The new and improved GT racer.
Throughout Porsche’s history, racing and motorsports have played an important role in development, design, and engineering. Much of the experience gained in the variety of racing series has translated into brilliant production cars with industry-leading performance. One way that the German automaker is celebrating its 50th anniversary is with the new Porsche 911 991 RSR racer based off of the seventh-generation 911 model.
The new 991-based Porsche 911 RSR improves upon almost every aspect of the previous-generation 911 GT3 RSR model from the aerodynamic design to the revised weight distribution. In terms of mechanics, the wheelbase was widened by 10 cm for better handling dynamics and the McPherson struts that were used in the previous model are now replaced with a new wishbone setup. The 4.0-liter flat-six engine used in the previous model is used again but has been gone over and optimized down to the smallest detail. The 460 horsepower output is sent to the rear wheels through a new six-speed, lightweight racing transmission that is controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Porsche focused on creating an even lighter race car when developing the new 911 RSR with a more optimized weight distribution with a lower center of gravity. The front and rear mudguards, front and rear lids, doors, wheel arches, underbody, rear wing spoiler, interior dashboard, and center console are all made from lightweight carbon fiber to cut weight as much as possible. Porsche then cut the weight of the 991 RSR even further with a lithium-ion battery and windows made from thin polycarbonate.
Porsche also put a greater emphasis on improving the aerodynamics of the 991 RSR. New air intakes are worn by the flared front mudguards and improve airflow to the newly positioned, center-mounted radiator that is more effective at cooling and offers better air conditioning for the driver than the previous model. Engineers wanted to help reduce times during pit stops for damage to bodywork, so they designed quick-release systems for the front end, front lid that can be replaced in mere seconds.
The new Porsche 911 RSR No. 91 and No. 92 wear a special 50th anniversary livery that can be appreciated from an aerial view. The No. 92 911 RSR will be driven by Marc Lieb (Germany), Richard Lietz (Austria), and Romain Dumas (France), while the No. 91 car will be piloted by factory drivers, Joerg Bergmeister (Germany), Patrick Pilet (France), and Timo Bernhard (Germany).
The Porsche 911 RSR will be eligible to compete in World Endurance Championship (WEC) series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Porsche 911 991 RSR Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Flat-six
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 460
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed lightweight racing with steering wheel paddle shifters
Body and Chassis:
-Carbon fiber front and rear mudguards
-Carbon fiber front and rear lids
-Carbon fiber underbody
-Carbon fiber wheel arches
-Carbon fiber rear wing
-Carbon fiber dashboard and center console
-Light and thin polycarbonate windows
-Lithium-ion battery
-Quick release body components
-Ten cm wider wheelbase
-Wishbone front suspension
Porsche 911 991 RSR Gallery
Source: Porsche
What race would you like to drive the new 911 RSR in? Leave a comment and let us know!
