For Guntherwerks’ latest creation, the classic lines of a 993 are inflated with creatine and carbon widebody panels. The screaming air-cooled motor suits the car’s obvious track-oriented focus, and yet, the interior is a palace for a well-heeled Porschephile to sit and bask in the ambiance. Sting, the newest car from the Huntington Beach-based operation, offers 25 lucky owners an unusual combination of opulence—the kind not commonly seen with 993s—as well as a level of performance which rivals the latest GT-series Porsches.
So much of the car is bespoke. Carbon covers so much of this vehicle, and being a piece of rolling boutique jewelry, Guntherwerks decided to leave most of that exposed for the observer to salivate over. It’s a feast for the eyes and a demonstration of craftsmanship really only feasible with small-batch creations like this.
The right amount of naked carbon, brushed aluminum, leather, and alcantara give the cabin a level of craftsmanship not seen in any old Porsche.
But Sting is not merely eye candy with a pseudo-sporty flair. It has a level of cosmetic focus only matched by a Singer, but with a greater emphasis on circuit performance. So much about its character is said with 295- and 325-section tires front and rear, respectively. A widened track add to the cornering speeds and the athletic, squat stance which leaves nobody guessing at this car’s intent. Under those intriguing three-piece wheels, which themselves are a modern take on the classic Turbo twists, sit Brembo CCM-R brakes. These $40,000 stoppers are just one part of why Guntherwerks‘ latest creation costs $600,000—and that’s without a donor car.
The 4.0-liter motor makes power all the way to (and past) its 7,800-rpm redline. For longevity’s sake, they capped the redline a few hundred revs shy of where the curve begins to plummet, but it still produces a broad powerband with 420 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque at the highest peaks.
Though many builders strive to make a true dual-purposer; something which makes as big an impact at a meet as at a track day, few can accomplish it. To actually achieve this requires an immense amount of resources and know-how, and that means a price well outside the range of those who have to consider the compromises between a track toy and an ornate vehicle. For the owner of Sting, these concessions are of no concern—they can afford the hyperbolic statement.