In a move that has captured the attention of car enthusiasts worldwide, Runge Cars of Minnesota has unveiled an extraordinary engineering achievement — a 5.3-liter air-cooled flat-eight engine designed to fit within the body of a classic Porsche 964.
This creation, called The Hetzer, represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, power, and heritage — a bridge between the analog era of Porsche’s golden years and today’s modern engineering precision. Visit Runge Cars Official Website
A Modern Homage to Classic Engineering
Runge Cars is best known for hand-built machines that echo the artistry of the 1950s and 1960s race cars, and the Hetzer engine embodies that philosophy perfectly.
Machined from billet aluminum and featuring air-cooled architecture, it brings a refreshing twist to a powertrain landscape dominated by electrification.
The flat-eight displaces 5.3 liters, producing an estimated 600 horsepower — all while maintaining the raw, mechanical purity of classic Porsche engines.
What makes this project remarkable is that the engine isn’t just a display of engineering muscle. It’s designed to fit directly into a 964-generation Porsche 911, transforming one of the most iconic air-cooled chassis into a high-revving, eight-cylinder beast.
Precision, Performance, and Passion
The Hetzer’s configuration — a horizontally opposed flat-eight — offers inherent balance, reduced vibration, and a low center of gravity, key elements of Porsche’s design DNA.
But Runge’s execution takes things further, combining modern CNC machining, lightweight alloys, and hand-assembled detailing that push the limits of what’s possible in bespoke car manufacturing.
Every detail has been refined for both form and function: velocity stacks, mechanical throttle bodies, and a cooling system that channels air with surgical precision.
In a world of EVs and automation, Runge’s creation is a reminder that automotive artistry still thrives in the hands of passionate engineers.
Reimagining the 964
The Porsche 964 has long been celebrated for its classic silhouette and connection to the early 911 lineage. With this new flat-eight, it evolves into something extraordinary — an air-cooled supercar that pays tribute to the brand’s heritage while rewriting its performance potential.
Enthusiasts speculate that this engine may also power Runge’s own mid-engine supercar, the R3, merging bespoke craftsmanship with explosive performance.
A Symbol of Revival
Runge Cars’ commitment to traditional craftsmanship in an increasingly digital automotive world has earned it cult status among collectors and builders.
The Hetzer is more than an engine — it’s a statement of mechanical art, where innovation and nostalgia coexist beautifully.
For those who crave a driving experience defined by sound, smell, and soul rather than silence, the Runge flat-eight is the ultimate dream realized in metal and motion.
