Think of it as Porsche taking the 991 GT3 and applying the KISS principle – that’s “Keep It Simple, Stupid”, not the “still-rockin’-in-our-’70s” glam rockers.
The latest member of the, already large, Neun-Elfer family is the one that’s supposed to satisfy those booing the PDK-only transmission in the hardcore 911s.
The 911 R loses the large wing and wide body but retains the front apron, trick suspension with all-wheel drive steering and, of course, the 493 HP (500 PS) naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six from the RS.
Factor in the 1,370 kg (3,020 pounds) weight, the lowest of any 911 on sale today, and the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration of just 3.8 seconds through the short-shift manual six-speeder that many howled for promises a rapid and totally engaging experience. Do away with the flashy stripes and you have a wolf that’s pretending to blend in with the hordes of the 911s out there.
Having just made its North American premiere on the floor of the New York show, the 911 R will be limited to just 911 units worldwide. With all these credentials, we can’t help but wonder if there are any still left; surely, the €190,000 ($212,700) price tag on its local market is hardly an obstacle for its target group…
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