When it comes to building sports cars with truly visceral and intoxicating engine notes, few do it better than Porsche.
On paper, you could be forgiven for thinking that the 911 is at a distinct disadvantage to many of its rivals because it only has six-cylinders. To a degree, that’s understandable, especially in a world of V12-powered Lamborghinis and Ferraris emitting howls that could wake the dead.
However, if you’re looking for a car that produces a raw, mechanical, ear-piercing shriek, it’s hard to go past Porsche’s fastest naturally-aspirated 911s. While not a road car, the 991.2 RSR GTE could be the finest sounding of them all.
Filmed here undergoing recent tests at Italy’s Monza circuit, the RSR GTE not only looks exceptionally quick, but it also sounds truly jaw-dropping. In fact, it makes the hybrid Formula One cars and LMP prototypes sound like bees passing wind.
The 911 RSR premiered back in 2016 with a – revolutionary, for a 911 – mid-engine layout and a 4.0-liter engine. All up, it delivers up to 502 hp (depending on series’ regulations) and is mated to a six-speed sequential transmission that only adds to the aural bliss.
The 2018-19 World Endurance Championship, where the 911 RSR GTE competes, kicked off at last month’s Spa 24 Hours and will conclude at next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.