The Porsche 904 Carrera GTS wasn't just another pretty face from the 1960s. It was a car that proved that Stuttgart could beat the big players in endurance racing with a little fiberglass (used for the first time at the time), ingenious engineering and tenacity. Only 106 were built between 1964 and 1965, and only three of them had the rare Formula 1-derived V8.
Now a Dutch startup Aerfal Automotive with the model Æ94 revives this rebellious spirit – with a somewhat surprising basis: instead of the exotic 904, they chose the more accessible Porsche 914.
Eight cylinders, twice the displacement
The most exciting part of the project is the engine. Aerfal has not opted for a generic modern powerplant, but rather has brought back the almost mythologically rare configuration of the original 904: air-cooled, naturally aspirated eight-cylinder boxerThis time with a volume of 4.0 liters (twice as much as the original) and a capacity of 400 horsepower.
The development is said to be led by British experts, among whom there are even rumors of the participation of the famous Cosworth - a name that means exactly what "Rolex" means in the world of motorsport in the world of watchmaking.
Partners from the top of the automotive world
Aerfal is not taking on the project alone. The chassis and dynamics are being developed by the renowned Tuthill, known for the brutally fast 911K and the exotic LFG off-road project. The chassis reinforcement of the Porsche 914 will be taken over by Multimatic, while the original VIN will be preserved.
For the components, they turned to names that need no introduction: Brembo for brakes, Michelin for tires, BBS for rims, Bilstein for suspension and Momo behind the wheel. So it's a choice that clearly shows that the Æ94 will not just be a "chic restomod", but a real driving machine.
The interior as an exhibition of modern crafts
The interior was designed by a French designer Alan Derosier, known for its respectful revival of classic sports cars. The Æ94 combines vegetable-tanned leather, titanium and waxed surfaces. The instruments remain analogue – a rarity in today’s age of digital displays – but the surprises don’t end there. The gauges will be designed by a prestigious watchmaker, who are also preparing a companion chronograph. Because why look at a watch if it doesn’t also measure your revs?
Why the Porsche 914?
The answer is pragmatic. The original 904 is practically impossible to find, while the Porsche 914 was produced in almost 1969-1976. 119,000 copiesBoth have a mid-engine, so the 914 is a logical and more accessible base. Aerfal sees it as a canvas on which to create a 904, the kind of car that engineers in Stuttgart might actually create with today's tools and methods.
Aerfal Æ94 – technical characteristics
- Model: Airfal Æ94
- Engine: Air-cooled naturally aspirated eight-cylinder boxer
- Volume: 4.0 liters
- Power: 400 HP
- The basis: Reinforced Porsche 914 (original VIN preserved)
- Partners: Tuthill (chassis), Multimatic (chassis), Cosworth (unofficially for engine)
- Components: Brembo, Michelin, BBS, Bilstein, Momo
- Phase: Currently in renderings, prototype coming
- Production: Limited edition (number not yet revealed)
Price? A secret for now
Aerfal is not yet revealing its pricing policy, but one thing is clear: it won't be cheap. Pre-orders are opening soon, and a prototype is already in the works. For anyone who appreciates analog brutality, aesthetic perfectionism, and automotive romanticism, the Æ94 will likely be one of the most desirable projects of the coming years.
Summary: The 904 that Porsche never built
Startup Aerfal Automotive builds Æ94, a modern reinterpretation Porsche 904 Carrera GTS, based on the 914. With a unique air-cooled 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine and the support of specialists from the world of motorsport, they want to create a car that Porsche engineers would be happy to sign today.
