Porsche has presented its new 911 R pure-bred sports car in Geneva.
The new limited edition 911 R is inspired by its historic namesake, a road-homologated racing car from 1967. Produced as part of a limited production series, the original 911 R was campaigned in road races of the period, such as the Tour de France and Targa Florio, and also in world record runs.
Limited to just 991 examples worldwide, the 2016 model is powered by a 500 hp (368 kW) four-litre naturally-aspirated flat-six engine driving the rear wheels, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.
Like its predecessor, the new 911 R features a systematic lightweight construction and a ‘devotion to maximum performance’ - the special model has an overall weight of 1,370 kilograms making it the lightest version of the 911. 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 while additional weight-saving factors include reduced sound insulation in the interior and the omission of a rear bench seat. The optional air conditioning system and the audio system also hint at the 911’s slimming regime.
All the lightweight components of the body and the complete chassis originate from the 911 GT3. However, with a view to road use, the body does not have the fixed rear wing familiar with that model. Instead, a retractable rear spoiler shared with the Carrera models and a bespoke aerodynamic diffuser beneath the rear underbody provides the necessary downforce. The front and rear apron were also borrowed from the 911 GT3, with a re-designed spoiler lip installed on the front. The sports exhaust system consists of the lightweight construction material titanium.
From a standing start, 0-60 mph is possible in 3.7 seconds on to a top speed of 201 mph. Fuel consumption is 21.2 mpg on the combined cycle. Stopping power comes from Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB), also fitted as standard. Ultra High Performance Tyres of 245 mm width at the front and 305 mm width at the rear provide ‘assured contact’ with the road which are mounted on lightweight, forged aluminium wheels with centre-locking and matt-finish. For everyday versatility, a lift system can also be ordered, raising ground clearance of the front axle by approximately 30mm at the touch of a button.
Continuous coloured stripes in red or green over the entire mid-section of the vehicle provide a visual cue to the its 1967 predecessor. A further leitmotif is provided by the ‘Porsche’ script along each side of the vehicle. The driver and front passenger sit in a carbon-fibre bucket seat, trimmed with bespoke fabric centre panels in Pepita tartan design, a nod to the first 911 in the 1960s. Fabric pull straps on each door are a familiar hint to the focused intent of all 911 models from the GT department.
Ahead of the driver sits an R-specific 360 mm diameter GT sport steering wheel, and a short shift gearlever. Underlining the special nature of this limited production model, carbon trim strips in the interior with an embedded aluminium badge on the passenger's side indicate the limited number of each 911 R.
The new Porsche 911 R is available to order now, priced from £136,901 OTR with first UK deliveries are scheduled for June.