Gunther Werks Porsche 911 Turbo S Destroyed in Serious Accident at Laguna Seca
A highly modified Porsche 911 Turbo S from the renowned performance shop Gunther Werks met a tragic end in a serious accident at Laguna Seca. The car’s collapsed roof raised concerns, but fortunately, the driver reportedly escaped unharmed.
Gunther Werks had been conducting tests on its latest reimagining of the Porsche sports car, dubbed the Gunther Werks Turbo. This high-performance vehicle is powered by a massive 4.0-liter air-cooled inline-six engine, featuring twin turbos that boost its output to 700 horsepower in track mode. Weighing just 2,700 pounds, the Gunther Werks Turbo offers an impressive power-to-weight ratio comparable to that of a Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170.
The devastating incident occurred on a test day earlier in the week, with the car veering off the track under unknown circumstances. The damage to the roof and scuffs on the exterior indicated that the car went off the track during a left turn, ultimately coming to rest on its passenger side. The identity of the driver and exact location of the crash remain unclear, although speculation suggests that Porsche factory racing driver Patrick Long may have been behind the wheel.
Gunther Werks chose to disable comments on its social media posts related to the accident. The company released a statement confirming that the driver received medical clearance after being assessed by a medical professional on site. It was noted that the prototype involved in the crash lacked the upgraded carbon fiber roof that would be installed in customer models. Additionally, the absence of a safety cage in the prototype was explained by the fact that production models would not feature one. The driver was reportedly wearing full racing gear and seated in an FIA-homologated racing seat at the time of the incident.
Despite the safety precautions taken, the rollover accident served as a reminder of the potential dangers of high-performance vehicles. While fortunate that the driver emerged unscathed, the setback represents a significant blow to the development and reputation of the Gunther Werks Turbo. Such incidents have plagued other iconic models in the past, underscoring the challenges inherent in pushing the limits of automotive performance.
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