The Best Manual Porsche Cannot Be Bought New
It almost seems unfair to even mention the new 911 R, or give any kind of credence to its existence, because you can never buy it new. I feel almost like I am holding out a bowl of candy and saying you cannot partake. It’s cruel, I know. However, if you have a crazy amount of money, maybe you can find one used, some day.
With only 991 produced, the 2016 Porsche 911 R-Type 991 Coupe is a rare breed. In its seventh generation, the Porsche’s perennial 911 sports car was designated “Type 991,” succeeding the Type 997. Introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2011, the Type 991 is only the third all-new platform for the 911 since the original in 1963, the second being the Type 996 of 1999.
In September 2015, the Type 991 was introduced in revised and restyled form for the 2016 model year, becoming the “991.2” in factory parlance. To the concern of some traditionalists, turbo-charged engines were now standardized throughout the range: a 3.0-liter unit in the Carrera and Carrera S, and a 3.8-liter one in the Turbo models. In March 2016 at the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche unveiled the limited edition 911 R, featuring the “old” GT3 RS’s normally aspirated 4.0-liter 493-bhp engine and a new six-speed manual gearbox.
Regarded by many as the 911 R’s biggest selling point, the new six-speeder used the existing transmission casing but featured new internals, while customers wishing to extract the ultimate from this engine/transmission combination could specify the optional lightweight single-mass flywheel. There was also a Sport mode (selecting optimum engine revs during shifts) for those unused to finessing a manual box. “The gearshift itself is lovely. Not overly-short, but perfectly precise, deliciously weighted, and much better than the seven-speed,” noted Evo.
This new six-speed manual gearbox was lighter than the PDK type, while the use of carbon fiber front wings and a titanium exhaust system, coupled with the removal of sound insulation, enabled Porsche to bring the 911 R’s curb weight down to 1,370 kg, making it around 50 kg lighter than the GT3 RS. If that was still not enough, the air conditioning and radio could be deleted, saving a few more kilograms.
There is no denying the pedigree of the 911. It is a machine that has won its fair share of accolades and titles which unequivocally allow it to be called one of the best performance automobiles for driving enthusiasts. Now if you can only get your hands on a used Porsche 911 R-Type 991 Coupe, your life might be complete.
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Via [Bonhams]