Porsche 911 RSR

Race cars

Fielding the most spectacular 911 ever, Porsche kicked off the 2017 racing season with second place in the Sports Car World Endurance Championship. For 2018, the Porsche GT Team will campaign the Porsche 911 RSR in the FIA WEC, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship contested on racetracks in the USA and Canada. In 2018, customer teams will also run the 911 RSR in the European Le Mans Series and in the FIA WEC.

In addition to systematic lightweight design, the engineers at Weissach put emphasis on positioning the ultra-modern, normally-aspirated flat-six engine in front of the rear axle. The four-litre, extremely light aggregate features direct fuel injection as well as a rigid valve drive and is characterised by outstanding efficiency. The new 911 RSR celebrated its race debut at the Daytona 24-hour race in January 2017.

“While retaining the typical 911 design, this is the biggest evolution by now in the history of our top GT model,” says Vice President of Motorsports and GT Cars, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser. The latest 911 RSR is a completely new development: the suspension, body structure, aerodynamic concept, engine and transmission were all designed from scratch for the 2017 season. The new engine concept has enabled the designers to install a particularly large rear diffuser. Combined with a top-mounted rear wing adopted from the LMP1 race car, the 919 Hybrid, the level of downforce and the aerodynamic efficiency were significantly improved.

Particularly modern and light normally aspirated engine

“For the 911 RSR, we deliberately focussed on a particularly modern and light normally-aspirated engine, as this gave our engineers immense latitude in developing the vehicle,” explains the Vice President of Motorsports and GT Cars, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser. Depending on the size of the restrictor, the new normally-aspirated unit puts out around 375 kW (510 hp). Shift paddles on the steering wheel actuate the sequential six-speed gearbox in a magnesium housing, which delivers power to the 31-centimetre-wide rear wheels. In addition to the 911 GT3 R, the 911 GT3 Cup, as the spearhead of Porsche GT racing cars, is powered by the same cutting-edge six-cylinder boxer engine family.

Radar-assisted collision warning system

The 911 RSR is equipped with a radar-supported collision warning system, the so-called “Collision Avoidance System”. Even in the dark, faster LMP prototypes are detected early enough and misunderstandings can be avoided. A new safety cage concept and a new, rigidly-mounted racing seat enhance driver safety. With the seat fixed to the chassis, the pedal box can now been moved and adjusted to fit the driver.

Also impressive is the 911 RSR’s serviceability: Entire elements of the carbon-fibre body can be exchanged completely in a very short time thanks to clever quick-release fasteners. Moreover, changes to the suspension setup can be performed much more quickly and easily.

Available for customer teams from 2018

In 2017, the 911 RSR was run exclusively by the Porsche GT Team: Like last year, the 911 RSR will again race with a factory design that showcases the clear and dynamic design language of Porsche Motorsport. From a bird’s eye view, a hint of the Porsche emblem silhouette can be seen. The basic colours are white, red and black. From 2018, the 911 RSR is also available for customer teams.

The 911 RSR can be ordered from Porsche Motorsport in Weissach at a price of 991,000 Euros plus country-specific taxes.

Technical description

Engine Water-cooled six cylinder boxer, positioned in front of the rear axle; 4,000 cm3, stroke 81.5 mm, bore 102 mm; ca. 375 kW (510 hp) depending on restrictor; four-valve technology; direct fuel injection; dry sump lubrication; single mass flywheel; power output limitation via restrictor; electronic throttle.
Transmission Six-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox; two-shaft longitudinal layout with bevel gear; shifting via electronic shift actuator; shift paddles on the steering wheel; magnesium gearbox casing; multi-disc self-locking differential with visco unit; three disc carbon race clutch.
Body Weight-optimised chassis in combined aluminium steel design; removable roof hatch for cockpit access; FT3 fuel cell in front of the car; welded-in roll cage; seat pursuant to FIA 8862-2009; rigidly mounted to the chassis; six-point safety harness for use with HANS; longitudinally adjustable pedalry; bodywork made of CFRP, quick-change; rear wing with “swan neck” mounts; four-post air jack system with safety pressure valve; electronically activated fire extinguisher system; heated windscreen.
Suspension

Front axle: double wishbone front axle; four-way vibration damper; twin coil spring setup (main and helper spring); anti-roll bars, adjustable by blade positions; electro-hydraulic power steering
Rear axle: integrated rear axle subframe with double wishbone axle; four-way vibration damper; twin coil spring setup (main and helper spring); anti-roll bars, adjustable by blade positions; electro-hydraulic power steering; tripod drive shafts.

Brakes Two independent brake circuits for front and rear axle, adjustable via balance bar.
Front axle: One piece aluminium six-piston racing callipers with quick coupling; internally ventilated steel brake discs, 390 mm diameter; race brake pads; optimised brake cooling ducts.
Rear axle: One piece aluminium four-piston racing callipers with quick coupling; internally ventilated steel brake discs, 355 mm diameter; race brake pads; optimised brake cooling ducts.
Wheels/tyres Front axle: One-piece forged light alloy wheels, 12.5Jx18 offset 25 with centre lock nut; Michelin slick 30/68-18.
Rear axle: One-piece forged light alloy wheels, 13Jx18 offset 37 with centre lock nut; Michelin slick 31/71-18.
Electrics Cosworth Central Logger Unit; CFRP multi-functional steering wheel with integrated display; shift paddles and quick release; Collision Avoidance System; controlled alternator in connection with LiFePo4 battery; LED headlights; LED taillights plus rain light; illuminated car number and leader light system; black light inside cockpit; electric adjustable wing mirrors with memory function; tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS); drink system; air conditioning system; membrane switch panel on centre console with fluorescent labelling.
Weight/dimensions
Weight ca. 1,243 kg (base weight per regulations), length 4,557 mm (without splitter, rear wing, diffuser), width 2,042 mm (front axle) / 2,048 mm (rear axle); wheelbase 2,516 mm.
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Porsche 911 GT3 R