Porsche returns with a new 2017 Porsche 911 R inspired by the 1967 Porsche racecar. The availability of a stick shift is the most anticipated feature of this vehicle. With the exception of the current Porsche 911 GT3, the luxury sports vehicle received little critical acclaim. True, the GT3’s automatic transmission performs admirably, but a car with this much power and throttle simply requires a manual stick shift. While Porsche has stated that manual shifting will not be available on the GT3, they are attempting to make amends with the 2017 Porsche 911 R.
This car is not only worth getting excited about because it has a manual transmission. Porsche, based in Germany, never settles for half-measures when it comes to their vehicles. Porsche is unquestionably the undisputed leader in the upper medium-priced luxury car segment. The remarkable Porsche appearance, with the oval-shaped, slightly raised headlights and steep, round nose, results in a vehicle that is easily recognizable even by people who know nothing about cars. Furthermore, this eye-catching design is aesthetically pleasing and luxurious. For many Europeans, a Porsche is the epitome of luxury and status, though it is still affordable to the slightly more fortunate.
Exterior design
We can be very brief about this car’s appearance. It has the same appearance as the previously mentioned Porsche 911 GT3. Only the engine lid differs from previous Carrera models in the absence of a wing and the presence of a retractable spoiler and conventional grille. There is also a minor difference in the front spoiler air vents, but it is barely noticeable.
The exterior is interesting because the front and rear hoods, as well as the fenders, are made of carbon-fiber, while the roof is made of magnesium. These components can also be found on the Porsche GTS3 RS. The 911 R is 50 kg (110 lbs) lighter than the 911 GT3 RS, which weighs 1,370 kg (3,020 lbs). As a result, the 911 R is the lightest road-legal Porsche 911 on the market.
The 911 R, like the 1967 911 R, comes standard with a red or green racing stripe on the front hood. These stripes can be removed as an option for a more traditional car appearance. The “Porsche” logo located directly above the side skirts is also standard and can not be removed.
Interior design
Now, let’s go inside. There aren’t many surprises here. Expect ultra-comfortable full bucket seats with carbon fiber backrests and a modern interior design. To save weight, the rear seats, as well as the radio and air conditioning, have been removed. No, this isn’t a car you’d drive your kids to school in, but a 911 has never been that. However, air conditioning and a radio are available as options for those who can not live without them.
The steering wheel is completely black, which is unique to the 2017 Porsche 911 R. The infotainment system has been updated and now features a pop-up screen. To save weight and space, the instrument cluster has also been revised.
Engine specs
Now let’s talk about the best part of this car: the engine. A 4.0-liter flat-six engine, similar to the one found in the GTR3 RS, will be found here. It has 500 horsepower and a manual shifting system that allows it to reach 60 mph (100 kph) in 3.7 seconds. True, this is 0.6 second slower than the automatic GT3, but in exchange, you get a manual gearbox. The top speed is 200 miles per hour (321 kilometers per hour)! That is five miles per hour faster than the GT3 RS due to the lighter weight. The 911 R will not be available with a PDK automatic transmission.
The 911 GT3’s chassis and suspension are also used. Because the GT3’s massive wing is missing, some fine-tuning was required. Furthermore, the standard rear-axle steering provides the 2017 Porsche 911 R7 with immediate turn-in, precise handling, and a high level of stability, while the differential builds maximum traction for the best driving experience.
Tech specs
The Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system, which was borrowed from the GT3, has also been adapted for the 911 R. There is a specially designed double-declutch function for spot-on gearshifts when shifting back. A single-mass flywheel is available as an option. Porsche also offers an optional lift system that raises the front axle by about 30 millimetres (1.2 inches) for increased ground clearance with the push of a button.
The standard Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system provides braking power. This includes front braking discs measuring 16.1 inches (410 mm) and rear braking discs measuring 15.3 inches (390mm). The brakes are hidden behind 20-inch lightweight wheels with a matte aluminum finish and high-performance tires.
Price and sale date
The 911 R will not be mass-produced. Only 991 units will be manufactured, with a large portion of them already sold in pre-sale. A standard 2017 Porsche 911 R starts at €189,544 in Europe. The manual transmission increases the price over the automatic GT3 RS, which starts at €181,690. North-American prices are $183,500.