The ‘Porsche Rennsport Reunion 7’ at Laguna Seca circuit in California towards the end of September saw the unveiling of the 911 GT3 R Rennsport. Developed from the 911 GT3 R racecar, this 77-off limited edition track car is described by Porsche as “a spectacular circuit car for sports car enthusiasts and collectors”. 

Casting aside the constraints of the GT3 regulations, this derivative of the 992 generation GT3 R is further described as the spiritual successor of the classic 935 racecars; in particular the marque claims that it is reminiscent of the Brumos Porsche 935/77 turbo with which Peter Gregg, Toine Hezemans and Rolf Stommelen took overall victory in the 1978 Daytona 24 Hours.

 

Freed from GT3 constraints the 911 GT3 R Rennsport has a higher revving version of the GT3 R’s water cooled naturally aspirated 4.2 litre six cylinder boxer with a power output quoted as up to 620 PS (612 bhp/ 456 kW) at 9400 rpm. With the car having a weight of 1240 kg this represents the impressive power to weight ratio of almost 0.5 bhp per kg.

Rennsport specific engine modification includes a higher compression ratio, bespoke pistons and  camshafts and a dedicated exhaust system. Of that Porsche notes, “at 9,400 RPM the exclusive and unsilenced exhaust system with a centrally mounted double tailpipe, emits an unmistakable roar unheard from any other 911. A mesmerising sound that is music to the ears of its fans.”

Porsche adds that the power goes to the rear wheels through a custom-made transmission incorporating a Porsche six-speed sequential dog-type gearbox. A ‘performance upshift’ function is said to optimise engine rpm during upshifting. The 911 GT3 R Rennsport costs just over one million dollars and Porsche emphasises “the vehicle is not street legal, it is not homologated and does not comply with any current race series regulations”.

Head of Porsche Motorsport Thomas Laudenbach comments, “The GT3 R Rennsport offers the experience of driving a 911-based racing car in what is probably the most primal form.”