Introducing the Theon R: The Ultimate Air-Cooled Analogue Driving Experience

Theon Design today reveals its fastest, most involving, and exhilarating Porsche 911 (964)-based project to date: the lightweight, ultra-focused R. Building on the success of the Oxfordshire-based firm’s existing Coupe and Targa models, the flagship Theon R takes analogue performance and driving pleasure to unseen levels.

Inspired by the rich tradition of unique lightweight Porsche road cars, the R further distils Theon Design’s signature recipe, sympathetically enhancing and relentlessly honing the 964 platform to deliver the purest, most exhilarating air-cooled Porsche driving experience imaginable.

Thanks to an extensive programme of weight-saving measures, including the use of F1-grade carbon for all body panels, the R weighs in at under 1000kg and is powered by Theon Design’s most advanced powertrain yet: a spine-tingling, high-revving 500bhp+ 4.0-litre flat-six motor that drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.

Optimised for fast roads 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 this is in a wonderfully interactive, resolutely analogue package.

F1-Grade Carbon Construction 

The key to the R’s sub-1000kg kerb weight is using carbon fibre 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 digitised and modelled 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 restored over thousands of hours by Theon’s team of expert technicians.

The shell is imbued with modern levels of solidity thanks to a comprehensive course of seam welding, as well as the addition of Theon’s innovative use of carbon tubs, which are bonded to the chassis, dramatically improving torsional rigidity without adding undue weight.

These tubs, again developed in conjunction with a local F1 supplier—Theon Design is based in the heart of the UK’s Motorsport Valley—use the same carbon construction technology deployed in elite motorsport to transform chassis rigidity while weighing just 4kg each.

Coupled with the seam welding and other chassis enhancements, the R’s torsional rigidity is transformed vis-a-vis the original donor car. It is now on 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. This results in a purposeful, timeless design, now enhanced with a measured use of aesthetic and aerodynamically functional carbon.

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. In contrast, aero performance is enhanced underneath, thanks to an enclosed carbon ‘flat floor’. RS lightweight windows and minimal sound deadening further shave mass, 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, using a carbon outer ‘barrel’ with a metallic centrepiece.

Thanks to the standard fitment of carbon ceramic brakes, unsprung mass is further reduced. A 993 RS brake setup is also available. Bespoke body colours are available. The R displayed here is finished in Signal Orange with contrasting PORSCHE dark ‘ghost’ stripes down the sills and matching engine lid accents.

Howling High-Revving Heart, Motorsport-Bred Suspension Tech 

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+bhp – more than 125bhp per litre – while also making over 400Nm of torque. A drive-by-wire throttle system gives the 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, which emits a sound akin to that of a ‘70s RSR race car.

The flat-six drives the rear wheels through a short throw, a 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 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.

The R takes the dynamic ability of the Theon-developed 964 platform to exhilarating new heights thanks to the first use of a new Motion Control Suspension (MCS) system, using technology proven in multiple Porsche global racing series.

Featuring a bespoke MCS 3W damper, developed explicitly by MCS for the R, taking account of its unique weight and weight distribution, the triple-adjustable damper features external reservoirs, which allow for adjustment of the gas pressure in the damper. High-speed, low-speed, and rebound damping forces are independently adjustable, which, alongside unique valving, gives the Theon R an incredible depth of ability.

The R is more dynamic and focused than Theon’s existing Coupe and Targa models, with even sharper and more textured steering. The capability of the MCS 3W damper system enables the Theon R to devour twisty tarmac, from European mountain passes to Californian canyons, yet its wide range of adjustability also means it can be tuned for track use, becoming a super tied-down circuit machine at the twist of a dial. Knock the dampers back several settings, though; the car can also transform into a long-legged, complaint cruiser for the journey home.

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 £790,0000. Each car is a unique collaboration with the customer and takes 18 months to build. Production will be limited to 24 vehicles. The price excludes the donor car, shipping, and local taxes.