24h Le Mans
The Porsche 911 RSR is dead... Long live the Porsche 911 RSR! Last year, unlike Ferrari who introduced their new 488, Porsche simply tweaked the 911 to comply with the new LM GTE technical regulations that came into force on 1 January 2016. The German manufacturer will, however, be armed with a brand new weapon for the 2017 season.
After the factory team had scooped the FIA World Endurance Cups for GT Drivers and Manufacturers and the FIA Endurance Trophy for LM GTE Pro Teams in 2015, Porsche trimmed down for the 2016 season leaving it up to a privateer – Dempsey-Proton Racing (P8 in LM GTE Pro at Le Mans) – to defend the marque’s colours with just a single car in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), although two additional 911s were entered by the carmaker in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (both retired).
The decision was taken to allow Porsche to focus on the design of the new 911 RSR with its naturally aspirated mid engine. Quite a revolution for a manufacturer who previously had always been faithful to the flat-6 in the rear overhang. But that’s not the only major change! Out go the rear window and interior rear-view mirror, replaced by a camera and screen. Other new features include a massive diffuser, a brand new wing and an adjustable pedal unit.
Every minor detail has been overhauled on the new Porsche 911 RSR, two of which will be entered by the factory team in the LM GTE Pro class for the 2017 WEC season. For the time being, Richard Lietz (winner of the 2015 FIA World Endurance Cup for GT Drivers), Michael Christensen and Frédéric Makowiecki have been confirmed for the whole WEC season. Kévin Estre – our tour guide in the video – will line up in the American endurance championship.
We may not have seen the last of the old Porsche 911 RSR, however, as only cars more than a year old can compete in the LM GTE Am class.
Video: YouTube – The RACER Channel
