Porsche’s 911R makes its American debut in New York

by Jonathan M. Gitlin -

We speak to Porsche's Andreas Preuninger about the new 911R—this year's must-have 911. Video shot and edited by Jennifer Hahn.

Porsche's long-rumored new 911R broke cover at the Geneva International Motor Show earlier in the year. Happily for those of us on this side of the Atlantic, Porsche brought the 911R to New York for the auto show, even though the 911R's entire production run—limited to just nine hundred and eleven cars—has already been completely sold out. More happily for us, we also got to speak to Andreas Preuninger, the driving force behind the 911R (make sure to watch the video above).

The 911R is a response to customer feedback about the most recent motorsports-infused 911 GT3 RS. Until now, Preuninger told us, previous generations of GT3 RS had satisfied both the track addict and those drivers looking for out-and-out road-driving enjoyment. But the current generation GT3 RS (known as the 991) is so capable—and has so much grip—that to all intents and purposes its limit is out of reach on the street.

Purists also bemoaned the 991's lack of a manual gearbox, preferring the art of changing their own gears instead of using a paddle shift. Hence the 911R.

Using the GT3 RS as a starting point, the 911R is powered by the same 500hp (377kW) naturally-aspirated flat-six engine. But the 911R is 110lbs (50kg) lighter than the GT3 RS, thanks to its magnesium roof, carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber fender, and lightweight wiring loom. Oh, and instead of a flappy paddle seven-speed PDK transmission, there's a clutch pedal, a gear lever, and six bespoke gears.

Jonathan Gitlin

Porsche's latest "it car," the 911R. Forget lap times, this one is all about maximum fun behind the wheel.

1. 
   Jonathan Gitlin

   Porsche's latest "it car," the 911R. Forget lap times, this one is all about maximum fun behind the wheel.
2. 
   Jonathan Gitlin

   The interior is stripped out, yet still comfortable.
3. 
   Jonathan Gitlin

   The 911R is named after a short-lived (and not particularly successful) road-legal race car from the 1960s.
4. 
   Jonathan Gitlin

   The 911R's porsche badge is actually a foil sticker rather than the usual enamel.

Porsche also recalibrated the 911's electronic stability and traction control systems for the 911R, giving the driver a little more leeway to get the car moving around before intervening.

The 911R loses the GT3 RS's big wing—downforce, but ultimate cornering speed is not the point here. Opt for a 911R without the red stripes, and only the more observant Porsche cognoscenti will even know it's something out of the ordinary.

On the inside there's no half-roll cage, and the (extremely comfortable) lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats are covered in a marvelous houndstooth pattern that recalls earlier 911s. The steering wheel is bereft of buttons or dials or knobs. Even the infotainment system is a no-cost option, not fitted to the car on display in New York.

Now the bad news. Porsche has already sold all 911 911Rs. If you really really want one, be prepared to pay at least double the $185,000 list price. Still, given the recent trend of appreciating 911s and the limited nature of the 911R, you're unlikely to lose money in the long run.

Listing image by Jonathan Gitlin