There are limited edition models that are ultra exclusive and there are enhanced models introduced along they way such as the GTS.
But with the R I don't get it. Why make a car that's 'only' a refreshing blend of existing models so expensive and so exclusive? But a limited edition car with a manual gearbox will find homes so it doesn't matter what I think.
So it's £5.5K more than a GT3 RS
It's 50Kg lighter (but some of that can be attributed to the manual vs PDK and the rest to items you might add back in, such as infotainment [the original 911R was manual because that was the best transmission at that time for the race car, not because it saved weight]).
Has the same 500hp but its slower than the GT3 RS
It's set up is based on the GT3 so it's not like a 500hp NA alternative to the turbo to offer comfortable ballistic cruising, because it's supposed to be hardcore. But it will be less exhilarating than the RS.
So who is this car for? The combination of red stripes over the top, black stripes along the side topped off with yellow calipers isn't helping either lol.
The GTS is a perfect blend, sitting below the GT3, losing the hardcore and being as fast as you realistically need. But this so called hardcore R model I don't know whether buyers of said car will want to get its tyres ruffled at the track whilst getting shown what a proper track car can do in the RS version - but then on the street the red, black and yellow details wont win any style points at the best venues for afternoon tea.
I like the way they describe features of the car as if they newly developed when they are just ported over from existing cars. Like saying it's 44mm wider than the Carrera. But that's nothing new - there's many cars using that wide body, right down to the Carrera 4. The GT3 RS & turbo use an even wider body than the wide body, to translate that level of performance. It's lightweight body panels and interior bits are borrowed from other cars. Therefore I don't get the price point.
From the website:
Lightweight construction:
Heritage brings obligations.
Lightweight construction is a Porsche tradition. The new 911 R has also gone on a diet. And a serious one. The bonnet and wings of the new 911 R are made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, the roof from magnesium, and the rear side windows from polycarbonate. Rear seating area? Omitted. And the manual transmission – instead of an automatic one – pushes the vehicle weight further downwards. Same principle in the interior: Less is more. The climate control and infotainment system have been dispensed with – but are available at no extra charge upon request. Lightweight door panels with door opener loops and reduced insulating elements also contribute to the lightweight design. A particularly lightweight lithium ion battery is also available as an option. The effect: Less weight, more dynamic response, more driving pleasure. And a vehicle gross weight of only 1,370 kg.
Driving dynamics:
High culture, lowered.
The chassis of the new 911 R is based on the 911 GT3 and provides extremely sporty day-to-day driving. The tuning is extremely direct and the vehicle lies as low as the 911 GT3. All the chassis control systems have been adapted to the manual transmission.
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