The formula for the 911 has not changed in decades. Same platform, engine layout, and everything else. And yet with every version, Porsche seems to improve an already marvelous piece of automotive beauty. The new fans and old purists would be equally happy with the new Porsche 911 R.
When you look at the Porsche 911 R, it will be easily recognizable as a Porsche 911. Under the bonnet, it is the same story.
The Porsche 911 R Upgrades
The 911 R sports a 4.0-liter flat six engine taken from the GT3 RS. It produces a very capable 493bhp and 339 lb-ft of torque. Delivering all that horsepower to the pavement is done via a six-speed manual transmission. The 911 R go from 0 to 62mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 201mph.
The 911 R borrows a lot of things from the GT3 and GT3 RS. It sports a carbon fibre hood, a magnesium roof, and rear-wheel steering. It also has a mechanical locking differential on the rear axle and uses the same wide tires and ceramic disk brakes as the RS.
What makes it different is that the 911 R was put on a very strict diet saving some 50kg in the process. The 911 R features plastic rear windows, the rear seats are missing, and you even have the option to forego the air conditioning unit and radio. The door handles have been replaced by pull straps and the front bucket seats are made of carbon-fibre.
The Porsche 911 “R” for Racing
It doesn’t have the fixed rear wing of the GT3 RS which is apparently is why the 911 R has a higher top speed. The fixed rear wing creates a lot of downforces which helps the GT3 RS with acceleration but not top speed. The rear wing has been replaced by a retractable rear spoiler and a redesigned diffuser configuration.
With all the weight savings and new improvements, the 911 R promises to live up to the “R” which stands for racing. Note that the racing stripes do come standard but can be removed.
Production will be limited to 991 units and will commence in May. The price for the 911 R is £136,901 which is around £5,000 more than the GT3 RS.
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