2017 Porsche 911 R Caught In the Open, Is An Ode To Understated Beauty

We presume Porsche aficionados are either reaching for their chequebooks or pondering whether to sell a kidney for this new addition to the 911 range.

It’s perfectly understandable. Ever since the 911 GT3 was launched, their main gripe was that a dual-clutch transmission was the only gearbox on offer. Those who have driven the car have declared it the best PDK ever, but for some that simply wouldn’t do.

Now they can feast their eyes on the totally undisguised 911 R; and what a car this must be. Based on the GT3, it features the same, wide body and mechanical parts, including the naturally aspirated 475 HP 3.8-liter flat-six and trick suspension, but with a manual gearbox.

The 911 R is supposed to be more accessible, fun to drive even at lower speeds than the almighty GT3. Thus, it loses the fixed rear wing and will most likely wear narrower tires, making it easier to slide around.

It will probably be lighter, too, if the choice of the R moniker, which was last used in 1967 for a stripped-out homologation special isn’t just marketing hype. Production numbers of the 911 R will be significantly higher than the 22 units of its 1960’s namesake, though it will still be a limited edition.

If the rate at which the three-pedal equipped Cayman GT4 is any indication, the R will be sold out in a blink of eye. Interested parties are advised to move quickly.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops