2016 Porsche 911 R makes Geneva debut

With a naturally aspirated petrol engine and a manual gearbox, this limited edition 911 is all about driving pleasure

At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche has launched the most driver oriented 911 for its current line-up in the form of this R model that pays tribute to original road homologated racing car from 1967. This 2016 Porsche 911 R comes with a naturally aspirated 4.0 litre flat six petrol engine developing 500bhp of max power @ 8,250 rpm and 460Nm of torque @ 6,250 rpm. And the best part is that the engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels. The 911 R also gets an optional single-mass flywheel to improve high revving response for the car. This gives the car a 0 – 96 km/h time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 323 km/h. Reigning in all the power are fade free ceramic composite brakes.

Porsche has stripped out the car to make it as light as possible with a kerb weight of 1,370kg, thanks to carbon fibre bonnet and front wheel arches, a magnesium roof, plastic windows and rear windscreen, lesser sound insulation inside the cabin and the absence of a rear seat. This combined with optional air conditioning and stereo make the car 50 kg lighter than the other hardcore Porsche 911 – the GT3 RS.

Porsche has designed the new 911 R to be driving sensation, which is why it has been fitted with rear axle steering, the stability control system for the car has been tweaked to provide a more focused and authentic driving experience along with double declutch function for perfect gear changes during downshifts.

Inside, the 2016 Porsche 911 R comes with carbon fibre bucket seats, an R-specific 360 mm diameter GT sport steering wheel, carbon trim strips, fabric door pull straps (like other hardcore 911 versions), and an embedded aluminum badge on the passenger's side indicate the limited number of each 911 R as production is limited to 911 units. The new Porsche 911 R is priced at £136,901 and the order books are open.