Theon Design Reveals 964-Based R Model

Theon Design has revealed its lightweight, ultra-focused R model. Building on the success of the Oxfordshire-based firm’s existing Porsche 911 964 generation-based Coupe and Targa models, the flagship Theon R takes analog performance and driving pleasure to unseen levels, the company states.

Thanks to an extensive program of weight saving measures, including the use of F1-grade carbon for all body panels, the R weighs in at under 2,200 pounds and is powered by Theon Design’s high-revving 500-bhp 4.0-liter flat-six motor that drives the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission.

Optimized for fast road and occasional track use, performance is in bona fide modern day supercar territory, with a superior power-to-weight ratio than even the latest 992 GT3 RS, all in an analog package, the company notes.

“We’re excited to reveal our latest enhanced 911 based project to the world, the embodiment of Theon Design’s ongoing pursuit of air-cooled Porsche perfection,” said Adam Hawley, Theon Design co-founder. “We’ve drawn on all our learnings from our Coupe and Targa commissions, delivering the Theon take on the ultimate, lightweight air-cooled 911 road car. The R combines thrilling, useable performance, with razor-sharp handling, a car that is optimised for the street but just at home on the track.”

Key to the R’s sub-1,000kg curb weight is the use of carbon fiber throughout the car. It is used in the interior and for every body panel – including the doors – developed from the ground up with an F1 composites supplier. As with all Theon builds, each panel has been digitized and modeled in CAD to ensure a perfect fit. The R again takes a 964 Carrera as its base, with the donor stripped back to bare metal before being totally restored over thousands of hours by Theon’s team of expert technicians.

Coupled with the seam welding and other chassis enhancements, the R’s torsional rigidity is transformed vis a vis the original donor car and is now on a par with modern-day high-performance Porsche products. As with all Theon Design commissions, Hawley – drawing on his background in OEM car design – has obsessed over every aesthetic detail to deliver a cohesive, perfectly-formed Porsche 911 shape.

Further improving high-speed stability and on-circuit performance, the Theon R’s aero package features a carbon fibre front splitter, rear diffuser and dramatic ‘whale tail’ rear wing, while underneath, aero performance is enhanced thanks to an enclosed carbon ‘flat floor’. RS lightweight windows and minimal sound deadening further shave weight, while other weight saving measures include Minilite-style lightweight magnesium and carbon fibre wheels, inspired by the design of the iconic 911 S/T model.

Unsprung mass is further reduced thanks to the standard fitment of carbon ceramic brakes, with a 993 RS brake setup also available as an option.

Power comes from the most extreme incarnation yet of Theon’s signature 4.0-litre air-cooled flat six, with a 24-valve, dual overhead cam cylinder head and four valves per cylinder, enabling it to rev to over 9,000 rpm and produce 500+hp. A drive-by-wire throttle system gives near-synaptic response. The engine breathes through a Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 plenum, and features a high-performance lightweight Inconel centre exit exhaust.

The flat-six drives the rear wheels through a short throw, six-speed manual ‘box and a Wavetrac limited-slip-diff. With a power-to-weight ratio of more than 500bhp per ton – the R packs a higher power-to-weight ratio than any production 911. Performance is on a par with not just GT-series Porsches, but the very latest supercars from McLaren and Ferrari, hitting 60mph from rest in three seconds and 100mph in just 6.5, all with searing in-gear punch.

Inside, composite materials feature throughout, with single piece seats and the flagship’s new structure on show for all to see. Underlining the car’s sporting intent, touch points are leather covered, everything else being carbon fibre, yet while it is stripped-out it is still ultra-premium, the Theon R’s cabin blends lightweight with luxury.

Prices for the Theon R will start at $853,000. Each car is a totally unique collaboration with the customer and takes 18 months to build. Production will be limited to 24 cars. Price excludes donor car, shipping and local taxes.