Porsche has unveiled the new 911 R at the ongoing 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The 911R employs a powerful 500 hp (368 kW) four-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine driving the rear wheels, a six-speed manual transmission, and a lightweight body. It will enjoy a limited production run of just 991 examples worldwide.
Like its predecessor, the new 911 R features lightweight construction and this special model has an overall weight of 1,370 kilograms making it the lightest version of the 911. Developed in the Motorsport workshop, the 911 R expands the spectrum of naturally-aspirated engines alongside the motor sport-inspired, track-bred models 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS.
In the rear of the 911 R sits the flat-six ‘boxer’ engine with a displacement of four-litres, familiar from the 911 GT3 RS. The race-bred engine dishes out 500 hp at 8,250 rpm and generates 460 Nm of twisting force at 6,250 rpm.
From standstill the 911 R touches the 60 mph mark in a mere 3.7 seconds thanks to the six-speed manual sports transmission. The car keeps accelerating to a potential top speed of 201 mph (323 km/h), and Combined NEDC fuel consumption is 21.2 mpg (13.3 l/100 km).
The 911 R comes fitted with rear-axle steering as standard which aids direct turn-in and precise handling is guaranteed while maintaining high stability. In addition, the mechanical rear limited slip differential ensures maximum traction.
The 911 R needs good anchors to ensure greatest possible deceleration and comes equipped with Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), also fitted as standard. The discs measure 410 mm diameter on the front axle and 390 mm on the rear. The 911 R rides on tyres of 245 mm width at the front and 305 mm width at the rear which are mounted on lightweight, forged aluminium wheels with centre-locking and matt-finish.
Motorsport development has adapted the control systems of the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) for the 911 R. A double-declutch function – activated by pressing a button – is also part of the repertoire of the 911 R.
While tipping the scales at an overall weight of 1,370 kg, the 911 R undercuts the 911 GT3 RS by 50 kg. The bonnet and front wheel-arches are made of carbon-fibre and the roof is magnesium, which reduces the centre of gravity. Rear windscreen and rear side windows are lightweight plastic. Additional weight-saving factors are the reduced sound insulation in the interior and the omission of a rear bench seat.
The new Porsche 911 R is available to order in Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland, priced from £136,901. Limited to 991 units worldwide, first UK deliveries are scheduled for June.