THEON DESIGN UNVEILS ITS FIRST ITALIAN COMMISSION: ITA001
Theon Design has unveiled ITA001, the most recent custom Porsche 911 (964) order to leave its Oxfordshire facilities. A light all-carbon body, semi-active suspension, and a growling 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six transform the ITA001, which was built for the company's first Italian client, a discerning collector from Milan.
ITA001 is a client's dream of a Porsche 911 come true. As with all Theon Design commissions, it is a completely restored and improved machine that combines OEM+ design and engineering know-how with cutting-edge technology and manufacturing methods. The perfect air-cooled Porsche 911 driving experience is created by fusing these components with an obsession with detail and complete purity of intent.
"At Theon Design, we’re all obsessive about Porsche. We enhance these wonderful machines in a considered way, ensuring our work is in keeping with the brand’s ethos," explains Theon Co-Founder Adam Hawley. "We use the word ‘enhance’ deliberately, going to great lengths to make sure that the unique air-cooled Porsche feel is preserved; just distilled to make the driving experience all that more intoxicating. Our mission is to elevate the air-cooled 911 to all-new levels of performance and dynamic ability – while ensuring the car retains that endlessly beguiling Porsche DNA."
Once again, the Porsche 911 (964) serves as the foundation of ITA001, this time in the form of a Carrera 4 Coupé. The donor vehicle was meticulously restored after being taken down to its bare metal. The body is entirely made of carbon, and to guarantee a perfect fit, each panel was digitally captured and modelled in 3D design software. Although ITA001 is exquisitely finished and equipped, it weighs only 1152kg when all fluids are aboard thanks to the stiffening and weight-saving effects of the carbon body panels.
A lighter, aerospace-grade wiring loom is carefully threaded through the reinforced body shell. Modern dual air-conditioning compressors and a brand-new electric power steering pump are moved to the front of the vehicle and placed low to get the best weight distribution. These are just a few examples of how Theon Design paid close attention to every part of the car.
The powerful air-cooled 4.0-liter engine, a flat-six piece of art with 400 bhp at 7500 rpm and 315 lb/ft at 6250 rpm, has received the same attention. A drive-by-wire throttle is added to provide better, razor-sharp reaction. Theon Design, based in the nation's renowned "Motorsport Valley," is well-positioned to work with other top suppliers. The engine also includes independent throttle bodies that were created in collaboration with British experts Jenvey.
Also, ITA001 has a brand-new high-performance plenum based on the one found on the 997 GT3, and a dual mass flywheel makes sure that the flat-six engine will respond quickly while staying calm under normal driving conditions. The ITA001's roaring engine sends power to the back wheels through a real Porsche 993 RS six-speed gearbox, one of only 1104 made. The switchable, fully ceramic-coated exhaust is also a feature of the vehicle. An RS gear shifter enhances the six-speed transmission's signature Porsche shifts by making them even quicker and more direct.
The 993 RS brake setup as a whole keeps with the Porsche Motorsport theme and gives ITA001 great pedal feel and response, as well as reliable stopping power that doesn't fade. The carefully chosen gearbox and a 993 RS limited-slip differential work together to give the car the traction and control that are typical of Porsches.
Sharp-edged responsiveness and speed are added to ITA001 in a manner that is characteristic of Theon: always thoughtful and in line with the Porsche ethos.
To guarantee that ITA001 handles with contemporary sophistication, Theon Design also used its usual laser-focused strategy. Thanks to a switchable, five-stage TracTive Active Controlled Electronics (ACE) damping system that has been meticulously calibrated over countless test miles to perform flawlessly in a wide range of driving conditions, there is a transformed breadth of dynamic ability.
The legendary Porsche 911's usability has reached new heights. ITA001 is completely at home whether travelling at high speed along a broad length of autostrada or tearing up a rutted hillside road in Tuscany. Additionally, a hydraulic nose-lift device makes sure that steep driveways and speed bumps are not a problem.
From the standpoint of exterior design, Hawley and his team once again meticulously attend to every detail to guarantee that each contract has a stunningly balanced, flawlessly resolved Porsche 911 stance that is both attractive and functional.
The ITA001's all-carbon body is painted in the traditional Porsche colour Schwartz Black, which was popular in the 1970s. It also has small grey "Ghost" stripes and PORSCHE written along the sills. The champagne-colored "petals" and outer rims of the 18" Fuchs wheels, which fit perfectly in the carefully sculpted arches, are the perfect match for the rich paintwork. The vehicle has a sophisticated look that is completed by satin carbon fibre trim details.
Inside Theon Design's unwavering commitment to handcrafted, bespoke quality is also immediately apparent. The supportive Recaro "touring" chairs on the fast-road-tourist-oriented ITA001 are covered in plush, soft tobacco Bridle leather. For a contemporary, motorsport edge, the interior's satin carbon is replicated on the exterior. The custom back touring seats on ITA001 were designed with the Porsche 928 rear buckets in mind. Once more, Theon Design has improved imaginatively while steadfastly adhering to the "Porsche" philosophy.
A powerful Focal six speaker stereo is cleverly incorporated under the front passenger seat, providing superior audio performance should the occupants ever grow weary of the sonorous flat-six. This adds to the creature comforts of modern life. Smartphones that fit into a magnetic wireless charging slot on the woven leather dash can easily operate the system via Bluetooth, maintaining the interior's simple, classic design.
"We’re delighted to reveal ITA001 to the world," continues Adam Hawley, Theon Design Co-Founder. "It retains the air-cooled enthralling 911’s charm, but blends it with modern, focused performance and dynamic ability; it’s a classic 911 with an addictive dose of modern GT3 thrown in.”
"We’ve applied Theon Design’s signature blend of cutting-edge automotive technology, OEM grade design and manufacturing techniques, along with British hand-crafted quality – all fused together by a team obsessed with achieving air-cooled Porsche perfection. The results speak for themselves; we’ve nailed the customer’s brief and delivered a classily stylish, almost understated 911 - with thrilling, modern performance that’s anything but."
Commissions from Theon Design commence at £380,000. It takes 18 months to construct each car, which is a completely unique collaboration with the customer. Price does not include local taxes, shipping, or the donor vehicle.
Discover more: Theon Design
