Porsche unveiled the 911 R at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show, a sports car that instantly captured the hearts of purists and enthusiasts alike. This limited-edition model, with production capped at just 991 units, is a direct descendant of the iconic 1967 911 R, a car built for racing homologation and legendary for its performance in rallies and events like the Targa Florio. The new 911 R embodies the spirit of its predecessor by prioritizing lightweight construction, exhilarating performance, and an undiluted, engaging driving experience centered around a naturally aspirated engine and a manual transmission. It stands as a testament to Porsche’s unwavering commitment to emotional, high-performance sports cars in an era increasingly dominated by forced induction and automatic gearboxes.
The Heart of the 911 R: A Naturally Aspirated Masterpiece
At the core of the Porsche 911 R lies a potent four-litre, naturally aspirated flat-six engine, borrowed from the formidable 911 GT3 RS. This motorsport-derived engine is a high-revving marvel, producing a staggering 500 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 460 Nm of torque at 6,250 rpm. This powerplant delivers instant throttle response and a thrilling soundtrack that only a naturally aspirated engine can provide. It propels the 911 R from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a mere 3.8 seconds, showcasing its raw power and track-ready pedigree.
The Pure Driving Connection: Six-Speed Manual Transmission
In line with its purist philosophy, the 911 R is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual sports transmission. This gearbox is designed for driving enthusiasts who crave the tactile engagement and precise control that only a manual can offer. Short gearshift throws enhance the active driving experience, allowing drivers to fully immerse themselves in the car’s performance. The 911 R’s top speed is an impressive 323 km/h (201 mph), demonstrating its capabilities as a true high-performance machine. Despite its exhilarating performance, the 911 R achieves a combined fuel consumption of 13.3 l/100 km according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
Race-Derived Technology for Uncompromising Handling
The Porsche 911 R is engineered to excel in corners, benefiting from a specially calibrated standard rear-axle steering system. This technology provides exceptional turn-in agility and precise handling, while maintaining high-speed stability. A mechanical rear differential lock further enhances traction, ensuring optimal power delivery to the road. Braking performance is equally impressive, thanks to the standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB). These massive brakes, measuring 410 mm at the front and 390 mm at the rear, provide immense stopping power. Ultra-high-performance tires, sized 245 mm at the front and 305 mm at the rear, mounted on forged 20-inch lightweight wheels with central locking, ensure maximum grip and responsiveness.
Further enhancing the driving experience, the Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system has been specifically tuned for the 911 R, drawing on motorsport development expertise. A double-declutch function, activated at the touch of a button for seamless downshifts, is also included. For those seeking the ultimate in engine responsiveness, an optional single-mass flywheel is available, significantly improving engine spontaneity and high-revving dynamics. Despite its track-focused nature, the 911 R also offers practicality for everyday use, with an optional lift system that raises the front axle by approximately 30 mm at the touch of a button, improving ground clearance.
Lightweight Engineering: Stripped Down for Maximum Agility
The Porsche 911 R is a testament to lightweight engineering, tipping the scales at a mere 1,370 kilograms (3,020 lbs), a remarkable 50 kilograms lighter than the 911 GT3 RS. This weight reduction is achieved through the extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber for the bonnet and wings, and magnesium for the roof. These measures not only reduce overall weight but also lower the car’s center of gravity, enhancing handling and agility. The rear windscreen and rear side windows are made from lightweight plastic, further contributing to weight savings. Inside, reduced insulation and the omission of the rear seats contribute to the diet. Even optional features like the air conditioning system and the radio, including the audio system, were sacrificed in the pursuit of lightness.
Understated Aesthetics: A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
From the outside, the 911 R exudes a subtle and understated charm. Its bodywork largely resembles that of a standard Carrera, masking the high-performance technology beneath. Only the front and rear fascias, shared with the 911 GT3, hint at its motorsport origins in Flacht. While it lacks the fixed rear wing of the GT3 models, the 911 R features a retractable rear spoiler, similar to Carrera models, and a unique rear underbody diffuser to generate necessary downforce. The front and rear aprons are also derived from the 911 GT3. The sports exhaust system is crafted from lightweight titanium. A redesigned front spoiler lip further distinguishes the model. Porsche logos on the sides and optional continuous color stripes in red or green running over the car’s center section are a nod to its legendary ancestor.
Driver-Focused Interior: Heritage Meets Modernity
The interior of the 911 R is designed with the driver in mind, featuring carbon full bucket seats with Pepita tartan fabric center panels, a nostalgic reference to the first 911s of the 1960s. An “R-specific” GT sport steering wheel with a 360 mm diameter provides direct and communicative steering feedback. Gear changes are executed in traditional fashion via an R-specific short-throw gear lever and clutch pedal. Carbon trim strips in the interior, adorned with an embedded aluminum badge on the passenger side, denote the limited-edition nature of the 911 R. True to its GT lineage, the door openers are designed as fabric pull straps, further emphasizing the focus on weight reduction and motorsport inspiration.
Exclusivity and Pricing
The Porsche 911 R was an extremely limited production model, with only 991 units produced worldwide. Launched with a price tag of 189,544 euros in Germany, inclusive of VAT and country-specific features, the 911 R quickly became a highly sought-after collector’s item due to its unique blend of performance, purist driving experience, and limited availability. Orders for the 911 R commenced immediately upon its unveiling, with vehicles arriving in German showrooms starting in May 2016.
Fuel consumption and emissions data:
Cayman GT4: Fuel consumption combined 10.3 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 238 g/km
911 R: Fuel consumption combined 13.3 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 308 g/km
911 GT3: Fuel consumption combined 12.4 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 289 g/km
911 GT3 RS: Fuel consumption combined 12.7 l/100 km; CO2-emissions 296 g/km
