Just when you thought that Porsche is taking the 911 name a bit too far into generic-car-land, they spring a rather delightful surprise. In the newly launched 911 R that was just recently unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show, we have a fire-breathing purist sports car complete with six-speed manual gearbox to control 500hp out to the rear tyres.
The 911 R is firmly in the tradition of its historic role model: a road-homologated racing car from 1967. Produced as part of a limited production series, the 911 R (R for Racing) performed in rallies, in the Targa Florio and in world record runs. Like its legendary predecessor, the new 911 R relies on systematic lightweight construction, maximum performance and an unfiltered driving experience: this special limited-edition model of 991 units has an overall weight of 1,370 kilograms and is currently the lightest version of the 911; it also undercuts the GT3 RS by 50 kilograms.
At work in the rear of the 911 R is the six-cylinder flat engine with a displacement of four litres, familiar from the 911 GT3 RS. The racing engine delivers 500hp at 8,250rpm and generates 460Nm at a speed of 6,250rpm.
From a standing start, the rear-engined car breaks through the 100 km/h barrier in 3.8 seconds. Maximum speed is 323 km/h. Meanwhile, combined fuel consumption is claimed to be 13.3 l/100km.
It may promise to be a purist sports car, but there are some modern touches – major ones, the better to carve a tighter corner. Rear-axle steering is standard while the rear differential lock is mechanical. Also standard is the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) made up of 410mm discs up front and 390mm at the rear.
Ultra-High Performance Tyres of size 245 millimetres at the front and 305 millimetres at the rear are responsible for contact to the road. They are mounted on forged 20-inch lightweight wheels with central lock in matt aluminium.
Bonnet and wings are made of carbon and the roof of magnesium. This reduces the centre of gravity for the vehicle. Rear windscreen and rear side windows consist of lightweight plastic. Needless to say, weight is important in the way that it is avoided. As such air-conditioning is optional, as with the audio system too.
The driver sits in a carbon full bucket seat with fabric centre panels in Pepita tartan design, recalling the first 911 in the 1960s. Carbon trim strips in the interior with an embedded aluminium badge on the front passenger’s side indicate the limited number of the 911 R. Pull straps as door openers? Of course.
And the price – 189,544 Euros. The order books are open now.
