A Bespoke Blast from the Past: The Flachbau RS
Porsche, a marque synonymous with heritage and high performance, has once again demonstrated its unparalleled ability to blend these two elements into something truly extraordinary. While the iconic 935 racer remains a track-only legend, the esteemed German manufacturer has delighted enthusiasts by creating a modern interpretation of one of its most distinctive design cues: the ‘slant nose.’ This isn’t a factory production model, nor is it a revival of the full 935 body. Instead, it’s a bespoke, one-of-one creation for a wealthy and discerning customer, christened the ‘Flachbau RS,’ meticulously built upon the formidable 991.2 911 GT2 RS platform.
The term ‘Flachbau,’ German for ‘flat build,’ is steeped in Porsche lore. Its origins trace back to the ferocious 935 race cars of the 1970s. Campaigning in the FIA Group 5 ‘Silhouette’ formula, these machines famously featured a radically aerodynamic front end. To reduce drag and improve downforce, the standard 911 headlights were replaced with flush-mounted units integrated into the front bumper, creating a sleek, almost shark-like profile. This aggressive, purposeful design quickly became iconic, symbolizing Porsche’s dominance in endurance racing.
The allure of the ‘Flachbau’ soon transcended the racetrack. Porsche introduced a road-going version, the 930 Turbo ‘Flachbau’ (also known by its M505 option code in North America), in the mid-1980s. This highly exclusive and expensive option transformed the already potent 930 Turbo into an even more visually striking machine. It featured not only the distinctive flat nose with pop-up headlights but also wider, custom-flared fenders and side air intakes, mimicking the 935 racers. These hand-built cars were incredibly rare and commanded a significant premium, quickly becoming prized collector’s items and cementing the ‘Flachbau’ as a symbol of ultimate Porsche exclusivity and performance.
The 991.2 GT2 RS: A Modern Performance Apex
To serve as the foundation for such a historically significant design, Porsche chose nothing less than the pinnacle of its 991-generation road cars: the 911 GT2 RS. Unveiled in 2017, the 991.2 GT2 RS represented the ultimate expression of the 911’s performance capabilities. It was, and remains, a track weapon designed for the road, engineered with an uncompromising focus on speed and driving dynamics. Its heart is a ferocious 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, derived from the 911 Turbo S but heavily modified to produce a staggering 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. This immense power is channeled exclusively to the rear wheels via a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission.
The GT2 RS’s performance figures speak for themselves: it could rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 2.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 211 mph. But sheer power was only part of the equation. Porsche engineers painstakingly optimized every aspect of the car for lightweight construction and aerodynamic efficiency. Key features included:
- Extensive use of carbon fiber for the front lid, fenders, rear lid, and even parts of the interior.
- A magnesium roof to lower the center of gravity.
- Large fixed rear wing and aggressive front spoiler for maximum downforce.
- Lightweight exhaust system.
- Optional Weissach Package, which further reduced weight by using carbon fiber anti-roll bars, magnesium wheels, and titanium roll cage (for Clubsport models).
This relentless pursuit of performance made the 991.2 GT2 RS a record-breaker on circuits worldwide, establishing it as one of the most capable and desirable 911s ever built.
Crafting the One-of-One Flachbau RS
The creation of the Flachbau RS highlights Porsche’s unique Sonderwunsch (Special Wish) program, often executed through Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur. This division specializes in fulfilling the most elaborate and personal desires of its clientele, going far beyond standard customization options to create truly unique, one-off vehicles. For a discerning and affluent customer, the idea of blending the raw, modern performance of the 991.2 GT2 RS with the legendary aesthetic of the original ‘Flachbau’ was undoubtedly irresistible.
This modern Flachbau RS is not to be confused with the factory-produced 935 ‘Club Sport’ model, which was also based on the 991.2 GT2 RS Clubsport chassis. That car was a track-only homage with a full retro body kit, directly replicating the lines of the original 935 race car. The Flachbau RS, by contrast, is a road-legal 991.2 GT2 RS that has been given a bespoke ‘slant nose’ front fascia, seamlessly integrating the classic design cue onto the modern platform. This requires meticulous engineering and handcraftsmanship to ensure not only aesthetic perfection but also full functionality and aerodynamic integrity, without compromising the base car’s exceptional performance.
The allure of such a bespoke Porsche lies in its unparalleled exclusivity. Owning a one-of-one vehicle from a manufacturer like Porsche is the ultimate statement of individuality and a testament to a deep appreciation for the brand’s history and engineering prowess. It represents a living bridge between the iconic designs of the past and the cutting-edge performance of the present, tailored precisely to the vision of its owner. The Flachbau RS isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of art, a collector’s dream, and a demonstration of what is possible when heritage meets unlimited ambition and resources.
In a world of mass production, the existence of vehicles like the Flachbau RS serves as a powerful reminder of Porsche’s commitment to its legacy and its capacity to cater to the most extravagant requests. This singular GT2 RS with its reimagined ‘slant nose’ is a stunning homage to an iconic design, delivering both breathtaking performance and an unmistakable visual link to one of the most revered eras in Porsche history. It is a true modern classic, born from a legendary past and built for a very special future.
Source : https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a73415606/porsche-gt2-rs-one-off-slant-nose-revealed/
