Bringing modern motorsport technology into a classic Porsche chassis has always been something we believe in. The challenge is not simply adding more technology—it is integrating that technology in a way that feels right for the car, enhances the driving experience, and preserves the character that makes the air-cooled Porsche 993 so special.
That philosophy made the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo an ideal project for JQ Werks.
For this limited-production program, we developed a fully bespoke MADTRACE® CAN bus Racing Steering Wheel System engineered specifically around the GXR-Evo and its MoTeC electronics.
15 GXR-Evos. 15 bespoke racing steering wheel systems.
Introducing the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo
The Gunther Werks GXR-Evo is a track-focused interpretation of the Porsche 911’s air-cooled 993 chassis and the most extreme naturally aspirated vehicle developed by Gunther Werks to date.
Rather than simply increasing power, the GXR-Evo takes a complete motorsport approach to performance. Weight reduction, aerodynamics, chassis development, driver controls, braking, and vehicle electronics have all been treated as parts of one integrated system.
The vehicle features a full carbon-fiber body and weighs approximately 2,386 pounds—around 210 pounds lighter than the standard Gunther Werks Coupe. Every exterior surface is shaped around aerodynamic performance, from the extended front splitter and dive planes to the ventilated front fenders and aggressive rear aero package.
At the rear, a large high-downforce wing works together with an extensive diffuser. A central shark-fin structure replaces the conventional rear window to improve high-speed stability, while carbon-fiber air ducts integrated into the rear-quarter window areas direct air toward the engine.
The result is not simply a restyled 993. It is a purpose-built track platform that uses the 993 chassis as the foundation for an entirely different level of performance.
Naturally Aspirated Power and a Manual Transmission
At the center of the GXR-Evo is a Rothsport-developed, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter air-cooled flat-six producing approximately 455 horsepower.
The engine revs to nearly 9,000 rpm, delivering the immediate response, mechanical character, and progressive power delivery that define a high-revving naturally aspirated engine. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a heavily developed Getrag G50 six-speed manual transmission.
In a vehicle weighing less than 2,400 pounds, the combination of a 4.0-liter air-cooled flat-six, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission creates an experience centered entirely around driver involvement.
There are no unnecessary layers between the driver and the vehicle. Every input matters, and every control must provide an equally direct response.
A Chassis Developed for the Track
The GXR-Evo’s chassis has also been comprehensively developed to support its increased performance.
The vehicle features a motorsport-inspired double-wishbone front suspension configuration, three-way adjustable remote-reservoir dampers, Brembo Pista braking components, and lightweight magnesium center-lock wheels.
Its track-focused equipment extends beyond the suspension and braking systems. The GXR-Evo also incorporates race-grade ABS, an integrated pneumatic air-jack system, a carbon-Kevlar racing seat, six-point harnesses, a reinforced roll-cage structure, electronic fire suppression, and a driver helmet-cooling system.
Because the rear aero configuration restricts conventional rearward visibility, the vehicle uses an electronic rearview mirror system.
The cabin is intentionally reduced to the essentials, but those essentials are supported by modern motorsport electronics. MoTeC displays provide the driver with critical vehicle information, lap data, and system feedback in a focused racing environment.
It is within this environment that the JQ Werks MADTRACE® system becomes a central part of the vehicle.
Developed Specifically for the GXR-Evo
This was not a universal steering wheel adapted to fit the GXR-Evo.
The MADTRACE® system was developed specifically for the vehicle from the ground up. Its control layout, electronic integration, CAN bus communication, and overall configuration were engineered around the requirements of the GXR-Evo program
This bespoke approach allowed us to treat the steering wheel as a complete driver interface rather than an isolated component.
The position of each control must feel natural from the driver’s seat. The system must communicate reliably with the vehicle. The visual design must complement the rest of the cabin. Every part must work together as one cohesive package.
For a vehicle produced at this level, a generic solution was never an option.
Designed Around the Gunther Werks Design Language
Beyond its electronic integration, the steering wheel was carefully developed to reflect the established design language of Gunther Werks. This was not achieved through colors and branding alone. We incorporated numerous vehicle-specific design elements, surface transitions, and precision-machined details throughout the assembly, giving the system the visual depth and craftsmanship expected within the GXR-Evo.
Particular attention was given to the Base Hub and Front Plate. Both components feature layered surfaces, defined contours, machined transitions, and small details that reveal themselves from different viewing angles. These elements allow the steering wheel to complement the GXR-Evo’s combination of exposed engineering, carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and motorsport-focused functionality.
Every line and surface was considered as part of the complete interior. The result is a steering wheel system that does not simply carry the Gunther Werks identity—it feels as though it was designed alongside the vehicle from the beginning.
Direct Integration with the MoTeC System
At the center of the project is the integration between the MADTRACE® Racing Steering Wheel System and the GXR-Evo’s MoTeC electronics.
The steering wheel communicates through the vehicle’s CAN bus architecture. This provides a direct relationship between the steering wheel, the MoTeC system, and the vehicle functions assigned to the driver interface.
Direct CAN bus communication delivers the fast, consistent response required in motorsport applications while allowing the installation to remain clean and purpose-built.
More importantly, it allows the steering wheel to become a genuine part of the vehicle’s electronic ecosystem.
The control logic was developed around the GXR-Evo rather than forcing the vehicle to work around a pre-existing steering wheel system. This level of integration is what transforms the steering wheel from an accessory into a properly engineered vehicle component.
Fifteen Cars, Fifteen Bespoke Systems
The GXR-Evo program is limited to only 15 examples, and every vehicle will receive its own bespoke JQ Werks MADTRACE® Racing Steering Wheel System.
15 GXR-Evos. 15 individually prepared steering wheel systems.
Each system represents the same level of attention required throughout the rest of the vehicle. From electronic configuration and CAN bus integration to final assembly and testing, every unit is prepared specifically for its application.
Limited production does not reduce the engineering requirement. It increases it.
When only 15 examples will exist, every component becomes part of the identity of the program. There is no room for an off-the-shelf solution that is merely close enough.
The Public Debut of Our Bespoke MADTRACE® CAN Bus System
This project also marks the first time we have publicly revealed the JQ Werks MADTRACE® CAN bus Racing Steering Wheel System developed specifically for the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo.
For us, this represents more than the introduction of a new steering wheel.
It demonstrates what the MADTRACE® platform can become when it is developed as part of the vehicle from the beginning. The system combines bespoke physical design, vehicle-specific programming, and direct integration with advanced motorsport electronics in one complete driver interface.
This is the direction we believe modern performance steering wheel systems should take: deeper integration, more thoughtful design, and engineering that respects the character of the vehicle.
Built for an Extraordinary Interpretation of the 993
The Gunther Werks GXR-Evo brings contemporary engineering and motorsport capability into one of the most iconic Porsche chassis ever created.
Our role was to develop a steering wheel system that followed the same philosophy—modern in capability, bespoke in execution, and respectful of the car beneath it.
The result is a purpose-built MADTRACE® CAN bus Racing Steering Wheel System engineered specifically for the GXR-Evo and fully integrated with its MoTeC electronics.
Not adapted. Not universal. Developed for the vehicle from the ground up.
A modern motorsport interface for an extraordinary interpretation of the Porsche 993.
JQ Werks is proud to be part of the Gunther Werks GXR-Evo program.