GT: Porsche unveils new 911 RSR

Porsche will tackle the 2017 racing season with an all-out newly developed GT racer, inveiled today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The new 911 RSR makes full use of the breadth of the Le Mans 24 Hours GT regulations, and in addition to systematic lightweight design, features the ultra-modern, flat-six engine positioned in front of the rear axle.

The extremely light four-liter powerplant is highlighted by direct fuel injection as well as a rigid valve drive and is characterized by outstanding fuel efficiency. The new 911 RSR will make its debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in January.

"While retaining the typical 911 design, this is the biggest evolution in the history of our top GT model," said head of Porsche Motorsport Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser.

The new 911 RSR is a completely new development: the suspension, body structure, aerodynamic concept, engine and transmission have all been designed from scratch. The engine concept has enabled the designers to install a larger rear diffuser. Combined with a top-mounted rear wing adopted from Porsche's LMP1 prototype racecar, the 919 Hybrid, the level of downforce and the aerodynamic efficiency has been significantly improved.

"For the 911 RSR, we deliberately focused on a particularly modern and light normally-aspirated engine, as this gave our engineers immense latitude in developing the vehicle," explained Walliser. "Apart from that, in principle, the LM-GTE and GT Le Mans class regulations stipulate the absolute equality of various drive concepts, as the torque characteristics of turbo and normally aspirated engines are aligned."

The changeover to the new engine generation is now complete. After the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup, the spearhead of Porsche GT racing cars is now also powered by the same cutting-edge six-cylinder boxer engine family. Depending on the size of the restrictor, the new normally aspirated unit develops approximately 510hp. Shift paddles on the steering wheel actuate the sequential six-speed gearbox with a magnesium housing, which delivers power to the 12.2 inch-wide rear wheels.

In the past, Porsche also thoroughly pushed the limits with the concept of the 911, for example, in 1996 with the 911 GT1. In 1998, the 911 GT1 achieved the 16th overall victory for Porsche at the Le Mans 24-hour race. In 2016, Porsche furthered its record by earning an 18th overall class victory with the 919 Hybrid at the most famous of all endurance races.

For the first time, a Porsche GT racecar features state-of-the-art assistance systems. The new 911 RSR is equipped with a radar-supported collision warning system, the popularly-called "Collision Avoidance System." Even in the dark, the faster prototypes are detected early enough that 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 pedals can now be moved and adjusted to fit the driver.

The new 911 RSR's serviceability has also been significantly improved. Entire elements of the carbon-fiber body can be completely exchanged 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.

With the look of the body wrapping, the 911 RSR is striking out in a new direction. For the first time, the GT racer bears the new factory design that has further developed 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 colors remain white, red and black.

In the 2017 season, the factory is expected to run the new 911 RSR at 19 outings equating to more than 140 hours of racing. With two factory-entries, Porsche will tackle the FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The new racer will celebrate its debut under the toughest conditions at the IMSA season opener in Daytona on Jan. 28-29.

"We're very well prepared for this," says Marco Ujhasi, head of GT Works Sport. "Since its first rollout in Weissach in March this year, we've covered more than 21,000 test miles on racetracks in Europe and North America – that's more than in the development of any other previous Porsche GT racer."

Technical Data - Porsche 911 RSR model year 2017

Concept
Single-seater racecar for the LM-GTE (WEC) and GT Le Mans (IMSA) categories

Weight/dimensions

• Weight: 1,243 kg (2,740.35 lbs.) (base weight per regulations)
• Length: 4,557 mm (179.41 inches) (without splitter, rear wing, diffuser)
• Width: 2,042 mm (80.39 inches) at the front axle / 2,048 mm (80.63 inches) at the rear axle
• Wheelbase: 2,516 mm (99.06 inches)

Engine
Water-cooled six cylinder boxer, positioned in front of the rear axle; 4.0-liter, stroke 81.5 mm (3.21-inches), bore 102 mm (4.02-inches); Approximately 510hp (375 kW) 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-optimized chassis in combined aluminum steel design; removable roof hatch for cockpit access; lifting bushes integrated in the roof; 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 pedals; 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 aluminum six-piston racing calipers with quick coupling; internally ventilated steel brake discs, 390 mm (15.35-inch) diameter; race brake pads; optimized brake cooling ducts.
• Rear axle: One-piece aluminum four-piston racing calipers with quick coupling; internally ventilated steel brake discs, 355 mm (13.98-inch) diameter; race brake pads; optimized brake cooling ducts.

Wheels/Tires

• Front axle: One-piece forged light alloy wheels, 12.5Jx18 offset 25 with center-lock nut; Michelin slick 30/68-18.
• Rear axle: One-piece forged light alloy wheels, 13Jx18 offset 37 with center-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; tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); drink system; air conditioning system; membrane switch panel on center console with fluorescent labeling.