Porsche’s 904 Carrera GTS isn’t just another pretty face from the ’60s — it’s the car that proved Stuttgart could take on endurance racing’s heavyweights with fiberglass (Porsche’s first), clever engineering, and sheer determination. Only 106 road-going examples left the factory between 1964 and 1965, and just three received the flat-eight engine derived from Formula 1. Now, Dutch startup Aerfal Automotive wants to recapture that experimental spirit with the Æ94, a modern interpretation built on the more attainable 914 platform.
The Flat-Eight Returns
Here’s where things get interesting. Rather than stuffing in a contemporary powerplant and calling it a day, Aerfal is reviving the 904’s rarest engine configuration — a flat-eight. Air-cooled, naturally aspirated, and decidedly analog, this bespoke mill will displace 4.0L (double the original’s 2.0) and produce 400hp. Development is reportedly being handled by U.K. engine specialists, with whispers pointing toward Porsche Motorsport supplier Cosworth’s involvement.
Built With the Right Partners
Aerfal isn’t going it alone. Porsche specialist Tuthill — the mad scientists behind the 11,000-rpm 911K and the all-wheel-drive LFG beach buggy — will handle chassis dynamics and suspension setup. Meanwhile, the 914 donor chassis gets reinforced by Multimatic while retaining its original VIN. Components from Brembo, Michelin, BBS, Bilstein, and Momo round out the build, ensuring the Æ94 can actually be a serious driver’s car.
Inside, French designer Alan Derosier (known for the Stratos-inspired Kiska APG-1) penned an interior that blends vegetable-tanned leather, titanium, and beeswax-treated surfaces with analog instrumentation. There’s even mention of a “prestigious watchmaker” developing the gauge cluster alongside a corresponding chronograph.
The 914 Foundation
Using the 914 as a base is a pragmatic decision. With nearly 119,000 units produced between 1969 and 1976, it’s infinitely more accessible than hunting down an original 904. More importantly, both cars share mid-engine DNA, making the 914 a logical starting point for what Aerfal envisions as the 904 that Porsche’s engineers might have built with today’s tools and construction methods. We’ll see what’s to come for this remarkable build.
Spec Sheet
Model: Aerfal Æ94
Engine: Air-cooled flat-eight, naturally aspirated flat-eight
Displacement: 4.0L
Power: 400 hp
Chassis: Reinforced Porsche 914 (original VIN retained)
Partners: Tuthill (suspension/dynamics), Multimatic (chassis), Cosworth (rumored engine development)
Components: Brembo brakes, Michelin tires, BBS wheels, Bilstein suspension, Momo steering wheel
Production: Render with limited production TBA
Pricing & Availability
Aerfal currently has the Æ94 in the rendering stage, with a prototype build on the horizon. Pre-orders will open soon, although pricing and production numbers remain under wraps. For those craving more details, keep tabs on Aerfal’s progress as this intriguing project develops.
Recap
Aerfal Automotive Æ94 Porsche
Dutch startup Aerfal Automotive is building a modern tribute to Porsche’s legendary 904 racer, called the Æ94, using the more affordable 914 as a donor chassis and equipping it with a bespoke 4.0-liter flat-eight engine making 400hp. Working with Porsche specialists like Tuthill and sourcing parts from top-tier suppliers, they’re aiming to capture what the 904 could have been if Porsche’s engineers had today’s tools — though it’s still in the rendering stage with pre-orders coming soon.
