PistonHeads takes a Porsche 911 RSR GTE to Vallelunga, Italy, for a full-throttle test drive of Porsche’s Le Mans-winning race car. Unlike road-going 911s, this GTE is a purpose-built competition machine, with bespoke carbon-fiber bodywork, a mid-mounted 4.2‑liter flat-six producing 515 hp, a six-speed sequential gearbox, steel racing brakes, and slick tires, delivering immense grip and aerodynamic downforce.
The car’s setup emphasizes precision and performance: mid-engine balance, tight sequential ratios, and aerodynamic load keep it planted through high-speed corners, while the 9200 rpm redline and six-speed gearbox allow rapid acceleration down straights. Despite its 515 hp not being massive by modern standards, the RSR’s combination of low weight, aerodynamics, and traction makes it feel explosive on track.
Driving the RSR is a visceral experience, with the flat-six’s bassy tone filling the cockpit and the chassis responding instantly to throttle and brake inputs. Even amateur drivers must respect the car’s speed, balance, and braking limits. This is a pure, high-adrenaline endurance racer that delivers the full Le Mans experience on a circuit like Vallelunga.
Source: PistonHeads
