Category Archives: Restomod

Restomod

Audacious Automotive IV: 10,000rpm V8-Powered Audi Quattro Restomod Targets 200mph

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The Audacious Automotive IV is an extraordinary modern tribute to the legendary Audi Quattro, combining classic Group B rally-inspired styling with the mechanical foundations of the B7-generation RS4. Featuring up to 750bhp, an optional naturally aspirated 10,000rpm V8 and a six-speed manual gearbox, this exclusive restomod aims to deliver a top speed of 200mph.

The legendary Audi Quattro remains one of the most recognisable performance cars ever produced, thanks largely to its dominant presence in the Group B rally era. Now, British specialist Audacious Automotive is bringing its own interpretation of the iconic machine to life with the IV, an ambitious restomod that combines the unmistakable proportions of the original short-wheelbase Quattro with modern engineering and serious performance.

Rather than simply restoring an old rally legend, Audacious has taken a more unconventional approach. The IV uses the mechanical underpinnings of the B7-generation Audi RS4, produced between 2006 and 2008, creating a combination of classic styling, analogue driving characteristics and contemporary performance.

Founded by Mac Zaglewski, Audacious intends to give older vehicles a new lease of life rather than sacrifice perfectly preserved examples. Customers can commission the IV using an original Audi Quattro body shell, although the company expects approximately 80 percent of production to feature entirely new carbon-fibre bodywork that does not require a donor vehicle.

Audi RS4 V8 Power Meets Classic Quattro Character

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the Audacious IV is its engine. While the original Audi Quattro established its reputation with a turbocharged five-cylinder engine, the new restomod takes a different direction by adopting the naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 from the B7 Audi RS4.

According to Zaglewski, the decision was driven by the desire to create a car that is genuinely enjoyable to drive, combining modern refinement with an unmistakably analogue experience.

The company considered the five-cylinder engine from the contemporary Audi RS3 but ultimately rejected it. One important reason was the requirement for a manual transmission. The B7 RS4 also offers a stiffer platform and a more sophisticated suspension arrangement, making it a more suitable foundation for the project.

Its Torsen-based all-wheel-drive system was another decisive advantage. Unlike the front-biased Haldex arrangement used in the RS3, the RS4’s Torsen system delivers a rear-biased driving character, better suited to the experience Audacious wants to create.

The original RS4 six-speed manual gearbox is retained, ensuring that the IV remains focused on driver involvement rather than relying on increasingly sophisticated electronic systems.

Four V8 Engine Configurations, Up to 10,000rpm

Audacious Automotive has confirmed four engine specifications for the IV, giving customers considerable freedom when configuring their cars.

The entry-level version receives a supercharger added to the original 4.2-litre V8, increasing output to an impressive 600bhp. Buyers looking for even greater performance can choose the Stage Two package, which introduces strengthened internal engine components alongside upgraded cooling and fuel-delivery systems to produce 750bhp.

However, the most ambitious specification is arguably the most exciting. Audacious is developing a high-revving version of the V8 capable of reaching an extraordinary 10,000rpm. Customers will also have the option of removing the supercharger entirely, depending on their preferred engine configuration.

Regardless of the chosen specification, power is delivered through the RS4’s original six-speed manual transmission.

The combination of a high-revving V8, manual gearbox and rear-biased all-wheel drive promises a driving experience that is becoming increasingly rare in the modern performance-car world.

With a targeted top speed of 200mph, the IV is intended to be much more than a nostalgic styling exercise.

Group B Rally Inspiration Meets Carbon-Fibre Construction

Visually, the Audacious IV draws heavily on the short-wheelbase Audi Quattro, with its bodywork inspired by the legendary Group B rally machines.

However, the design also incorporates subtle references to the IMSA GTO racing version of the Audi 90, the competition car that followed the Quattro’s original rally success.

The result is a more aggressive interpretation of the original silhouette, blending rally heritage with motorsport-inspired details. Interestingly, the car does not carry traditional Audi badges. Instead, it features specially designed Audacious branding, establishing its identity as an independent creation rather than an official Audi product.

Weight reduction has also played an important role in the development process.

Cars built using original Quattro body shells are expected to weigh between 1,400kg and 1,450kg, while carbon-fibre versions are targeting a considerably lower figure of approximately 1,200kg.

That difference could have a significant impact on acceleration, handling and overall driving dynamics, particularly in the more powerful 750bhp configuration.

Completely Redesigned Interior With Classic Audi Influences

The interior receives an equally comprehensive transformation. Audacious has abandoned much of the B7 RS4’s original digital equipment in favour of a completely redesigned cabin that reflects the brutalist character of the original Quattro.

The dashboard, instrument cluster and switchgear are all new, creating a more purposeful environment that prioritises mechanical interaction and driving engagement.

One notable element carried over from the donor vehicle is the RS4’s distinctive wingback seats. These retain their electronic adjustment functions, providing a combination of modern convenience and classic motorsport-inspired design.

The extensive personalisation programme will allow customers to specify virtually every aspect of the cabin, including upholstery materials, colours and individual trim details.

Every Audacious IV Will Be Individually Configured

Personalisation is expected to be one of the defining characteristics of the project. Audacious intends to ensure that no two examples of the IV are identical, offering customers extensive control over both appearance and mechanical specification.

Beyond exterior paint finishes and interior materials, buyers will be able to tailor the suspension and mechanical configuration according to how they intend to use the car.

This means an owner looking for a comfortable road-focused grand tourer can specify a different setup from someone who wants a more aggressive machine for track driving.

The example presented by Audacious features the 750bhp Stage Two engine configuration and a road-focused suspension setup. Finished in Zermatt Silver, it demonstrates the company’s approach to combining understated aesthetics with extreme performance.

Only 50 Examples, With Prices Starting at £350,000

Production of the Audacious Automotive IV will be strictly limited to just 50 examples, all assembled at the company’s base in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The first customer deliveries are scheduled for late 2027, while the complete commissioning and construction process is expected to take approximately three years from the initial order to the finished vehicle reaching the road.

Prices start at £350,000, excluding VAT, donor vehicle acquisition, transportation, registration and additional specification costs. Consequently, the final price could increase considerably depending on the customer’s chosen configuration.

With its combination of classic Audi Quattro proportions, B7 RS4 mechanical foundations, up to 750bhp and a potentially 10,000rpm V8 engine, the Audacious IV represents a particularly ambitious interpretation of the restomod philosophy.

It may not follow the traditional recipe for recreating the original five-cylinder Quattro, but that is precisely what makes it interesting. Rather than attempting to reproduce the past, Audacious is creating a modern performance machine that celebrates one of rallying’s greatest icons while embracing a very different engineering philosophy.

If the company delivers on its ambitious performance targets, the IV could become one of the most distinctive and desirable Audi Quattro-inspired restomods on the market.

Source: Audacious Automotive

Restomod

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: 870+ HP Porsche 911 Restomod Limited to Just Five Cars

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The Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo is an extraordinary Porsche 911 restomod that pays tribute to the racing career of former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle. Based on the air-cooled Porsche 911 from the 993 generation, this exclusive creation combines classic Stuttgart sports-car design with modern performance engineering, a bespoke two-tone exterior and more than 870 horsepower.

Developed by California-based Porsche specialist Gunther Werks, the Brundle Edition Turbo features a design conceived by automotive designer Charlie Brundle, Martin Brundle’s daughter. The project celebrates a racing career that spans Formula 1 and some of the world’s most prestigious endurance events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Production will be limited to just five examples worldwide, making this one of the most exclusive interpretations of the classic Porsche 911. Each customer will also receive a Bell racing helmet signed by Martin Brundle, adding another personal connection to the car’s motorsport heritage.

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: A Porsche 911 Built Around Racing Heritage

For Porsche enthusiasts, the 993-generation 911 represents the end of an era. Produced from 1993 to 1998, the Porsche 911 (993) was the final generation to feature an air-cooled flat-six engine before the 996 introduced water cooling.

Gunther Werks has built its reputation around reimagining this generation of the 911, retaining its unmistakable silhouette while extensively reworking its engineering, bodywork and performance.

The Brundle Edition Turbo takes that philosophy to another level. Rather than creating a conventional tribute car with a few racing-inspired details, Gunther Werks has developed a highly personalised machine that connects the visual identity of the car with Martin Brundle’s career.

The result is a classic Porsche 911 with the presence of a modern supercar and the character of a bespoke motorsport-inspired creation.

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: 870+ HP Porsche 911 Restomod Limited to Just Five Cars

Gunther Werks’ approach has drawn comparisons with the work of Singer, the California-based company renowned for its restorations and reimaginings of the Porsche 911 (964). While Singer focuses on a different generation of the iconic sports car, Gunther Werks has made the 993 its signature platform.

Charlie Brundle Designs a Tribute to Her Father

The most personal element of the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo is its exterior design.

Charlie Brundle, an automotive designer and the daughter of Martin Brundle, chose a distinctive two-tone colour scheme inspired by her father’s former racing helmet. The combination gives the Porsche a strong visual identity while establishing a direct connection to the colours associated with his motorsport career.

Martin Brundle competed in Formula 1 and achieved major success in endurance racing, including victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. His career made him one of Britain’s most recognisable racing drivers, later becoming equally familiar to motorsport fans through his television commentary.

The special edition translates that legacy into a road-going performance car, using carefully selected details rather than relying exclusively on traditional racing graphics.

The design also demonstrates how a restomod can become more than a technical exercise. In this case, the car tells a personal story through its colour palette, inscriptions and bespoke components.

More Than 870 HP From a Four-Litre Flat-Six Engine

Under the bodywork, the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo features a four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine producing more than 870 horsepower and 827 Nm of maximum torque.

Those figures put the bespoke Porsche firmly in supercar territory, particularly considering its roots in the compact, rear-engined 993-generation 911.

The horizontally opposed six-cylinder layout remains central to the Porsche 911’s identity. In this application, however, the engine’s output far exceeds that of the original naturally aspirated 993 Carrera models, reflecting the extensive engineering work behind Gunther Werks’ creations.

Power is transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox, preserving a direct mechanical connection between the driver and the drivetrain.

In an era increasingly dominated by hybrid powertrains, automatic transmissions and sophisticated electronic driving systems, the combination of an exceptionally powerful flat-six and a manual gearbox gives the Brundle Edition Turbo a distinctly analogue appeal.

The supplied specifications do not establish the car’s acceleration time, maximum speed or detailed engine configuration beyond its displacement, cylinder layout and stated output. Those figures should not be assumed without further confirmation from Gunther Werks.

Carbon Fibre, Magnesium Wheels and Brembo Carbon-Ceramic Brakes

The Brundle Edition Turbo’s performance credentials are matched by an extensive collection of bespoke exterior details.

Carbon-fibre components feature prominently, including the bonnet, which carries the Brundle name. The inscription also appears on the side sills, making the family connection visible from several angles.

The car rides on reinforced magnesium wheels with polished outer edges and a central locking nut. Behind them sit Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, a high-performance braking solution suited to a car producing more than 870 horsepower.

These details reinforce the project’s combination of lightweight materials, motorsport-inspired engineering and individual craftsmanship.

Carbon fibre and magnesium are particularly relevant in a performance car because reducing mass can improve acceleration, braking and handling response. Their effectiveness ultimately depends on the complete vehicle’s construction and weight distribution, but they are consistent with the engineering priorities of an extreme 911 restomod.

The result is a Porsche that retains the recognisable proportions of the 993 while adopting a more aggressive and contemporary visual character.

A Personal Message Hidden in the Details

The most meaningful touches are found inside the cabin and around the passenger compartment.

The initials M.B. appear on the seatbacks, while the Brundle name is repeated across selected exterior components. These details make the car’s purpose immediately clear: it is a celebration of Martin Brundle’s racing career, designed with the involvement of his daughter.

Another inscription delivers a more humorous message above the passenger compartment:

“The most important part of the car is the nut that holds the steering wheel.”

It is a fitting statement for a project rooted in motorsport. Even with more than 870 horsepower, sophisticated materials and high-performance brakes, the driver remains central to the experience.

That philosophy also distinguishes the Brundle Edition Turbo from many modern performance cars, in which electronic systems increasingly manage the relationship between driver, engine and road.

Here, the six-speed manual gearbox provides a tangible reminder that driving involvement remains an essential part of the Porsche 911’s appeal.

Only Five Examples Will Be Built

Exclusivity is a major part of the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo’s appeal. Production is limited to five cars worldwide, placing it among the rarest bespoke Porsche 911 restomods.

The extremely limited production run also reflects the personalised nature of the project. With its unique colour scheme, racing-inspired details and connection to the Brundle family, the car is intended to appeal to collectors who value provenance and individuality as much as outright performance.

Every buyer will receive a Bell helmet signed by Martin Brundle. The gift adds a personal motorsport connection to an already distinctive collector’s car, linking the finished vehicle to the driver whose career inspired its creation.

Gunther Werks has not provided a price in the supplied announcement, so the final cost should be confirmed directly with the company rather than estimated from the car’s specifications alone.

Gunther Werks and the Art of the Porsche 911 Restomod

The Brundle Edition Turbo highlights the continuing appeal of the restomod movement, which combines classic automotive design with modern engineering, materials and performance.

Gunther Werks has concentrated on the Porsche 911 (993), a generation prized for its air-cooled engine and evolutionary interpretation of the original 911 silhouette. By reworking the platform with modern components and bespoke construction, the company aims to deliver a driving experience that goes beyond a standard restoration.

The comparison with Singer is understandable, although the two companies have established different identities through their respective Porsche platforms and design philosophies.

For collectors, these cars occupy an unusual space between vintage sports cars and contemporary supercars. They preserve the visual character and mechanical layout of an earlier era while offering performance figures that can rival much newer machinery.

The Brundle Edition Turbo adds another dimension to that formula: a clearly defined personal story that connects the car to a specific figure in motorsport history.

A Classic Porsche 911 With Modern Supercar Performance

The Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo brings together three ingredients that make a modern restomod especially compelling: a historically significant Porsche platform, extreme performance and a deeply personal design story.

Its four-litre flat-six produces more than 870 horsepower and 827 Nm of torque, while the six-speed manual gearbox maintains a direct connection to the driver. Carbon-fibre body components, magnesium wheels and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes underline the car’s performance focus.

Yet its strongest distinguishing feature may be its identity. Designed by Charlie Brundle in tribute to her father, the car uses the colours of Martin Brundle’s former helmet and a series of bespoke details to celebrate a career spent at the highest levels of motorsport.

With only five examples planned and a signed Bell helmet included with each car, the Brundle Edition Turbo is aimed at collectors seeking something far more personal than a conventional high-performance Porsche.

It is a reminder that even in an age of electrification and increasingly digital driving experiences, the classic Porsche 911 remains a compelling canvas for engineering ambition, individual expression and motorsport heritage.

Source: Gunther Werks

Restomod

TechArt Reveals Its First Porsche 911 964 Restomod

TechArt has officially entered one of the most competitive corners of the modern automotive world: the Porsche 911 964 restomod market. Known for decades for modifying contemporary Porsche models, the German tuning specialist is now turning its attention to the classic 964 generation with the new GTclassic.

The move marks a significant change in direction for TechArt, which was founded in 1987 and has traditionally focused on modern Porsche sports cars and SUVs. The company joins a growing list of specialist manufacturers transforming the Porsche 911 964 into high-performance, hand-built machines that combine classic design with modern engineering and technology.

The timing is particularly interesting. The Porsche 911 964 was produced from 1989 to 1994, meaning the generation has been out of production for more than three decades. Yet demand for beautifully restored and comprehensively re-engineered examples has continued to grow, creating a lucrative market for companies specializing in so-called restomods.

Singer helped establish the modern 964 restomod phenomenon, and numerous other specialists have since entered the segment. TechArt’s GTclassic represents the latest interpretation of the formula.

Porsche 911 964 Design Meets TechArt Engineering

The TechArt GTclassic retains the unmistakable silhouette of the Porsche 911 964 but introduces numerous visual changes designed to give the car a more aggressive and contemporary appearance.

One of the most distinctive elements is the engine lid. Rather than using the larger design associated with later 911 models, TechArt has opted for a narrower engine cover inspired by Porsche models produced before the introduction of the impact-resistant bumpers in 1974.

However, the classic appearance is combined with modern detailing. Two mesh-covered vents are integrated into the engine lid, giving the rear of the GTclassic a visual connection with the more modern Porsche 911 GT3.

The front end has also been extensively redesigned. The turn signals and air vents positioned underneath the front fenders have been incorporated into a single visual unit, while modern LED headlights provide substantially improved illumination compared with the original 964 lighting technology.

At the rear, TechArt has installed a classic ducktail spoiler, another unmistakable reference to Porsche’s motorsport heritage. Two additional vents are incorporated into the spoiler, while the original-style rear lighting has been upgraded with LED technology.

380-HP Air-Cooled Flat-Six

The mechanical heart of the TechArt GTclassic is a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated flat-six producing 380 horsepower.

Importantly, the engine retains the defining air-cooled architecture of the Porsche 964. That gives the GTclassic a character fundamentally different from modern water-cooled Porsche 911 models.

TechArt has not yet disclosed every technical specification of the powertrain, but the demonstration car is equipped with a manual transmission. That combination should make the GTclassic particularly attractive to enthusiasts who value the mechanical involvement associated with classic Porsche sports cars.

Given the customer-specific nature of the project, an automatic transmission option is also likely to be available. The original Porsche 964 was offered with the Tiptronic transmission, and restomod manufacturers typically provide considerable scope for customers to specify their preferred drivetrain configuration.

Widebody Stance and 18-Inch Forged Wheels

The GTclassic’s proportions are enhanced by heavily flared fenders that accommodate larger wheels and tires than those found on the original 964.

TechArt has fitted the car with 18-inch forged wheels, including 10-inch-wide wheels at the rear. The open-spoke design exposes the upgraded Turbo braking system, creating a purposeful motorsport-inspired appearance.

The combination of widened bodywork, large forged wheels and modern braking hardware gives the GTclassic a substantially more aggressive stance while retaining the basic proportions that make the Porsche 911 964 instantly recognizable.

This balance between original Porsche design and modern performance engineering is at the heart of the current 964 restomod movement.

A High-Tech Classic Porsche Interior

Inside, the GTclassic is where TechArt’s individual design language becomes most obvious.

The demonstration vehicle features an extensively customized red interior, with numerous bespoke details and contrasting elements. Whether the bold color combination will appeal to every Porsche enthusiast is another question, but the GTclassic is being built as a highly personalized automobile rather than a mass-production model.

That means customers should have considerable freedom when specifying materials, colors and trim. A more restrained combination of black, brown, gray or natural leather could give the interior a considerably more understated appearance.

TechArt has also incorporated modern technology without completely abandoning the 964’s classic character.

Apple CarPlay, navigation and Bluetooth connectivity bring the cabin into the modern era, while the original generation’s ABS and power steering remain part of the car’s usability package.

Two Hanhart stopwatches add a particularly appealing retro motorsport touch to the dashboard and reinforce the connection between the GTclassic and Porsche’s competition heritage.

TechArt GTclassic Could Cost Around $1 Million

TechArt has not announced a final price for the GTclassic, but the economics of the 964 restomod market provide a useful indication.

High-end Porsche 911 964 restomods can command prices approaching or exceeding $1 million once the cost of the donor car, extensive engineering, bespoke bodywork, upgraded mechanical components and individualized interiors are taken into account.

The TechArt GTclassic is therefore unlikely to be positioned as an affordable alternative to a conventional Porsche 911. Instead, it is aimed at collectors and enthusiasts looking for a highly exclusive combination of classic Porsche design, modern performance and extensive customization.

The final price will depend heavily on the customer’s specification, particularly the drivetrain, interior materials, wheels, brakes and other bespoke options.

TechArt Enters the 964 Restomod Era

The TechArt GTclassic is an important project for a company that has spent decades modifying modern Porsches.

By entering the Porsche 911 964 restomod market, TechArt is acknowledging just how important the classic Porsche sector has become. The company brings considerable experience in Porsche performance upgrades, while the 964 provides the classic foundation that has become increasingly desirable among collectors.

With a 3.8-liter air-cooled flat-six, 380 horsepower, a manual transmission, forged 18-inch wheels, modern brakes, LED lighting and contemporary infotainment, the GTclassic combines several generations of Porsche engineering in a single package.

The result is not simply a restored 964. It is a modern interpretation of the classic Porsche 911, created for an era in which carefully engineered restomods have become some of the most desirable—and expensive—Porsches on the market.

If TechArt can deliver the same level of engineering quality that has characterized its modern Porsche projects, the GTclassic could become a significant new entry in the increasingly crowded world of Porsche 964 restomods.

Source: TechArt