Porsche 911 991 R

Date of unveil by Porsche AG: March 1, 2016
Premiere: March 1, 2016 Geneva Motor Show (Salon International de l'Auto et accessoires) press day
Market launch: May 2016

Technical specification and comparison

Modification	Engine	kW	lb-ft	Nm	Gearbox	60 mph	100 km/h	160 km/h	200 km/h	mph	km/h	kg	lb	W/lb	W/kg	Nord- schleife
2016 911 991 R	4.0B6	368	338	460	manual 6-speed	3.7 sec.	3.8 sec.			201	323	1370	3020	122	269
2015 911 991 GT3 RS	4.0B6	368	338	460	PDK 7-speed	3.2 sec.	3.3 sec.	7.1 sec.	10.9 sec.	193	310	1420	3130	118	259	7:20
2013 911 991 GT3	3.8B6	350	324	440	PDK 7-speed	3.3 sec.	3.5 sec.	7.5 sec.	11.4 sec.	196	315	1430	3153	111	245	7:30

Please note: year is introduction year, not model year.

The 991.2 generation 911 had been on the market for half a year already, when suddenly one more version of the 991.1 was launched - the 911 R. The 2016 911 R is a 991 GT3 minus the rear wing plus engine from the 991 GT3 R (an engine developed from the GT3 RS 4.0 - with internal modifications) plus 997 GT manual gearbox. It is a car for the people who started to love Porsches during the Ferry Porsche era (he passed away in 1998). The car is for people who have above average driving skills. The car is for people who set more value to the inner beauty than to the outer beauty. Thanks to the aerodynamic body, the 991 R is 8 mph/13 km/h faster in top speed than the not so aerodynamic 991 GT3 RS.

There was a model with the same name in 1967. In 1967 the 911 R scored its first victory at the 84-hour endurance event and was at that event equipped with the Sportomatic gearbox - a gearbox without clutch pedal. So, you would expect the 2016 911 R come with the PDK gearbox, but luckily it was made with the manual gearbox. And interestingly so, the 991 R got the 6-speed manual gearbox from the 997 and not the 7-speed manual from the 991 (the 7th speed is an overdrive gear anyway for lowering the fuel consumption, top speed is achieved in 6th gear). In order to get the weight down, the 991 R was equipped with manual gearbox, ceramic brakes, CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic) front wings and front lid, magnesium roof panel, plastic rear windows and rear side windows, deleted were the rear seats, the automatic air conditioning system and the stereo. The chassis came from the 991 GT3, so along came the rear wheel steering, which might not go with the philosophy of a lightweight car for skilled driver (the GT3 Cup does not have rear wheel steering).

The 991 R was offered in white and silver, but PTS (paint to sample) was possible. The dashboard was black and the seats either in black or brown. Although Porsche press release from March 1, 2016, stated that the cars could now be ordered, in reality the cars were all sold out months before.

Front lid and wings are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic and the roof of magnesium© Porsche

Front spoiler and wheels from the GT3 © Porsche

Green stripes, clear glass taillights and dark wheels © Porsche

Lime Green (Lindgrün) Porsche 911 991 R — Special order Lime Green 911 R © BBI Autosport

991 R, GT3 RS engine under cover — The cover under the engine mimicks the looks of a diffuser, but naturally cannot work as a diffuser being so thin and small (in order to have room at the back for the real diffuser, the engine in the 991 RSR racing car was rotated 180 degrees and placed in front of the rear axle) © BBI Autosport

Porsche 911 991 R rear lid — Lime Green with black stripes © BBI Autosport

991 R engine service lid open — That's how much there is to be seen under the "engine lid" of the 991. In order to replace the air filters, rear bumper and lamps have to be removed. © BBI Autosport

Plastic rear window and rear side windows © Porsche

This one has been painted in GT Silver Metallic © James Herne / Stuttcars.com

911 R without the optional stripes © James Herne / Stuttcars.com

991 R interior view, bucket seat — © BBI Autosport

991.2 steering wheel in a 991.1 © Porsche

Porsche 911 991 6-speed gear lever — 6-speed manual gearbox. It is stronger than the 7-speed manual of the 991 Carrera. © BBI Autosport

One-piece buckets came as standard, but foldable buckets and usual sports seats were also available© Porsche

Pepita houndstooth/tartan cloth is a classic© Porsche

Radio was optional. No radio is a bit too much for a street car.© Porsche

000 is the number on the prototype © Porsche

Porsche 911 991 carbon floor mat — Carbon-fibre floor mats © BBI Autosport

Continue to 991 GT3 4.0

Anniversaries: Oct, 29 – 79th birthday of Hans-Peter Porsche (1940); Nov, 15 – 44th birthday of the 924 (1975); Nov, 19 – 11th birthday of the Cayman 987.2 (2008); Nov, 19 – 11th birthday of the Boxster 987.2 (2008); Nov, 26 – 56th birthday of the 904 (1963)