New Cars, Porsche 911 R: The Purist's Porsche

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Porsche 911 R: The Purist's Porsche - Picture N#1

Despondent over Porsche’s migration with the rest of the auto world to boosted engines and automatic transmissions? Behold this ray of sunshine: Porsche has a new 911 R that combines just what you want/need—a hot naturally aspirated engine, six shift-’em-yourself gears, and a clutch pedal all in one tantalizing package.

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Half a century ago, Porsche applied this secret code (R = Racing) for a 911 aimed at rallying, Targa Florio road racing, and speed-record attempts. In the same spirit, the 2016 edition marries the lightest 911 body to the most potent non-turbo engine in inventory. Built on the outgoing 991.1 series instead of Porsche’s new-for-2017 991.2, the R is said to weigh just 3020 pounds and is armed with the 500-hp 4.0-liter flat-six from the GT3 RS. With 338 lb-ft of torque at a lofty 6250 rpm and power peaking at 8250 rpm, this is the leadfoot’s 911 with revs to burn.

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Underlying the 6.0-pounds-per-horsepower achievement are some extreme weight-saving measures. The front fenders, luggage-compartment lid, and seat backrests are molded carbon fiber. The roof is crafted from a sheet of magnesium. The 20-inch wheels are forged-aluminum pieces with racing-inspired center-lock retention. The exhaust system is titanium. There’s no A/C, audio system, or rear seats (air conditioning and audio are on the options list for those who can’t bear to go without). Less than the normal amount of cockpit insulation is used here. In lieu of the GT3’s rear wing, the decklid is fitted with a lighter, aerodynamically simpler spoiler, which rises when needed to enhance stability in conjunction with a fixed undercar diffuser.

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Carbon-ceramic brake rotors are 16.1 inches in diameter in front and 15.4 inches at the rear. Tire sizes are 245/35R-20 front and 305/30R-20 rear. A limited-slip differential and rear-axle steering are essential parts of this package. Porsche claims a top speed of 200 mph and 60 mph acceleration from rest in 3.7 seconds. A tight gear-ratio spread and a short shift lever are 911 R features for obvious reasons.