What's the news?
Porsche's worst kept secret has finally been confirmed, the 911 R officially unveiled in Geneva today. The specification has long been rumoured, but we can substantiate the details, the 911 R featuring the same 4.0-litre 500hp naturally aspirated flat six as the 911 GT3 RS. Crucially, Porsche has answered purist's calls for a manual transmission allied to its GT department powerplant, that 4.0-litre flat six mated to a six-speed manual. Three pedals good then, but with just 991 being built good luck trying to get your feet on them. All that power, the lack of drag from the GT3 RS's massive wing means a top speed in excess of 200mph, while it'll crack the run to 62mph in 3.8 seconds. It's also the lightest 911 you can buy, being some 50kg down on the RS with a kerbweight of 1370kg.
Exterior
Think GT3 RS but without the more overt aero additions, but retaining its channelled magnesium roof and lightweight panels. No big rear wing then, the 911 R's appearance far more understated than its GT3 and GT3 RS relations. That is if you avoid the stripes, the 911 R in Geneva featuring a set of red stripes running up the bonnet and over the roof to the engine cover. Subtle they aren't, though the classic Porsche script in black along the cars flanks is a nice detail nod to Porsches of old; Porsche introducing the car with the help of Gerard Larrousse, who won the 1969 Tour de France in an original 911 R.
Interior
Inside it's as pared back as you'd expect, no air conditioning or entertainment, lightweight carbon bucket seats and that's about it. No cages, this is a road car says Porsche. The manual is a six-speed unit, unlike all other three-pedal 911s, the 911R doing without a seventh gear.
Mechanicals
The powerplant is a known quantity, only the application is different. At the GT3's launch Porsche said it'd tested manual versions and decided on PDK. It seems they've listened to customer's demands though, even if only a small number will ever get the chance to experience it. Standard kit includes Porsche's rear-wheel steer system, PCCB Carbon Ceramic brakes and a limited slip differential. There's a revised PSM stability system, too, specifically set up for the 911 R.
Anything else?
We'll be chatting to Porsche's GT head, Andreas Preuninger later today about it, so watch this space...