Billed as a tribute to the original 911 R that was launched as a homologation special in 1967, Porsche’s next limited-edition model will be equipped with the same 3.8-liter flat-six engine that powers the track-ready 911 GT3 (pictured). Its output will likely remain pegged at 475 horsepower and 324 lb-ft. of torque but it will be bolted to a manual transmission, a feature not offered on the GT3.
Although further details are being kept under wraps, it’s not too far-fetched to speculate the gearbox will be a seven-speed unit. Rear-wheel drive will be the only configuration available.
Don’t get the wrong idea, the 911 R won’t simply be a GT3 with a stick. It will ditch its automatic counterpart’s sizable trunk-mounted wing for a more streamlined appearance, it will ride on skinnier tires and it is expected to weigh noticeably less. In short, the R is shaping up to be the long-rumored driver-focused 911.
If the report is accurate, Porsche will unveil the 911 R online in the coming weeks and the coupe might greet the public for the first time next month at the Los Angeles Motor Show. However, well-heeled enthusiasts who want one might already be out of luck because an anonymous source close to Porsche told Road & Track that the entire production run has already been spoken for.
Leave a Reply