By Theodore Opara

Porsche will tackle the 2017 racing season with a completely re-developed GT racer. 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 an ultra-modern, flat-six unit positioned in front of the rear axle.

The four-litre extremely light aggregate features direct fuel injection as well as a rigid valve drive and is characterised by outstanding efficiency. The new 911 RSR will make its debut at the Daytona 24-hour race in January 2017.  “While retaining the typical 911 design, this is the biggest evolution by now in the history of our top GT model,” says Head of Porsche Motorsport, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser.

The 911 RSR is a completely new development, with the suspension, body structure, aerodynamic concept, engine and transmission all been designed from scratch. The engine concept has enabled the designers to install a particularly large rear diffuser.

Combined with a top-mounted rear wing adopted from the LMP1 race car, the 919 Hybrid, the level of downforce and the aerodynamic efficiency have 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,” explains Dr Walliser. “Apart from that, in principle, the LM-GTE regulations stipulate the absolute equality of various drive concepts, as the torque characteristics of turbo and normally aspirated engines are aligned,” he added.Depending on the size of restrictor, the new naturally-aspirated unit delivers around 510 hp (375 kW).