cars news 10: 2016 Porsche 911 R Packs 500 HP and a Manual

Say hello to the purist’s version of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. At the Geneva motor show today, Porsche debuted the 911 R, which packs a familiar 500 hp and 338 lb-ft.

Despite rumors that it would have a 3.8-liter engine, the 2016 Porsche 911 R instead receives a 4.0-liter flat-four just like the GT3 RS. However, unlike the GT3 RS, it pairs with a six-speed manual transmission. That’s right—no PDK automatic. Porsche says the 911 R should hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top track speed of 200 mph.

The 911 R weighs just 3,021 pounds, which is 110 pounds lighter than the GT3 RS. To save weight, the front fenders and luggage compartment lid are made of carbon fiber, while the roof is comprised of magnesium. Eliminating the rear seats and reducing interior insulation further helps shed the pounds. (Not to mention that you’ll have to ask for air conditioning as a no-cost option).

On the exterior, you’ll notice the 911 R features toned-down bodywork compared to the GT3 RS. Despite the bold racing stripes, available in red or green, the 911 R has few flourishes and no rear wing. Instead, an automatically deploying rear spoiler and rear underbody diffuser provide the proper downforce. As another option, a front-axle lift system can boost ground clearance of the front axle by about 1.2 inches. Lightweight 20-inch wheels finish off the look.

Inside the cabin, the bare-bones theme continues with no-frills bucket seats with carbon fiber backrests. The seats feature a houndstooth upholstery design with a black and white pattern. Also inside the cabin is a GT Sport steering wheel unique to the model, and a special gear lever shortens gear shifts. Meanwhile, a rev-matching function is standard while a single-mass flywheel is available as an option to improve engine responsiveness.

The minimalist look of the 911 R harkens back to the original 1967 Porsche 911 R, of which only a couple dozen were ever made. Porsche is limiting the new model to 991 units worldwide. In the U.S., buyers can start ordering the 911 R for a hefty chunk of change: $185,950.

Source: Porsche