Porsche started the development of the 911 RSR’s replacement, giving us at the same time a first glimpse of their 2017 GTE/GTLM competitor.
The company has successfully completed the first rollout at their test track in Weissach, with the official development beginning now on selected circuits around the world.
At the car’s first run in Weissach, the majority of Porsche’s works drivers got a chance to sit behind the wheel and get a first feel of the new race car.
“It is definitely unusual to put several drivers behind the wheel at a rollout,” says Marco Ujhasi, Overall Project Manager GT Works Motorsport. “But since all of our works drivers are involved in the development of the new car, the ones who could fit it into their schedules came to Weissach and turned a couple of laps.”
The current 911 RSR was originally introduced back in 2013 and is powered by a 464hp flat six engine, representing the flagship 911-based race car followed by the 911 GT3 R and the 911 GT3 Cup.
Porsche didn’t release any performance figures on the 2017 racer which is scheduled to make its racing debut at the 2017 Daytona 24Hours. “The race debut of a completely new vehicle at a 24-hour race is a big challenge. But we are right on schedule,” explains the Head of Porsche Motorsport, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser.
The new car will be eligible to race not only in the GTLM class of the IMSA Sportscar Championship but also in the GTE segment of the World Endurance Championship which means we will get to see it also competing at next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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