The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR was introduced at the 2016 Los Angeles car show on Nov. 16, 2016, replacing the 2013 RSR, the company's top race car based on a production model. The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR is designed for endurance events, competing with the GTE and GTLM classes, which have recently been dominated by Ferrari and Ford Motor Company GT.
Motor Authority revealed that the 2017 Porsche 911 RSR features a 4.0-liter flat-6 naturally-aspirated engine, providing about 510 horsepower. The car also features a paddle-shifted, 6-speed sequential transmission.
Porsche decided to include a mid-engine layout on the 2017 Porsche 911 RSR to allow more room for a larger rear diffuser. The aerodynamic efficiency and downforce level have also been enhanced with a top-mounted rear wing.
The interior of the 2017 Porsche 911 RSR is generally made of aluminum and steel, while the body panels are made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR weighs 1,243 kilograms, which is the regulation minimum.
The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR has double wishbone suspension at both ends, with four-way vibration dampers and twin coil springs. Each hub features an 18-inch wheel, measuring 12.5 at the front and 13 at the back.
The wheels also include Michelin racing tires and one-piece aluminum brake calipers on the internally ventilated steel discs. Frank-Steffen Walliser, head of Porsche Motorsport, stated that while the 2017 Porsche 911 RSR keeps the typical design of the Porsche 911, it is the biggest evolution in the history of their top GT model yet.
The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR is allegedly a completely new development. Walliser added that the body structure, engine, transmission, suspension and aerodynamic concept have all been designed from scratch.
Jalopnik stated that the Porsche 911 has always been a rear-engine car. The 2017 Porsche 911 RSR basically retained the signature form of the 911, while showcasing a mid-engine layout.
Although Porsche 911 fans were concerned about the drawbacks of moving the engine from the back, such as losing power and the overall feel. Walliser, however, assured that they only intend to feature the mid-engine layout on the 2017 Porsche 911 RSR race cars, at least for now.