Porsche has just debuted its new track monster, known as the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport. It is built based on the 992 Porsche 911 GT3 R, and with just one look, you’ll know why it is built for the track only. That said, you can’t actually race it in any officially sanctioned race series since it’s so fast that it’s illegal. Also, it’s very limited, with only 77 units available.
While it is based on the 911 GT3 R, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport looks almost nothing alike to its more “regular” counterpart. Sure, it still has the signature 911 look, but Porsche says that nearly all of its body panels have been redesigned specifically for the Rennsport, with the only carry-over parts being the bonnet and roof.
The extreme track machine wears a new nose which includes cooling intakes and cysts that have been aerodynamically optimised. Its side fins and flics are also framed by a side cowl to protect against damage caused by external impact. Taking yet another page out of motorsports, the traditional side-view mirrors have also been replaced with digital cameras that are mounted on its fenders.
One thing you certainly can’t miss is the larger-than-life rear wing the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport has on its back. Porsche says its design is reminiscent of that of the Brumos Porsche 935/77, which won the 1978 24 Hours of Daytona.
ALSO WATCH: 2023 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Malaysia, from RM2.6m – 5 Things
The rear wing isn’t just all about its size either. In fact, its downforce is so extreme that Porsche had to add extra support struts to hold it up under load. As for styling, the rear of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport is fitted with an LED strip for its tail light, which also incorporates the illuminated “PORSCHE” lettering.
Looking further down, Porsche has left the track machine’s rear end largely open to save some weight. This also gives us a clear view of the car’s mechanical components, including the centrally positioned twin tailpipes, and the exhaust system that can be either fully open or fitted with mufflers and catalytic converters just in case you want to drive it on tracks with noise restrictions.
Wrapping up the exterior styling are the 18-inch BBS alloys finished in Dark Silver Metallic, which are wrapped with Michelin tyres that have been made specifically for this car.
Powering the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport is the 4.2-litre Naturally aspirated 6-cylinder boxer engine brought over from the 911 GT3 R. However, the mill has been tuned to produce more power, which in this case is a good dose of 611 hp as it screams all the way to 9,400 rpm. Porsche also says that the 911 GT3 R Rennsport is tuned to sound like the 911 RSR.
Paired to the engine is a sequential 6-speed constant-mesh gearbox, which is also shared with the 911 GT3 R, but with slight modifications. The engine has also been designed to run on E25 fuels, which include bio-ethanol fuels, reFuel, as well as e-fuels. But not to worry, as the engine is still capable of running on conventional fuels.
RELATED: 2023 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS launched in Malaysia, from RM2.6m – 525hp, 465Nm, 0-100km/h in 3.2secs
Suspension-wise, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport is equipped with double wishbones up front and multi-link at the back. There are also KW five-way adjustable racing shock absorbers with a blow-off function on all four corners.
Providing stopping power is the aluminium monobloc racing brake system from AP, which features brake pads with titanium backing plates. This setup contributes to a total unsprung mass reduction of around one kilogram. The new 117-litre FT3.5 safety tank is now one kilogram lighter than before as well.
Moving inside, you will find yourself driving alone as the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport only has one seat, just like the “regular” 911 GT3 R it is based on. The rest of the interior space is taken up by a roll cage.
Because it is a serious track machine, it also comes without an air conditioning system for weight optimisation purposes. There are monitors on the left and right sides of the interior for two aforementioned fender-mounted digital side-view cameras.
Being a limited edition model, the Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport comes with a limited edition number plaque on its instrumental panel. However, this modern track machine still packs ambient lighting to spice up your track sessions.
Porsche Motorsport Vice President, Thomas Laudenbach said, “The new Porsche 911 GT3 R Rennsport offers the experience of driving a nine-eleven-based racing car in what is probably the most primal form.”
Porsche Exterior Designer, Grant Larson said, “The 911 GT3 R Rennsport will take its place as the logical successor to the modern Porsche 935. While the 935 was technically based on the near-standard 911 GT2 RS Clubsport, the 911 GT3 R Rennsport uses the current 911 GT3 R of the 992 generation as its basis. Beneath the extensively redesigned carbon skin is a thoroughbred racing car.”
RELATED: New special edition Porsche 911 S/T is a lightweight GT3 RS built for the open roads
GALLERY
