'Purists goal' for Porsche 911 R 01 | 03 | 2016
PORSCHE HAS LIFTED the wraps from its new 911 R, and highlighted that its back-to-basics model is aimed squarely at purists. It's also limited to 991 models globally (Read our roadtest of the Porsche Macan S).
With a top speed of 201mph, and a 0-62mph time of 3.8secs, the 911 R costs £136,901 with first deliveries due in Scotland early next year.
Aimed at delivering simple driving pleasure rather than all-out lap time potential, the 493bhp rear-wheel-drive 911 R takes inspiration from the classic 911 R. That modelwas produced in limited numbers in 1967 as part of a homologation process for Porsche’s sportscar racing programme.
Related: New Porsche Boxster — new name, new look
Power for the new stripped-down, two-seat R comes from the naturally aspirated 4.0-litre horizontally opposed petrol engine used by the 911 GT3 RS. It's also fitted with a specially developed, short-throw six-speed manual gearbox linked to a bespoke set of ratios.
And if you fancy an auto 'box, forget it: the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox fitted to the GT3 RS isn’t available even as an option.
The 911 R — which uses a reworked version of the chassis used in the GT3 — includes rear-wheel steering and carbon-ceramic brakes featuring 410mm discs up front and 390mm discs at the rear.
Sharing much of its body with the GT3 — including its plastic bumpers and sills — the 911 R is fitted with a carbonfibre bonnet and front wings. It also has the magnesium roof and plastic side windows fitted in the GT3 RS.
Weight-savings have been made in the cabin. Out go the rear seats, air conditioning system and radio, while the 911 R is also fitted with less sound-deadening than the road-biased models. The result is the car weighs 50kg less than the GT3 RS.
Related: Porsche Mission E gets green light
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/Scotcars
Jim McGill