What's the news?
A mid-engined 911 has been unveiled, which if you know anything about Porsche 911s, is little short of sacrilegious. It is, in its defence, a race car. The 911 RSR has been designed to keep Porsche at the front of the grid in WEC endurance racing, and shifting the 4.0-litre flat-six engine in front (rather than behind) the rear axle brings a number of advantages, primarily regarding the car's aerodynamics. The changes are all within the letter of the various laws that govern the sport, too, and will allow the RSR to better compete against Ford and Ferrari in the exciting race series.
While you can't really see the engine's shifted position, it's made obvious by the cooling intakes where the back windows used to be, and the massive rear diffuser, which GT boss Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser told us (at the LA Auto Show, where the 911 RSR made its world debut) is the key gain. Outwardly it's clearly 911-shaped, and it even sits on the production car's platform, but Walliser admits that the carry over parts from the old RSR are basically the roof and door handles. However, it's not a new idea: the 911 GT1 was a mid-engined 911. Walliser says that Porsche did consider giving the new RSR that name, but there were too many who objected to it. The engine remains naturally aspirated, further distancing the RSR from its standard Carrera relations, which are all now turbocharged.
Anything else?
Too much to list, as the 911 RSR is basically all-new, though there are some cool tech features like a radar supported warning system to warn the RSR's driver of the approach of significantly faster LMP prototype racers, particularly in the dark during 24-hour events. There are automatic memory rear-view mirrors that help during driver changes, likewise the fixed position seat - Porsche instead adding moveable pedals. Removable bodywork for servicing (or when you run out of talent or luck and spank it and need to replace bits quickly) helps, making the RSR a more purpose-built, easy to service and repair racer than its predecessor. As Walliser says: "it's all about being first", though he admits he'd prefer it if this car's first outing wasn't the tough Daytona 24 Hours at the end of January. If it goes as fast as it looks it should be very exciting indeed...