This Is The Long Awaited Porsche 911 R

After more than a year’s long wait, and a leak before the reveal, Porsche debuted the new 911 R at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show early this morning.

The original 911 R, produced in 1967, was Porsche’s attempt at homologating the highly successful 911S and 911T of that era. However, Porsche’s market research indicated that “selling the 500 units necessary for homologation couldn’t be done profitably, so the 23 911Rs built (including three prototypes) were destined to finish their competition careers in non-production categories or as rally cars where homologation wasn’t necessary.¹”

While the new 911 R is set to be a limited production model (only 991 examples will be produced world wide) it is unlikely that Porsche will have any problem selling them.

Specifications of the new Porsche 911 R

The new 911 R is powered by a 500 hp four-liter naturally aspirated flat six engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission (no PDK available). The race-bred powertrain delivers 500 hp at 8,250 rpm and generates 338 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,250 rpm. The 911 R can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 3.7 seconds and reach a top track speed of 200 miles per hour.

Featuring rear-axle steering, this specially tuned standard system is said to deliver direct turn-in response and precise handling while maintaining a high level of stability. Equipped with a mechanical rear differential lock and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system as standard, ultra-high performance tires measuring 245 millimeters at the front and 305 millimeters at the rear provide grip and are mounted on forged, lightweight 20-inch wheels with a matte aluminum finish and center locking hubs.

Additionally, the standard Porsche Stability Management (PSM) feature has been specifically calibrated for the 911 R by Porsche’s motorsport department as has the rev match feature which can be activated at the touch of a button. Optionally, a single-mass flywheel is available as is a front-axle lift system (it can increase the ground clearance of the front axle by approximately 1.2 inches at the touch of a button).

What Does The New Porsche 911 R Weigh?

Like its legendary predecessor, the new 911 R features a systematic lightweight construction process (bringing the weight down to 3021 lbs, 110 lbs lighter than the GT3 RS). On the original, it was fiberglass, this time it’s more hi-tech. The front luggage compartment lid and the front fenders are made of carbon fiber, while the roof is made of magnesium. These features both reduce weight and lower the car’s center of gravity. Reduced interior insulation and the omission of rear seats also help to reduce weight. Like Porsche’s other “driver” car options, the 911 R comes standard without an air conditioning or audio system. However, both can be ordered at no extra charge.

The only outward difference to the standard 911 Carrera is the front fascia and rear body. However, like the engined, all the lightweight components of the body and the complete chassis have been adopted from the 911 GT3 as have the front and rear fascia components.

The Sport Exhaust System is made of lightweight titanium, as is the case for the 911 GT3 RS. A redesigned spoiler lip is installed at the front. Optional Porsche logos on the side of the vehicle and color stripes in red or green running over the center of the car display the connection to its legendary predecessor.

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.

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. A 911 R-specific GT Sport steering wheel measuring 14.1 inches in diameter provides driver input to the wheels. Gearshifts are carried out via a shortened, R-specific gear lever. Carbon fiber interior trim strips with an embedded aluminum badge on the passenger side indicate the limited production number of the 911 R. Lastly, like other weight saving models before it, the conventional interior door handles are replaced with fabric door opening loops.

Porsche 911 R Availability and Pricing

The 2016 Porsche 911 R can be ordered now.

• In the United States, the new 911 R will reach dealers this summer. The starting MSRP is $184,900, excluding the $1,050 destination charge.
• In Canada, the 911 RwWill arrive in the late third quarter of 2016 with pricing starting at $211,000.
• In Germany the new Porsche 911 R will be in the showrooms as of May. Inclusive of value added tax and country-specific features, it costs 189,544 euros.
• We’ll update additional country pricing and availability as we receive it.

UPDATE: The Porsche 911 R by the Numbers. Watch and Listen as Porsche’s Andreas Preuniger explains why Porsche built this limited edition driver’s car and what you to expect from it.

¹The Revs Institute