In 1962, the brothers Erwin and Manfred Kremer founded the company E & M Kremer GmbH in Cologne. They quickly specialized in the Porsche brand and were the first team to race the new "911" on international race tracks. The name Porsche Kremer quickly became synonymous with successful motorsport with vehicles from Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
While the first cars were still quite close to series production, the basic product was increasingly modified. It all began with the Group 5 conversions K1 from 1976 through to the legendary tubular frame K4 from 1981, during which time four European championships, the German DRM racing championship in 1979 and several Porsche Cups were won. The highlight was certainly the overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1979 with the Porsche Kremer 935 K3.
In 1981, a Porsche 917K was entered in Le Mans, modified but basically still the same racing car that had won the 24 Hours ten years earlier.
After the end of the extremely permissive Group 5, the focus shifted to the Group C sports cars. Kremer further developed the Porsche 956 and 962, which were used to winning, into the CK 5 to K 8 versions.
After having built a modern new factory building in Cologne-Bilderstöckchen in 1973, the decision was made in 1990 to build a new Porsche Center on the right bank of the Rhine in Cologne and to give up motorsport. The Kremer brothers decided to remain committed to the sport - the Porsche Center was not built.
Kremer concentrated all his efforts on the World Sports Car Championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Interseries, naturally with Porsche cars. The numerous successes made the racing team the best private team in the world.
In 1994, Kremer Racing took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a Kremer K8 Spyder built in-house in the legendary Gulf colors and finished in 6th place. In 1995, the Cologne-based team won the 24 Hours of Daytona with the Porsche Spyder K8 and contested the 24 Hours of Le Mans on behalf of and with the full support of the Porsche factory, again finishing in 6th place.
In over 30 years of active racing, more than 200 drivers from more than 20 nations on all continents of the world competed in Kremer racing cars. Among the drivers registered with Kremer Racing were such greats as Bob Wollek, Klaus Ludwig, Mario Andretti, Keke Rosberg, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Derek Bell, Prince Leopold of Bavaria, Rolf Stommelen, Hans Heyer and Manfred Winkelhock, to name but a few.
With the death of company co-founder Erwin Kremer in October 2006, the company was due for a reorientation. Thanks to the many years of technical experience of the proven team, Porsche Kremer now concentrated more on the construction, restoration and support on the racetrack of historic racing and sports cars, naturally with a focus on Porsche.
Handover of the business to Eberhard Baunach
In August 2010, founder Manfred Kremer handed over his company, E & M Kremer GmbH, to Eberhard Baunach, owner of Ebi-Racing, also based in Cologne and very successful in historic motorsport, with the task of continuing "his legacy" and the Kremer name in the long term and to continue the high standards that the "Kremer Racing" brand has stood for all over the world for over 55 years. A rather unusual takeover, because in this case a satisfied customer became the new owner.
When Baunach took over Porsche Kremer in 2010, he first had to reduce the investment backlog. One of the most powerful engine and complete vehicle test benches in Europe enables the company to test and tune all-wheel drive vehicles with outputs of up to 1000 hp. In the meantime, 11 employees work on vehicles of all makes, because despite its racing operations, Kremer is also a normal independent automotive workshop for all makes, specializing in Porsche, of course.
In modern motorsport, especially on the Nürburgring, the "new" company Porsche Kremer Racing was quickly able to reconnect with old traditions. Top placings in endurance races and a class victory in the 2012 24-hour race in the anniversary year show that nothing has been forgotten.
"But motorsport alone is not enough for us. We embarked on the Kremer K3R adventure as a tribute to the unique history of our company and as the start of a new era," explains Baunach. Initially in the racing version for the racetrack and competition, which has quickly become a fan favorite at endurance races on the Nordschleife since 2016.
Since 2017, the road version K3R (the "R" stands for "Road") has cleared all TÜV hurdles for normal approval. This means that cars developed by Kremer are finally driving on public roads again.
The technology of the Kremer K3R - in a racing car with the "new" look
In October 2014, work began on converting one of the successful Kremer 997 GT3KRs from the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nürburgring to the typical Group 5 look with its extreme aerodynamics. Initial outings in the 2016 season showed the potential of this solution.
A great deal of detailed work was carried out to solve all possible problems, e.g. with the cooling of the brakes.
The first road car
After the 2016 racing season, the 997 GT3 Cup built for cab rides with customers was also converted to K3R technology. This development vehicle was used for the lengthy approval procedures. Almost self-evident conflicts of objectives between an uncompromising racing car and everyday requirements for light, visibility and safety had to be gradually worked through in many hours of coordination with the TÜV.
In 2017, the task was completed: the first Kremer K3R based on a Porsche 997 met all the requirements of the authorities and was approved for road use.
Continuous further development
Following the test vehicle for the approval procedure based on a GT3 Cup, the next K3R is currently being built on the basis of a standard Porsche 997 Turbo. This will make this super sports car more suitable for everyday use than the first version, which is intended for customers who want to take part in race training with road-legal "ring tools".
The technology of the Kremer K3R
- Bodywork
Aerodynamic conversion based on the Group 5 body shape of the legendary Kremer-Porsche 935 K3 from 1979. Flat body with approx. 120 kg higher downforce compared to the production car. With dimensions (LxWxH) of 5025 mm x 1970 mm x 1295 mm, a representative of the "length runs" philosophy combined with a very beefy appearance from all perspectives. - Engine
The engine equipment depends on the use of the base vehicle. The proven drive unit of the Porsche 997 Turbo comes as standard in the basic version. Performance upgrades by Kremer Racing up to approx. 800 hp are possible. An engine and gearbox revision is offered and recommended as part of the conversion. - Suspension
Specially tuned sports suspension with approx. 70 mm ground clearance. Optional lift suspension with plus/minus 55 mm height adjustment. The chassis development and final tuning took place on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring. - Wheels
Standard equipment: BBS three-piece VA 9 J x 19 - HA 11 J x 19 - Tires
Basic equipment: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 - VA 245/35 ZR 19 - HA 325/30 ZR 19 - Interior equipment
In the basic version, the entire interior retains the familiar look of the 997 Turbo. On request, individualization with e.g. roll cage, sports seats, special applications in leather, fabric, Alcantara or wood. In general, all modifications that can be approved can be realized.
