2016 Porsche 911 R Somewhat Surprises in Geneva
GENEVA, Switzerland – The 2016 Porsche 911 R was supposed to be a surprise for the luxury German brand, but thanks to a photo leak, it turned out like so many others to be an expected reveal at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
The 911 R makes it two world debuts for Porsche in Geneva. However, unlike the 718 Boxster, this version will be extremely limited to just 991 units worldwide, as it's more of a commemorative piece that honours the 50th anniversary of the 1967 911 R.
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The Porsche 911 R is considered to be the purist driving version of the GT3 RS. You won't find much in the way of aerodynamic aids or a dual-clutch automatic transmission in this rare version. Instead, the 911 R gets a much-needed seven-speed manual gearbox.
Under the hood, the 911 R gets the same 4.0-litre flat-six engine that produces 500 hp and 338 lb.-ft. of torque. According to Porsche, the 911 R can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 320 km/h. It's able to go so fast with assistance from a weight reduction that sees it weigh in at 1,370 kilograms, 50 kg less than the 911 GT3 RS.
Similar to the 718 Boxster, the 911 R pays tribute to the original 1967 911 R without many premium or modern touches inside of the cabin. But before you think of those thin non-cushioned seats back in the 60s, this new version will receive lightweight sports bucket seats that have carbon fibre backrests and seat centres that possess handstooth upholstery. More carbon fibre will also be present through the use of interior trim strips with an embedded aluminum badge on the passenger side.
In terms of its exterior styling, the 911 R stands out not only for having red vertical racing stripes, but an active rear spoiler in place of its typical rear wing. The front of the sports car gets a renewed front bumper, while in the rear you will find a modified rear diffuser. The vehicle on display at the show sat on top of 20-inch lightweight wheels.
The price for Canada is now listed at $211,000 and will be available in the third quarter of 2016.
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