112 AUTOMOTIVE
BEL001 also features twin charge coolers , mounted – with typical Theon attention to detail - on the opposite side of the motor to the supercharger , ensuring the engine bay remains symmetrical . The units work in tandem with a neatly integrated water-methanol injection system - another predictably neat Theon Design solution ; the setup delivers all the additional cooling the car needs , while also boosting engine performance .
As Hawley explains : “ We opted for the charge coolers as they negate the need for an intercooler - challenging to package in a 964 ’ s compact engine bay . This setup means we can avoid adding air intake apertures to the bodywork , retain the super-clean , distinctly ‘ Theon ’ look that ’ s so important to us , both in the engine bay , and externally . The water-methanol solution adds an additional source of cooling , whilst also upping the octane rating of the fuel from 98 to 110 +, providing a significant increase in power , too .”
Such power and accessible torque in a car that tips the scales at 1265kg with all fluids and a full tank of fuel – thanks to the extensive programme of CAD assisted lightweighting – ensures a delightfully muscular delivery , and visceral , highly-responsive performance .
Driving through its original 911 ( 964 ) G50 five-speed manual gearbox – fully-rebuilt by Theon Design to deliver perfect shift quality – and a new limited-slip differential , the driver is given total control of the enthralling air-cooled powerplant . Theon Design also offers a comprehensive range of high-performance naturally-aspirated engine options – from 3.6-litre , 3.8-litre and 4.0-litre naturally aspirated configurations – along with turbocharged solutions , giving customers total choice .
TOTAL CONTROL , ON ROAD OR TRACK
As one might expect , with such abundant power and Theon ’ s well-known attention to detail , the team has gone to great lengths to deliver total dynamic control . The significant innovation here extends to the sophisticated suspension setup : BEL001 features switchable adaptive dampers .
Developed in conjunction with renowned experts TracTive , BEL001 ’ s damping has been exhaustively honed over countless hours on the undulating roads that surround Theon ’ s Oxfordshire base , as well as on track . The system offers exemplary dynamic composure ; the five switchable modes deliver a broad operating bandwidth , instantly adjustable via a bespoke , beautifully-integrated metal rotary switch , developed specially to preserve the minimalist , pared back look of the interior . The TracTive system ’ s five damping modes – carefully defined by Theon ’ s development engineers working conjunction with the geometry experts at Centre Gravity – give BEL001 enormous breadth of ability , making it at home on any road surface , whether a cobbled street , bumpy b-road , or , should the owner desire , the smooth , flat tarmac of a race track .
PRECISION MEETS BEAUTY
Theon ’ s enhancements continue with the body and construction . The classic 911 shape – for BEL001 finished in a stunning shade of ‘ Aquamarine ’, based on a historic 1950s Porsche 356 colour – is deftly honed by the team for the now signature Theon Design look . The lustrous paint work is complemented by subtle tonal stripes , while yellow PORSCHE script adorns the lower sides of the doors and the engine lid , lending the exterior a motorsport inspired edge .
The CAD modelled body – inspired by Porsche ’ s illustrious back catalogue – teams the ‘ long hood ’ of earlier 911s with the wider arches of a later ST or G-Series / 964 , for a perfectly proportioned 911 shape that is both delicate and purposeful .
The bodywork itself makes extensive use of carbon fibre – sourced from a leading F1 supplier , one of the numerous technological partnerships made possible by Theon ’ s prime location , in the heart of Britain ’ s ‘ Motorsport Valley ’. The carbon panels , as with all components on the car , are digitised and modelled in 3D design software to deliver an OEM-grade fit , working to the tightest possible tolerances .
The sympathetic enhancements continue beneath the carbon-fibre skin ; the wiring loom has been replaced with a simplified modern , solution , while the original airconditioning unit is swapped out for a new , efficient , lightweight unit . When the car left the factory , these items were mounted high up on the back of the engine . Theon Design replaced them with much more powerefficient units . They are now positioned low-down in the front of the car , which
THE ART OF LUXURY Issue 56 2023