Theon R 964 Restomod is Lighter and Faster than the new 911 GT3
Britain’s Theon Design has unleashed its lightest and most powerful Porsche 964 restomod. The Theon R delivers over 507 horsepower in a package that weighs less than 2200 pounds, which the company claims gives it a higher power-to-weight ratio than any production 911.
For that power Theon has a four-liter 24-valve flat-six to thank that delivers more than 127 horses per liter. There’s a drive-by-wire throttle, the intake plenum from a 997 GT3 RS and an Inconel center exit exhaust system all contributing to its heady output. Drive to the rear wheel is courtesy of a short-throw six-speed manual transmission and a Wavetrac limited slip differential.
When it comes to weight Formula 1-grade carbon fiber is the key and it’s used both to strengthen the original 964 donor chassis and for all body panels, including aero parts such as the whale tail, front splitter, rear diffuser and flat floor.
Theon uses motorsport-spec carbon tubs, bonded to the seam-welded chassis for increase rigidity. RS lightweight windows and barely-there sound proofing also shave a few pounds, as do the magnesium-carbon-fiber Minilite-style wheels. Carbon ceramic brakes are installed and there’s a Motion Control Suspension system derived from Porsche’s global racing programs.
Adjustable for carving your favorite canyons or tackling a track, the suspension can also be softened for touring. As for straight-line speed, the Theon R will launch from 0-60 mph in three seconds and reach 100 mph from rest in 6.5 seconds. For the record the new 911 GT3 takes 3.4 seconds to reach 62 mph from a standing start thanks to its 502-hp powerplant, and it weighs over 1000 pounds more.
“The R is without doubt Theon Design’s fastest, most-focused and, dare I say it, most ferocious bespoke model yet,” says founder Adam Hawley. “It is not a car for the faint of heart; it’s the ultimate expression of all our 964-based learning, inspired by Porsche’s special low volume models of the past and present. It’s our take on the ultimate, lightweight air-cooled 911 road car.”
Theon intends to limit production to 24 examples, with each taking 18 months to build. You’ll need to provide your own donor vehicle and hand over a minimum of a million dollars plus taxes and shipping for the privilege.
