should at least match the 2025 model. For the GT, expect LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels. The 2025 model had a seven-inch digital gauge cluster, three-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats with heating, and the user-friendly UConnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Dealer orders for the cheapest 2026 Durango (and the SRT Hellcat with 710 hp) have already opened, and these models will arrive at dealerships in the fourth quarter. Orders for the R/T will open later in the year. Final Thoughts Source: Stellantis The cheapest Dodge Durango is not the best vehicle in its class. If you want something more luxurious, get a Mazda CX-90. Models like the Toyota Grand Highlander and Kia Telluride are more practical and come with a more generous list of features, while incorporating more modern interfaces. But none of these three-row rivals are nearly as fun or refreshingly old-school as the Durango GT V8. That Hemi V8 adds a level of driver appeal and performance that's largely missing in this segment and at this price point, and as long as you're okay with the relatively high fuel bills, the 2026 Durango is easily the enthusiast's choice in this class. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Michael Jordan's ugly legal battle with NASCAR presses on as judge rules on 'falsifying documents' claim
A judge denied a motion filed by NASCAR in a legal battle between the stock car racing circuit and two of its race teams - including one owned by NBA icon Michael Jordan. Jordan's 23XI Racing joined forces with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) to file a lawsuit against NASCAR last October - alleging that the governing body's actions violate anti-trust laws. The lawsuit accuses NASCAR and the France family (which has owned and operated the league since inception) of monopolizing American stock car racing. The family has denied this claim. The ongoing suit has been brutal and is set for trial proceedings to begin on December 1. On Monday, a judge in North Carolina passed down an important ruling in the case. NASCAR demanded that the court issue an order to show cause - forcing 23XI, FRM, and their lawyers to explain why sanctions shouldn't be imposed against them for presenting 'manufactured evidence'. On Monday, the court denied the racing organization's motion for an order requiring the two teams to show cause. In the motion, NASCAR's attorneys accused the plaintiffs of making false statements in declarations made in December 2024 - as well as manufacturing evidence which was submitted to support a second motion for a preliminary injunction. The racing circuit presented messages from the agent of 23XI owner and current Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, 23XI president Steve Lauletta, 23XI drivers Bubba Wallace and Corey Heim, FRM owner Bob Jenkins, and FRM general manager Jerry Freeze. NASCAR also accused one of the plaintiff's attorneys of writing emails which 'were false' and were relied upon to grant an injunction which has since been vacated after an appeal from the racing organization. 23XI and FRM's lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, dismissed NASCAR's claim as 'another baseless distraction intended to try to divert the Court's attention from the overwhelming evidence that demonstrates that Jim France and NASCAR have been operating an unlawful monopoly that has hurt not just my clients, but all of stock car racing.' The suit filed against NASCAR accuses the league of monopolizing American stock car racing by owning a majority of the tracks NASCAR races on, imposing exclusivity deals on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, acquiring its biggest competitor (ARCA), preventing teams from participating in any other stock car races, and forcing teams to buy parts from single-source suppliers chosen by the racing organization. Also central to the suit is the 'charter system' - where teams pay tens of millions of dollars per car for the right to a guaranteed starting spot and a share of a preferred purse. While locking down that starting spot is important in the search for sponsorships, the cost of charters have fluctuated through the years. It's believed to have cost about $30m per charter this year. FRM and 23XI are the only two teams who declined to sign a new charter arrangement which runs from 2025 to 2031. Tyler Reddick (L) is currently the lead driver in the points standings for 23XI Motorsports Speaking on the suit last season, Jordan said, 'Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track. 'I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today's action shows I'm willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.' Both FRM and 23XI are still racing in NASCAR for the 2025 season. 23XI has four drivers: Tyler Reddick (7th in driver's standings), Wallace (10th in standings), Riley Herbst (35th), and Burt Myers (42nd). FRM's three drivers - Zane Smith, Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson - are 27th, 31st, and 33rd respectively.
