Geneva 2016: Porsche 911 R – Air Conditioning and Audio Optional

Those who have been frowning about Porsche not releasing a manual 911 GT3 RS now have a reason to be jumping in joy as the manufacturer has revealed a very special model for the purists in Geneva – called the 911 R. 

Paying tribute to the 1967 911 R, which was the first road-homologated race car, the new 911 R features a systematic lightweight construction, a high level of performance and an unfiltered driving experience.

Limited to 991 units worldwide, it is the lightest available version of the 911 at the moment, with a curb weight of just 1,370kg. Powered by a 500 hp four-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the 911 R kicks out 500 hp at 8,250 rpm and generates 458Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm.

All the lightweight components of the body and the complete chassis have been adopted from the 911 GT3. Road use being the priority, the 911 R does without the fixed rear wing characteristic of the 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS models. Instead, an automatically deployed rear spoiler, familiar from the 911 Carrera models, and a rear underbody diffuser specific to the 911 R provide the necessary downforce.

Porsche claims that the 911 R can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds and reach a top track speed of 321km/h. True to its purist character, the lightweight model is available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission featuring short, performance oriented gear ratios.

According to Porsche, the 911 R was designed with corners in mind, and that the specially tuned standard rear-axle steering offers direct turn-in response and precise handling while maintaining a high level of stability.

Inside, the 911 R is equipped with full bucket seats with carbon fiber backrests and seat centers upholstered in houndstooth design, paying homage to the original 911 of the 1960s.

Looking at purchasing a Porsche? Find one now at Carlist.my